Water, Actually

The Age

Saturday March 15, 2008

Paul Edwards

Fears of Lake Eildon's decline are premature, on this home's view, writes Paul Edwards.

EILDON

2 Andrew Court

$695,000

Private sale

Agent Landmark Alexandra, 5772 3444

VicRoads 62 G5

THE view from this big house is, contrary to some popular misconceptions, a vast expanse of water.

Lake Eildon may be low right now but around Taylor Bay there is plenty of water for swimming, boating or just contemplating.

And to help contemplation, there is a wine cellar that holds 1400 bottles - Anne and Terry Disher like to entertain.

"After a career with IBM which took us around Australia and Japan, we decided to retire here in 1998," Mr Disher says."The house has proven to be a great entertainer and has witnessed much conviviality, but now it's a move to something a little smaller and nearer the grandchildren."

When they move out, they'll be leaving a 278-square-metre home - plus extensive decks - on 0.4 ha of waterfront land. Well, it would be waterfront if it rained a bit more; at present the floating jetty is about 150 metres from the front door.

The original house, built around 1986, was a simple affair on steel posts. Since then an existing deck has been enclosed, creating a very large living area, which is divided by a glass partition and sliding door to provide better control over temperature.

This creates a space which can be a private guest area, games room or quiet place for music, reading and study. The effect is open and spacious.

A big deck, partially roofed, and a smaller deck with a gas-heated spa were also added, together with another bedroom, the insulated wine cellar and a workshop on a single slab under the main house.

The living areas are lit by two clerestories, with views to the lake as well as the back garden. A timber bar with jarrah top and shelves serves this area, which is carpeted and tiled.

There's a very efficient wood heater on tiled base and surround-sound rear speakers are set in the ceiling.

The kitchen has jarrah benchtops, Smeg and Technika stainless steel appliances and range hood, and ample cupboard and storage facilities. A bonus is the adjoining room, which serves as a large pantry and food preparation area, with considerable storage and bench space.

The main bathroom has a bath and separate shower, wash basin, cupboard and heater. Tiles are white and black with charcoal chrome fittings.

The master bedroom has an integrated ensuite with a big frameless glass shower, timber cupboards and bench.

With five bedrooms, two bathrooms and separate toilets, the house has potential as a B&B or holiday let.

Gardens surround the house on both levels, with extensive use of succulents and drought-tolerant plants, together with perennials, annuals and bulbs.

A kitchen garden has herbs and lemon trees, with seasonal salad plants. The long driveway and all the access, turning and parking areas are sealed.

There's a big licensed floating jetty with wheeled ramp, swimming ladder and shade.

Water tanks hold 75,000 litres, with a fire pump connected to main tanks, high-volume sprinklers on the roof and fire hose outlets, ensuring water in case of bush fire or power failure.

ABOUT EILDON

? Eildon is a little more than two hours from Melbourne along the Maroondah Highway.

? Today's township originated as cottages for about 4000 construction workers and families around 1950.

? The little town has a supermarket, newsagency, butcher, hotel, fruiterer, baker, coffee shops, pharmacy, post office, hardware and other stores. There's a GP and retirement home.

? Nik Patek of Landmark Alexandra says he has sold seven houses and three lakeside blocks there this year.

© 2008 The Age

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