92 Heard Crescent Gisborne South

Taking a pew on about 3.49 secluded hectares, this house of about 80 squares has been designed by architect John Courmadias in such a way that makes it either a huge family spread or a premium conference centre or business retreat.

There’s nothing meek about the architecture: multiple gables jut out assertively and, if you’re of a certain age, it may bring to mind the flying nun’s headdress from an iconic ’60s sitcom. Inside, the layout takes advantage of the broad stretch of the house, with a timber/carpet combo hallway highlighted with continuous banks of windows running full length at the back. Gorgeous cedar-lined vaulted ceilings, cedar window frames, stepped skirts, lavish use of granite, hints of leadlight and slate, in-wall glass sliders, bi-folds, french doors and sheer roominess deliver stylish and timeless notes.

Lush pasture paddocks, a menage, dam, shade trees and large shed with concrete floor establish the property as ideal for equine pursuits or other hobby farm ventures.

The double-brick rendered house has five bedrooms and a study. The huge main bedroom has a curved wall of windows, a door to the front yard, fitted wardrobe and an en suite with spa, heated towel rack, black granite bench and glass-brick features. Two more bathrooms include the main with a spa and dual basins set in granite.

The living hub adjoining the kitchen is a cracker: towering vaulted ceiling, french doors to back and front paved areas, and a focal point of a double-sided wood heater set within a block of granite. The kitchen has granite benchtops, glass splashbacks, timber cabinetry, Bosch dishwasher, integrated coffee machine and a St George 900mm cooker. Other living zones are a separate dining room and dual-level music/guest room at the top of stairs, with gas log fire, a loft space and in-roof storage.

A remote-controlled four-car garage has a sink, separate storage room and internal access, and double glazing and double-sealed timbers are throughout.

There’s nothing stingy about this rural haven and it’s just minutes from Calder Freeway access and a short trip to the city.

Carole Levy