A few years ago a search began to find the perfect location to build an elegant, environmentally friendly home without compromise to comfort but within an easy drive to Canberra. 107 Bingley Way, Wamboin was discovered and purchased as it offered one of the most lovely solar passive elevated house sites in the region.
The property had ‘good bones’ with existing infrastructure inclusive of a comfortable three bedroom cottage, shedding, a large and reliable dam, a bore and a pasture improved paddock suitable for horses or stock.
Russell Wombey of Wombey + Godfrey Architects was engaged to design a spacious family home of unique design and fine quality. Paul McLaughlin of P & T Timber Constructions who specialises in timber constructions, turned the dreams and design into a sound reality.
The success of the collaboration is obvious from the moment you lay eyes on the home. There are a number of design features that define the look of the house – numerous double glazed windows and doors throughout, soaring cathedral ceilings (on the ground floor 6.75m and in the kitchen of 7.5m), highly polished spotted gum wide floor-boards, expansive views from every room in the house and comfort throughout.
Energy ratings are awarded and this home is a four star winner. Well constructed and insulated in the walls and ceilings allowing the home to be cool in summer with good cross ventilation and easy to warm in winter. Central heating is fitted throughout plus a double-sided freestanding slow combustion wood heater provides ambient warmth in the living areas.
The kitchen is inspired by classic country kitchen style, custom designed and built with family and entertainers in mind. Bright, light and airy with room to eat in, this room is positioned to allow easy access to the outdoor entertaining areas. Hand made Mexican terracotta tiles complete the look, these are made in the traditional way – a couple of chicken foot prints evidence of this.
No expense has been spared on the home infrastructure, this includes the 30 Tube Endless Solar Hot Water System, natural wastewater treatment Biolytix BF 6Filter system with sub-surface irrigation to the garden.
Children will love this home ? a Sky Forte SK2D play-ground and the basketball hoop with concrete area for playing basket ball are already in place. There is plenty of room for the dog, ponies or even some stock.
An important part of the appeal of this home is the colourful and fragrant garden. Planted with a traditional cottage garden in mind, there is a wide range of climbing roses, apple trees, wisteria, herbaceous plants and a beautiful lawn. Hidden behind a wall of flowers is a traditional berry garden for the ‘pick your own’ enthusiasts.
The garden is made possible by the nutrient rich water distributed from the Biolytix system under the garden which can be supplemented by water from the water tank that can be filled from the dam.
A flexible floor plan allows for accommodation of up to 6 double bedrooms in the main house, two of these are connected to the two below via internal iron spiral staircases, the idea being that two of the rooms would have their own study rooms thus offering school age children their own space and privacy. These rooms have their own full bathroom and there are spacious ensuites off the master bedroom and the guest bedroom. A mezzanine library study area offers an additional place to enjoy a book or work from home.
The original cottage is currently tenanted thus providing some income (it can be offered vacant possession if needed) plus it would it make a terrific teenage, in-law or guest-house.
This is a truly unique and beautiful property, inspection is highly recommended. It will be offered for sale by auction on Saturday 1st May 2010 if not sold prior. Private inspections can be arranged and additional information is available by contacting Ellie Merriman on 0402 117 877.