Coatesville: Sunny side up

A home in the country that catches the sun. By CEDRIC GRAY.

A korean arborist in New Zealand to study the building industry has put his varied interests to the test on a pretty 3.1608ha property on the outskirts of Coatesville.

Taeg Soul and his wife, M-Ran Kim, bought the property to give their three children a taste of country life. "They wanted a lot of space, yet living so close to the city and to good schooling was also important," says Tracey Free, of Bayleys, West Harbour.

The property, at 72 O'Brien Rd, is within a few minutes' drive of the Albany township. An attractive area, it is surrounded by properties of a similar size, which line O'Brien ridge, a landmark to the east of the fertile Coatesville-Riverhead valley. Coatesville, of course, is renowned for its quality lifestyle units and equestrian facilities.

Taeg and Me-Ran chose the sunny side of the ridge so that Taeg could continue his interest in horticulture. He has established a large, productive vegetable garden, and nurtured the citrus orchard, trees and shrubs planted by a previous owner. The grounds at the end of a lengthy driveway have been well-maintained.

The land is in rolling pasture overlooking the Coatesville Scenic Reserve. Suited to light horse grazing - perhaps a few sheep and cattle for pasture management - it slopes towards a small pond where the family enjoys boating. Mature trees, mainly natives, attract a variety of bird life.

The stylish four-bedroom house of about 383sq m occupies a sunny, north-facing site with glorious views across the valley. It has been built on three levels, although the spacious basement area has yet to be fully developed. There is room here for a self-contained guest unit.

A modern kitchen serves an adjacent casual dining area, opening to formal dining, a large formal lounge and a second family area. There is a superb sun room opening to a wide outdoor deck. The main living areas also enjoy sliding-door access to the deck. Winter heating is provided by an open fireplace in the lounge and a woodburner in the casual dining-family room.

Three bedrooms are situated in an accommodation wing at one end of the house. The upstairs master bedroom enjoys a stylish en suite and the best of the views. Also on this level is a cosy study.

Double garaging and a carport are attached to the house, and there is a small barn for machinery storage.

The property will be auctioned on August 11. Contact Tracey Free and Yougshin Watkins, Bayleys, ph 416 7788.