When Stewart and Tabitha McLachlan subdivided a large block in Redhead’s Bennett Street they wanted to design two homes which not only capitalised on the property’s beachside location but also offered the ultimate in sophistication and low-maintenance coastal living.
The first home to be built was 8 Bennett Street, which has been listed for sale by David Ayliffe, of Marshalls Property.
The three-bedroom, two-bathroom residence is built over two levels and is being marketed as “an ultimate smart home” offering “technological innovation”, a minimalist design and energy efficiency.
“We designed it in conjunction with Jodi Dixon, who is a local, award-winning architect,” Mr McLachlan said.
“My wife designed it more than I did and we used a local niche architectural builder, MARIC Build to build it.
“We wanted to design two dwellings that would work well together, so the view corridors and sea breezes weren’t interrupted for either one.
“It has pretty expansive views to Mount Sugarloaf and across the Awabakal.”
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Embracing the beach lifestyle offered by the quiet suburb located within only 15 minutes of Newcastle’s CBD was also at the forefront of their minds.
“I’m born and bred in Redhead and grew up on the beach and at the surf club and I wanted to design open plan houses that would fit that lifestyle,” Mr McLachlan said.
“You can drive into your garage with boards on because there is a three-metre garage. It has been 100 per cent designed with that lifestyle in mind. “
The home’s SMART technology is “really special” and it also has a fully integrated 5.4KW solar system and Tesla Powerwall 2 which enables the storage of excess solar power produced.
“Our last [power] bill was around $13 for the last quarter, so predominantly we generate all of our electricity,” he said.
“We’ve got geo-fences set up, so if you’re coming down Redhead Road and the temperature is a certain temperature the air conditioning will kick in. If it’s too hot, by the time we get home it’s cool, and vice versa.
“When we turn into our street we’ve also got geo-fences set up to your mobile, so the garage door will open without you having to do it.”
The main level features all three bedrooms, including a master with a custom-designed walk-in robe and ensuite with three-metre rainfall shower, plus the main bathroom and open plan living, kitchen and dining which extends to outdoor entertaining.
Downstairs is a second living space, which also opens to covered entertaining, plus a study.
Fully hidden doors and electric blinds were used to connect outdoors and indoors without obstruction. There are concrete floor tiles, 3.5m ceilings, ducted air conditioning and complete automation of lights, blinds, doors, garage door, gates and outdoor roof.
The home will be sold through expressions of interest on a set day sale on March 22 and price guide is on request.
It has an inspection scheduled for 2pm on Saturday.
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