Bushland setting an inspiration|10 May 12 @ 01:48pm

JUST over a year ago business partners Daniel McFadyen and Dale Wilkinson decided to embark on their first renovation project together: the makeover of a 1950s home with magnificent bushland views of Degotardi Park.

The project has taken 14 months to complete but now the residence is transformed by a thoughtful renovation that makes the most of its picturesque bushland surrounds.

"It's been a hands-on renovation full-time,"; Mr McFadyen said. "We wanted to open up the living areas to the views."

The hub of the home is the open-plan living area on the lower level, which has northerly bushland vistas, and overlooks the pool. The creation of this living area has extended the rear of the house, which now has an easy in/outdoor flow to the covered entertainment patio, accessed through 8m bifold doors.

The in-ground pool is surrounded by marble tilework, with a privacy wall on one side, and a semi-frameless glass balustrade to the rear, to take in the views. The integrated pitched roof of this space also allows people to see more of the bushland setting, and to entertain, regardless of the weather. This space also is set up for an outdoor kitchen with water and barbecue connections.

Also on this level is the Smeg gas kitchen with Caesarstone bench tops and a walk-in pantry, as well as an open-plan dining and lounge area. The centre-piece of this living space is a spirit burner, designed to break up the room without losing its open-plan design. Flowing from this area is the media room, and beyond that a wine cellar, which maintains a constant temperature year-round.

The renovation has involved a major excavation of the sloping site. To the rear of the property there is now a level lawn. Where there was formerly a steep driveway, a terraced landscaped garden with mostly native plants is established. A carport is now at street level, and the former single garage is a versatile rumpus area/separate home office.

Once a three-bedroom house, the home now has five double bedrooms, all located on the entry level.