Designer’s stunning Donvale $2.7m sanctuary hits market

When architectural designer Stephen was looking for a tree-change, he didn’t need to look far to create his contemporary sanctuary on an bushland acreage in a low-density part of Donvale.

The larger lot sizes in the area around the home on a 5204sq m property at 319 Oban Rd, Donvale, encourages preservation of the native vegetation, explains Stephen.

“When we were looking for a tree-change, from our previous home in Camberwell, we were drawn to this area not only for its trees and wildlife but because we could enjoy these benefits and still be close to the city, where I work, and local shops and schools,” he says.

While architectural design is his job, Stephen says that designing his own family home was more challenging than designing for a client.

“It took a long time to settle on a concept that we were happy with,” he says.

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The five-bedroom home has been listed for sale with $2.7 million price hopes.

This achievement features two levels of spacious living.

Ultimately, the design Stephen, wife Elli and three children chose was one inspired by the low-pitched skillion-roofed houses of the 1950s.

“And the red-stained cypress cladding is a nod to the traditional red painted (Falu Rödfärg) timber clad houses found in Sweden, where we have made regular trips over the years visiting family and friends,” he adds.

Not only was the home designed by Stephen, but he also took on the majority of the build with assistance from Ravida Group for the site works, floor slabs, footings, subfloors and the erection of all the structural steel framing, specialist trades where required, along with a carpenter friend and his apprentice son.

“Being hands-on let me control every detail and identify opportunities along the way to change and improve the design,” Stephen says.

“I look back on this time fondly and am proud of what we have achieved.”

The living area.

The kitchen

One of the bedrooms.

This achievement features two levels of spacious living, with north-facing living zones that have uninterrupted views of the surrounding native vegetation and its inhabitants – kangaroos, wallabies, echidnas, kookaburras, and parrots.

“This maximised north orientation of glazed living areas to capture winter sun and to provide outlook to the pool and elevated views along the narrow creek that snakes its way along the eastern boundary,” Stephen adds.

The shared open spaces – an expansive lounge, and dining area that opens via stacker doors to a vast entertaining deck – are a highlight of the home, providing an ideal entertaining zone.

“The open plan family spaces allowed for large sleepover parties when the kids were young and huge pool parties.

Large family Christmas gatherings, birthday celebrations and plenty of casual barbecues with friends were highlights of each year.”

The five-bedroom, three-bathroom house at 319 Oban Rd, Donvale, is listed for sale with price hopes from $2.48m to $2.728m.

Jellis Craig Doncaster agent Frank Perri is handling the expressions of interest campaign closing on September 16.

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