Bed & Breakfast in the bush.

This was an enjoyable project to be involved in, not the least for the passion of the clients.  A retired professional couple were seizing their opportunity to build a home of their dreams in the bushland of Gidgegannup.  The propery was part of a new large lot subdivision, having just an access leg to the road.

Beautiful sweeping views of the valley over farmland below were to be had and the client had spent months planning out his home and now needed experienced help to put it all together.

An L shaped home was planned. A living wing with the master suite on the end running west east  to take in the northern axis sunshine and another wing running north south that looked out over the valley.  At the apex was the living area that looked out both ways. A further bedsit has been added beyond the open carport elongating the length of the wing.

To prepare financially for retirement, the couple had decided to create a bed & breakfast hideaway and a nice grand entrance greeted visitors to the home. The wife being dutch, a separate entrance was created to drop dirty boots and keep warmth in the living area. Not done justice by my terrible photo's.

The large open plan living dining area with wood stove faced north for winter sunshine with an alfresco on the western side for shade protection.  Face brickwork acts as a heat store in winter  helping keep the home warm and reducing maintenance.

 A large country style kitchen with face brick all around for low maintenance.  A timber door lead off to a very large walk in pantry.

Check out the glass splashback fixed over the face brick wall, forever on show but protected from splashes.

The tall open ceiling to the Alfresco off the main living area gave some protection to the setting western sun in summer.  But the area is a very pleasant place to enjoy outdoor dining in the right weather.  From one side it leads off to the minor wing containing bedrooms for guests so they have a pleasant walk along the verandah looking out over the view on their way to breakfast.

Salter Point Sweetie.

Built as an investment property, this sweet colonial influenced home was built for a young family in Salter Point. The client built the home himself.

Lofty Ideals

A young family with small children is ready to build their dream home and have a lovely lot at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac with a small grassed park right next door. Looking for a modern home with a touch of 'old world' and particularly the charm of a loft nestled within a steel roof.  Gables clad in timber and window frames, gable barges and gutters coloured in a strong blue give a wonderful contrast between familiarity and the future.

A wrap around verandah welcomes you into the home with a wide entry and stair well greet you. Through double doors and into a large family living space with a dream kitchen that overlooks the road and also over the dining area to a large back yard. If you went the other way from the entry you would have found the master suite complete with spa in the ensuite, the laundry and 2 utility rooms with a bathroom serving as a powder room for downstairs.  One room serves as a hobby room (sewing) and the other as a guest bedroom.  Upstairs to a large kids activity and a very large bedroom to be divided once the kids get a bit older and need their own space. 3 large windows that tuck up into the gable and feature to the elevations bring lots of light to these loft spaces.

At the front a double length garage with space for 4 cars or 2 cars and a workshop tucked neatly to one side.

Deciding to take on the task as an owner-builder is a big step, one that can lead to immense satisfaction in having accomplished such a large and personal project, but I am sure after the sweat and tears are done, they are very happy with their family home.  I am very impressed as it looks wonderful.

All up a wonderful, warm and inviting family home.

Home on the Water

The clients had their retirement lot on the water of Mandurah estuary and were looking for something to meet their need for an easy care home where they would shut off the top floor unless their family came to stay.  Or they wanted to enjoy the elevated views from the casual lounge and balcony.

Space for a grand piano where one could play and look over the water for inspiration was also a requirement. An open living with a large entertaining kitchen.  A sitting room with an open fire for cosy nights. 

Their own ensuite bathroom with a spa, open to their bedroom and the view, the master suite itself large enough for a pair of coffee chairs to sit and read or sip a cupa.

Not sure my colouring-in skills are that impressive but it is a lovely design.



Upstairs all main rooms were sent to the rear to overlook the waterway.  Double corner windows to the casual lounge embrace the view all around.