Country: The great escape

By CEDRIC GRAY

It was love at first sight for one keen buyer when she took the bush-clad driveway to a secluded 1ha property in Wright Rd, Albany, seven years ago.

"I couldn't wait to tell my husband about it," she recalls. "It was perfect, simply perfect, for our busy teenage family."

Within a few hours the deal was clinched. The property had everything, she says - total privacy, a wonderful family room, a substantial barn where the family could "do their own thing", and glorious native bush brimming with birdlife.

The property is within a few minutes' drive of the Albany township, the sprawling North Shore suburbs and the East Coast beaches, yet there is scarcely a neighbour in sight. There is certainly no sign of the outside world when the family entertains in their lovely poolside enclosure, complete with a spa pool and barbecue area.

It is an entertainer's dream. As well as the pool, there is a sheltered grassed area, which is ideal for a tennis court. There is also the barn that doubles as a sleepout and a games room, which could easily be converted into an artist's studio or a self-contained unit.

The 248 sq m home, on two levels, fits neatly into the bush environment. Built about 17 years ago, it has an open-plan design with extensive lounge and family dining areas. The kitchen has spacious benchtops, timber panel walls and doors, a wall-mounted oven, a twin stainless-steel sink and ample storage.

The formal lounge enjoys triple ranch-slider access to a wrap-around balcony, and the family living room opens to the pool and the spa.

The family bathroom, the laundry and the master bedroom are on the same level.

Reached by a spiral staircase from the hallway, three double bedrooms and a second bathroom are on the first floor. A study is at the top of the staircase.

The property will be auctioned through Bayleys, North Shore, at 2pm on Wednesday, April 10. Contact Willi Bardohl on 489 0972 for further details.