The barrel vaulted ceiling makes this space even more interesting

183 Hudson Parade

(see my video report on http://www.manlydaily.com.au)

Clareville is a in slim strip of land on Pittwater that remains largely ignored – which is ideal for those living there; the inherent serenity remains undisturbed. When I visited 183 Hudson Parade last week I was taken aback by how calm that waterside remains. A lone fisherman was at the end of Taylors Wharf pier, with his grey whiskered dog by his side. Despite the low mist and grey skies the scene was delightful.

So was the house, with space to burn and a top floor living area with a delightful view on stage for the entire level. I always feel at home looking at these Pittwater style views through the spindly trunks of the tall timbers that cover the peninsula. It’s like playing peekaboo with the world.

Minkara By Night

68 Minkara, Bayview

Of the many beautiful houses I am lucky enough to inspect, 68 Minkara will stay on my mind for life. To be honest, the magnificence of the pictures made me suspicious that the property would give itself over to gaudiness – but I needn’t have worried. Opulent? Yes. Only for the uber-wealthy? Yes. Warm and friendly? 100 times yes. This is, for all it’s marble and hand cut timbers, a lovely home. I could have pulled up a bar stool in that wonderful kitchen and been entirely at home.

I couldn’t resist a picture during the inspection! There is every chance in the world I am the only real estate groupie in the world.

The specialist team at Max Walls International are handling the sale.

People who look at a lot of real estate – house hunters and property writers included, often find themselves under the impression that they have such vast experience  they don’t even have to open the front door to know what lies beyond.

How wrong we can be!

27 Mathews St in Davidson has an absolutely charming, almost story book streetscape. It’s sharply angled dormer windows are reminiscent of a dolls house – and with two perfect mop top robinias in the front garden, well, it all looks story book perfect. Yet walk through the immaculate front garden, cross the verandah, open the door and you will be amazed. This is a very big  (and equally immaculate), house – not in dolls’ house proportions at all. The surprises start with the high ceilings and wide black and white tiled entry hall, which has lounge rooms to the left and right. Through to a dining room which is open to the kitchen and then out to the upper deck.

Upstairs and the bedrooms are all double sized or bigger, with a newly renovated bathroom with a particularly deep spa bath – a necessity for a family with four sons.

Downstairs and more of that living space can be found in a billiards room that opens to a truly striking oasis style pool that meanders around to the dining cabana and waterfall. Again, I have seen a lot of pools – but this one is absolutely striking.

The sense of space is enhanced by a low perimeter fence beyond which is a mown stretch of reserve, which blurs into the bush and a dramatic stand of bulrushes. A joy to behold – and presented with enormous care.

Davidson offers many great streets – this is one of them, with this house being a star.

Contact Skyline Real Estate

Prue Miller is a property writer with News Local

Some beach side homes merely observe the sand and water, whereas this Clontarf home blends in with the action as Prue Miller reports.

Harbourside homes, such as 1a Monash Crescent have an urban sophistication not always found in exclusive houses further up the peninsula. Clontarf Beach demands cool, elegant design.

Owner Steve Day and renowned architect Jon King from King Design have worked together to create this remarkable home, tucked away into the Clontarf hill. “It protects the home from southerly’s,” Steve said, “but we still keep the sunlight all day.”

The home is an uncomplicated concrete and masonry layout with oversized openings that blurr the line between inside with all that is happening outside, creating a connection that separates this home from the rest.

Italian limestone is used throughout the home, but rather than being monotonous, the stone has different finishes designed to interest the visitor, and further hints at beachside relaxation. The strong timber statements , reminiscent of the ever-present beachside Norfolk pines add to the chilled out atmosphere.

Terraces and decks can be found across the three levels, but perhaps the most striking is the dining sundeck, perched over the sand, meters from the water.

All the fixtures are top of the range, and the four bedrooms and five mosaic tiled bathrooms are as spacious as you would expect. It is the smaller detail, from the keyless entry to the pool sized spa beachside and a well-concealed boathouse (with wet bar and entertainment zone) that has direct access to the water. What is most surprising is that here is a more than substantial sized beach home that far from detracting from the beauty of the landscape, actually contributes to it.

Prue Miller is a property writer for the News Local

For more pictures go to the LJ Hooker website, or the Manly Daily