When Brian and Nella first moved into Appletree Dr, they were a young couple in their first, simple home. But over the past 28 years they have developed their substantial 1067sq m block into a stunning example of prestigious, family living that perfects indoor to outdoor living.
The first step in this triumph was removing the original home after the arrival of their children and replacing it with a sprawling residence that would come to be known as Windarra. Of course, developing such a home required the craftsmanship of award winning builder Gary Young and his trademark style and quality is evident throughout.
The other element that makes Windarra such a standout in the Cherrybrook real estate market is the passion of Brian and Nella to craft a home that boasted not only the finest of inclusions but also warm and inviting federation and manor house influences.
Nella lights up as she leads you through the large vestibule area and directs your gaze upward to the stunning federation ceiling dome she insisted be incorporated into the home.
“I just had to have it – that was 13 years ago and I still love looking at the colours and designs in it,” she said
“It’s those things, which may seem little, that really create warmth and atmosphere in a home. When we decided to build we knew it was worth the time and investment stepping outside the ordinary with things like decorative cornices, ceiling roses and timber skirting boards. “
Red gum hardwood floors, five double bedrooms, sprawling formal and informal living areas and a true indoor and outdoor lifestyle epitomise family living at Windarra and Nella says, despite the sprawling spaces, her true love is the kitchen.
“This kitchen just has everything I ever wanted. It’s right in the heart of the home and gives me beautiful views across the Elouera Bushland Reserve each morning but it’s also totally functional. There are two ovens, a lovely granite benchtop which we handpicked and timeless timber cabinetry,” she said.
“I am still amazed by this view because our first home here was so simple we had no windows overlooking the bush and no idea how amazing the view could be. It was the most wonderful surprise when we got inside Windarra and realised just how beautiful it was.”
Brian’s passions for the home are diverse. He is justly proud of the period features in the formal lounge and dining areas, which include handcrafted chandeliers from Eastern Europe, but he is equally enthusiastic about the games room he has developed over the years. “It’s a huge space that looks right over our outdoor entertaining area and we’ve had many large gatherings here. I’ve filled it with pinballs which I’ve always loved and other machines from that era but really, the space is so significant it will lend itself to just about anything the new owners’ desire,” Brian said.
“We’ve loved entertaining in this home and hosted major milestones for our kids with ease because the integration of our general living areas with the enormous outdoor, covered alfresco area and fully decked in-ground pool and gazebo is just seamless.
“And then there are my gardens. I spend a lot of time in the front on the specimen garden. It’s great to see the pops of colour coming up and you don’t often find a serpentine staircase these days but I’ve loved working around ours as I’ve moved up through the various levels of the garden.”
A home of this standard is not left easily but they find now, with children grown and spreading their wings they are ready for their next adventure. Hopefully, downsizing and exploring the world.