Willow trees and wallabies make it home

Some homes just invite you through the door, and make you immediately welcome as Prue Miller found at Bayview.

GILWINGA Dr has very little traffic, and lots of birds and trees which in part explains why the homes here are so attractive  and in particular the slightly hidden No.18. On walking down the palm lined drive (and there are two double garages here) you are aware of an awful lot of roof, then you notice the perfect child sized front lawn. This is a family house.

Walk in the front door the first wow! hits you as you pass under the atrium, and turn into a fabulously dramatic kitchen and dining room. From the dark floor to the stainless steel light fittings this is a room you want to spend time in  so its fortunate a big dining table is here. An added delight is the double glass-door entrance to the wine cellar that sits at one end of the table, while at the other end is entry to the shady courtyard barbecue area.

From here the house unfolds into different levels, different ceiling heights but constant good design.

The upper floor main bedroom suite has balcony doors opening to the private forest and below that is the large sunny pool. Its been a long time since willow trees have been apparent in Sydneys gardens, but here their sleepy bows add to the restful nature of the home.

There are many living areas, large and small, which add interest to the layout, including a cosy cinema couch, near the formal dining, beyond which is the staircase down to the main lounge.

However, everywhere leads to the outside view and once you enter the pool level you are again greeted with more sandstone paved entertaining areas that ring the outside of the home.

At every point you are reminded by both the privacy offered and the relaxed layout that at 4,407sqm this is a large block of land. In the backyard there is still more space for kids to play safely around the pool (occasionally joined by kangaroos), or for the bigger kids there is access via a gate and quaint bridge for exploration or escapades around the brook and bush.

Many homes in this neck of the woods are seen as holiday places, or weekend retreats and frankly they feel like it. But this one – this one – is a family home.

Prue Miller is a journalist with News Ltd