This is a thoughtfully designed residence with its own special character. With an exterior of brick and western red cedar, and an interior of brick and timber, the house has a warm and inviting atmosphere and a uniquely homely feel. Employing sustainable passive solar design principles and good insulation the house is designed specifically for its Armidale country environment and easy to keep warm. Dozens of trees surrounding the house protect it from cold winds and provide a microclimate that is warmer in winter, while the deciduous trees on the north side are open and sunny in winter and shady and cool in summer. Town water is connected.

While the house has four bedrooms and a study and is on three levels, the master bedroom, living, dining, kitchen, bathroom, separate toilet and laundry are all conveniently located on the main level. The kitchen has an eating area adjacent that is perfect for breakfast and lunch and walk-in pantry; and it has a warm timber lining with windows to the east and north, with doors that opens to a large deck that makes eating outside easy and practical on a sunny winter’s day or mild summer evening.

An airy walkway with large north aspect windows connects the kitchen to the dining room and then to the living room. This lounge has a lovely open fire that is especially inviting on a winter evening, with a warm feeling and timber beams. Most of the main level has a stunning slate floor that is easy to look after and absorbs the heat coming in from the northern windows. The master bedroom has a walk-in wardrobe and large windows and door that looks out onto a secluded garden giving a nice feeling of a retreat.

Another double bedroom with walk in robe, single bedroom with built-ins, study, bathroom and separate toilet make up the upper level. The bathroom has a western red cedar panelled lining with ample sized corner bath/shower and good bench space and attractive slate floor tiles. These bedrooms are timber panelled with polished timber floors and are nice to be in, with windows giving views of garden and bushland. This level is warm in winter but with anairy and fresh feeling in summer.

The lower level has the fourth bedroom, also a spacious double bed size with a door that leads onto the ground level patio, and there is a cellar, garage/workshop and separate toilet.

Outside, the garden has many facets. For sustainable living there is a large productive vegetable garden, plus trellised berries, and fruit trees. There are two chicken houses with netted runs protected from foxes. For outdoor recreation there is a large lawn area surrounded by trees suitable for active children, weekend relaxation with a picnic table, or entertaining a group. There are also smaller more secluded gardens and grassed areas for variety, and nice walking paths among the trees, have a calm feeling.

Beyond the garden and trees surrounding the house are four paddocks and two substantial dams that hold water well. The pasture supports three horses and there are handling yards, single stable, and a double shelter shed suitable for horses or cattle.