Weekend Herald

FAMILY HOTBED OF FUN

- By Louise Richardson

“As a family of nine, we needed a big property,” says the current owner of this enormous estate on the Clifton Peninsula, occupying what he believes is the most superior site in the prestigiou­s neighbourh­ood, with glorious water views.

He says that the property was built in 1988 and when they bought it in 2009, he and his wife proceeded to extend it significan­tly, as well as remodellin­g an existing internal garage into new four bedrooms – in addition to the original three, which included the large prime suite with its walk-in wardrobe and ensuite.

The owner explains that extensive living areas were necessary for the family’s many children, and these include what the Americans would call a ‘great room’, comprising a huge open-plan kitchen, dining and family room.

“The island bar in the kitchen is the biggest one I’ve ever seen, and we had to buy an extra-large dining table,” he laughs.

A separate formal lounge provides a welcome hideaway for grown-ups and there is a further living room, while a massive recreation/media room is yet another handy space for children and teens.

“I like the light brightness of the home and the fact it’s on a single level,” says the owner. “You can see right through to the water from the front door.”

Later additions to the property include a bungalow-style, stand-alone office complex, built in 2010, which accommodat­es a number of staff, enjoying a big kitchenett­e, full bathroom facilities and a dedicated meeting room.

There’s yet more accommodat­ion capacity in the form of a separate twobedroom cottage with a spacious living and dining and kitchen area, plus bathroom. It enjoys a sunny wraparound deck.

The owner says that the pool (with its pool house which includes a gun safe, wine cellar and bathroom) and the floodlit tennis court have added to the family’s enjoyment of the split-level section, along with numerous outdoor living areas and two viewing pavilions.

“I love being able to launch my kayak straight into the water and if the weather isn’t great, I can use the gym that I installed in two of the garages.”

He explains that the gym could be converted back if a new owner required more covered parking.

The owner says that prior to listing, the property has been given a spruce up.

“When the right buyer sees this, they’ll be absolutely thrilled, and it’s perfectly positioned, with easy access to the CBD via the Pine Harbour Ferry.

“It’s very rare for a trip to the airport to take more than about 40 minutes – in fact it’s usually about 30 minutes.”

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