Timber influences are regaining popularity in residential construction but the benefits and beauty are nothing new for the owners of two properties which have just hit the Newcastle and Lake Macquarie market.
Both are on the market for the first time and have their own unique stories.
One is probably the most recognisable residence in Lake Macquarie’s Wangi Wangi, designed by one of the two owners to take full advantage of its tranquil surroundings and “spectacular views”.
The other, built in the 1970s, was designed by prominent Newcastle architect Brian Suters and is positioned on over 1000 square metres in a tightly held pocket of Dudley with uninterrupted coastal views to Bar Beach.
Arlene Field from LJ Hooker Toronto described the two-bedroom residence at 34 Crescent Road, Wangi Wangi as possibly the most unique property she has listed.
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“Photos don’t do it justice,” Ms Field said. “The response from the market has been quite astounding, considering Wangi is only a small place.
“We have had heaps of inquiries, people are really intrigued by it.
“The whole house is designed around that view with floor-to-ceiling glass and it’s just breathtaking.”
The home is positioned to the rear of an elevated block of nearly 700 square metres.
One of the owners, Graham, is a landscape designer and conceptualised the home, which features a top-level master retreat complete with freestanding tub.
It was important to align with the views on offer.
“It’s got this really pivotal point where it pretty much gets 360-degree views because we’re on the peninsula,” he said.
“The idea for the design was to keep a space that was very beautifully, simply composed … to keep the view lines so when you walk in it redirects you and opens out into the broader landscape.”
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He adopted a minimalist approach and used “a natural palette of materials”.
“The house itself is about feeling the warmth of the timbers. It’s got both soul and spirit,” Graham said.
“Some houses have a lot of bling and excitement but this is actually quite soulful, yet it’s got uplift and excitement.”
Recycled mahogany, rosewood and ironbark posts were used in the construction. Jarrah floorboards are complemented by Carrara marble tiles.
The home’s entry is through a bamboo garden and across a boardwalk made of recycled ironbark.
“There’s a sense of arrival and then it unfolds as you move through it ... it’s a nice journey as you go through,” Graham said.
“The detailing on timber, it’s beautiful joinery throughout. It’s a great sense of craft in its as well. Everything has it’s own voice and character in the house.”
It will be taken to auction on February 15 and does not yet have a price guide. It has an inspection at 10.30am on January 27.
The four-bedroom home at 6 Banksia Avenue in Dudley is being marketed by twins Alexander and James Dimovski, of Robinson Property.
“Inside is beautiful. It’s got Tasmanian Oak all of the way through and soaring ceilings,” Alexander said.
“The materials they used, the different types of brickwork and exposed brick, different ceiling patterns, it’s just a beautiful design altogether. Brian was definitely in the future.”
A price guide has not yet been set but the house next door sold for $1.635 million just over 12 months ago.
“Homes are very tightly held in that street and for what it is, I think it will go pretty quickly,” he said.
“Banksia Avenue is probably one of the blue-chip streets in Dudley.”
It has its first open home January 27 at 10am.
