Barragga Bay architect-designed residence is an elegant coastal retreat among the spotted gums

The elegance but informality of this architect-designed Barragga Bay residence set among coastal forest of spotted gums and burrawong palms has made it a popular venue in recent years for musical recitals connected to the nearby Four Winds Festival site, south of Bermagui.

The once-only owners, prominent in the arts community, transformed what was a “pretty sorry property” into a gracious home within a regenerated forest, according to agent Robert Tacheci from Marshall and Tacheci Real Estate.

Built about 2001, the two-bedroom western red cedar home sits on 2.5 hectares (six acres) at 15 Alinjarra Place, and although surrounded by smaller lots is private and secluded.

“It’s got a great feeling of privacy – you wouldn’t know anybody else was there,” Mr Tacheci said.

While not beachfront, it’s close enough to hear the ocean and smell the salt.

Blending into its environment, the home’s timber deck is built around some of the trees and large windows provide different views of the forest from many vantage points.

“It’s got these absolutely beautiful cascading stairs the full length of the deck. It’s very much a focal point moving from the living area, out on to the deck and flowing down into the land where the gums actually blend into the deck,” Mr Tacheci said.

The front windows open up like a concertina and light floods the space. At night, up-lights in the trees illuminate the canopy.

Mr Tacheci said the entry to the property past a waterlily covered dam was stunning.

“You come to the end of the cul de sac, and you go down a low gully with the dam on the left and you wind your way up to the house. They did a lot of work to maintain a very natural beautiful entry and setting,” he said.

Inside is an expansive living area with soaring ceilings and polished timber flooring that is elegantly furnished. A bonus is that the property is being sold with its furniture, except for the grand piano.

A slow combustion heater provides winter warmth and ambience.

The two bedrooms could become three with the second one able to be divided in two for guests.

“The second bedroom is like a library or study and it’s got cupboard units that can be moved to divide it for guests or informal accommodation,” Mr Tacheci said.

The master bedroom, again with views to the forest, boasts a walk-in robe and its own bathroom with spa, while there is also a separate shower and toilet.

The galley kitchen is set up for entertaining with quality appliances, including a dishwasher, and plenty of bench and cupboard space.

Mr Tacheci said the home could easily be enlarged because the adjoining garage was finished largely as a room and just needs flooring and windows.

“It’s got a lot of extra expansive space and if someone wanted to use the garage module it’s got the same high-raked ceilings as the house. You could very quickly expand the space,” he said.

Mr Tacheci said the owners had loved the property but they were not spending the time they used to there and don’t want it to be anything less than it is, because it had been a labour of love.

It is on the market for $1,200,000 and for more information call Robert Tacheci on 02 6493 3333 or go here.