Henderson Heights: Georgian beauty

A traditional architectural style is recaptured in this modern landmark home that stands proud among its quality neighbours. By CHARLOTTE COSSAR.

A sweeping circular driveway with miniature lamppost leads to neatly clipped hedging framing this pristine Georgian homestead that is well positioned for views to the city.

The striking two-storey home is a fortress of brick with two chimneys symmetrically placed to balance its imposing beauty. Four pitched roofs and a mix of rectangular and oval windows complement the strong lines and provide visual interest.

Stepping inside the house beneath a grand portico, the front door opens to a large, tiled entrance. The voluminous area emphasises the spaciousness of the home as it unfolds on either side of the central stairway complete with an ornate wrought-iron banister.

Through double doors the tiles give way to luscious green carpet that sweeps through the formal lounge to the fireplace, and sumptuous burgundy drapes dress the windows.

One the first things you notice is the attention to detail, which is continued throughout the house in architraves, cornices and joinery.

Mirrored on the other side of the entrance is the formal dining. The ornate fireplace, again, takes centre stage, giving the room an intimate ambience perfect for entertaining.

And to enhance the mood, a stereo system wired throughout the lower level (bar room, formal lounge, family room and office) provides exquisite background music.

The dining room opens to the kitchen and family room. Immediately the eye is drawn outward to the pool and views of the city beyond. However, due to the property being elevated, this eye-catching vista is enjoyed by most of rooms in the house.

An added comfort is afforded through underfloor heating that provides warmth to the whole of the lower level.

The kitchen, with tongue and groove green cabinetry, a granite benchtop, large corner pantry and ample display and storage cabinets, is designed for family catering and entertaining.

Tiles abut the sisal carpet in the family room, which opens to the pool. A rich burgundy feature wall is complemented by the drapes in a similar hue.

This area leads to an office and bar/games room, which has been cleverly and seamlessly added on in recent years.

The generously sized office, painted a strong and masculine green, is an inviting room, ideal for hosting clients or hiding away to tackle the mountain of paperwork.

Next door is the bar and games room. The fully equipped bar with fridge, storage and dishwasher has a stunning jarrah bar top that offsets the burgundy walls. The owner's forward-thinking has meant that wiring is in place for a billiard table. Doors open on two sides of the room - one to the pool area and another to an adjacent barbecue alcove. Behind the games room is an indoor changing room and bathroom.

At the end of the hallway is a guest bedroom complete with en suite. The soothing caramel walls and striped curtains would make any visitor feel welcome. Access from this room to the garden adds to the special nature of the quality accommodation.

Also on the ground floor is a large laundry with exterior access and plenty of storage, a computer room/library for the children, a guest toilet and wine cellar.

Sweeping up the centre of the home, the staircase arrives at a landing before splitting into two. To the right is the children's wing that comprises three bedrooms and a bathroom. All of generous size, this area is a perfect haven to nurture young minds.

To the left is the master suite. Opening to a large deck with the same stunning views of the city, the bedroom with its sage green walls that mesh with the striking silk curtains is an ideal retreat for any couple. A large en suite, with a spa bath, heated mirror, glass shower and dual basins, is temperature controlled for sensational pampering.

A large walk-in wardrobe with ample storage adds the finishing touch to this superb area of the home.

Triple-car garaging with two separate workshop areas complete the expansive house.

Stepping outside, the exceptional grounds, landscaped by Patrick Corfe of The Incredible Landscape Company, capture the imagination and you get lost in the sheer beauty of the spacious grounds.

A path snaking around from the side of the house follows the exterior of the back section leading you on an adventure. Giving way to a wooden walkway that leads across a large pond, home to many goldfish - whom I don't think have missed many suppers - and to a cedar gazebo. Looking back to the house from this vantage pointy reveals the true magnitude of the gracious home and grounds. Lush plantings subside to velvet lawns, which in turn give way to the tiled pool area. The white marble plaster concrete pool is heated to make swimming a pleasure for most of the year, and clever design of the steps means that people of all ages can indulge. Beside the pool is the barbecue area, well equipped with a fire and gas cooking facilities.

The attention to detail, superb landscaping and fantastic layout of the home make this Georgian dwelling stand out from the rest.

Vital Statisitics

ADDRESS: 13 Burgundy Park, Henderson Heights.

FEATURES: Georgian home on an elevated 3876sq m site with views of the city; five double bedrooms; formal living and dining; kitchen, family and casual dining opening to in-ground heated swimming pool; den/library; games room complete with bar; children's library; three bathrooms; underfloor heating to lower level; multiple telephone lines with extension facilities; wine cellar; large three-car garaging with two workshop areas; landscaped grounds with water features, a pond garden and manicured lawns; security gate entrance.

SIZE: Land area 3876sq m, floor area (approx) 600sq m.

PRICE: $1.6 million to $1.9 million.

AGENT: Jenny Thorpe, Barfoot & Thompson, West Harbour. Ph 416 5599 bus; 413 8384 ah; 025 966 424 mob.