Hills oasis with a Tuscan twist

Lot 58 Leslie Creek Road, Longwood. Picture: Dave Cronin Source: The Advertiser

The vendors had the place built about 17 years ago on a 1ha block in the hills settlement of Longwood.

The architect was given a mandate to make the property ooze country character and charm from day one.

"We wanted it to feel like it had been here a long time," the vendors say.

"Our architect designed the house to have an Australian country feel to it but she suggested rendering the walls inside as well as the outside. It's always had quite a Tuscan feel to it because of that."

Another crucial aspect of the design was to maximise space and light.

"We'd come from a very dark home so it was really important to have sunlight in the house and to have views of the garden from every window," the vendors say. "We were very fortunate with our architect; she really got what we wanted."

The house is neatly separated into two sections - one for sleeping accommodation and the other an expanse of living space.

Upstairs of the two-storey section is devoted to the master suite, which features a dressing room, ensuite and adjoining study that could also be an additional bedroom.

Downstairs from here there are two further bedrooms, a play space and a second bathroom.

The living areas comprise a large country kitchen, a dining room, living room with slow combustion heater and a library. Verandahs and a pergola shoot off from different places, creating a smorgasbord of entertaining options.

Well established gardens surrounding the property provide a serene outlook.

"It's been a wonderful family home and a great entertaining space," the vendors say. "It's a fantastic place to entertain both inside and out. . .the views from here are beautiful."

The vendors say the hills lifestyle has been one of the many enjoyable aspects of their time at Longwood.

"The sense of community is very important, as is the space and the tranquillity that we've had here.

"It's less than 10 minutes to Stirling and then a pretty easy trip down the hill to the city.

"Longwood has quite a rural feel while still being that close to Stirling . . . it really is the best of both worlds."

The vendors are selling the property to downsize, a decision that has conjured some sadness.

"As much as we love it, it does feel like its a great space for a family and I think it needs a family here," they say.