This is dream home material [+ you’ll get loads of interior and exterior inspo!]

We’ve long known that the Waratah Building team is one talented bunch after we sat down with them two years ago for this interview. 

And their builds just keep getting better and better [+ dreamier and dreamier!]. 

Jack and Nick and the Waratah team created this stunning 5 bedroom home from go to whoa….perhaps more wow than whoa, though. 

They oversaw the design, did the build of course and worked with local trades to get those fantastic, seamless finishes. 

Everywhere we looked, there were tiny details that not only contributed to that feeling of luxury but you just knew from walking around the property that everything here is next level.

These guys definitely raise the bar when it comes to local master built homes. 

And this is why…..

Okay, let’s start with the location. 

It’s in the popular Retford Park Estate in East Bowral.

This is one niiiice place to live.

The houses are all stunning, the gardens manicured and we love the central park area where local families hang out. 

And here’s a fun fact! 

The house was named after Paloma, a Rhodesian Ridgeback, who would roam the grounds of the beautiful historic Retford Park grounds as the much loved dog of owner, the late Sir James Fairfax. 

We love that….

And we also love the nod to the historic cottages of the Highlands. 

When you step onto the front verandah, you’re not actually sure if it’s a brand new build or a darn good reno of a 100 year old cottage thanks to the design drawing on Federation style architecture elements like the decorative lattice work, the beautiful tile design on the verandah all supported by impeccable sandstone work which forms the base of the house [+ looks amazing in the light].

We’re so taken with the exterior that it takes us a while to step inside but when we do….it’s one of the most elegant open living spaces we’ve seen. 

First of all, we are lovin’ the dark oak floors – it’s so hard to get dark floors right but these work thanks to the high ceilings and the fact that the kitchen, lounge and dining space opens up on to the backyard terrace and the swimming pool [just wait…there’s more]. 

That’s why the dark floors work AND the beautiful blue island bench which gives the impression of anchoring the island to the floors – remember we said seamless earlier?

That’s what we mean. It all works perfectly together.

One of our guilty pleasures is taking a sneaky peek into a butler’s pantry and true to form for this high-end, elegant Highlands home, this one delivers in spades. 

Might be the bronze tapware, the deep Belfast style sink, the shaker design for the cabinetry or the fact that it’s big enough to have a party in…..it all works for us!

There are five bedrooms here and each is beautifully appointed giving off high end hotel vibes BUT importantly, are cosy and comfortable enough for you to picture totally kicking your shoes off and collapsing onto the bed.

We love how the master suite, bathroom and walk-in robe is all connected by the same highlight colour used on the bed headboard, the walk-in shelving and the bathroom cabinetry.

Definitely connects it all together so beautifully and then of course there’s that wallpaper – not what you expect but surprisingly combines with the rest of the design to add a bit of fun and personality to the space. 

See what we mean? 

Across the other side of the house, there’s three more bedrooms and a family bathroom running off a beautiful hallway.

The finer details are definitely not just for the most used rooms, the hallways and high traffic areas are also given the sophisticated touch using a combination of materials….the dark floors, the joinery, the interior brickwork.

It makes heading to the bedrooms in this area of the house feel a bit more special. 

And then of course, the bedrooms are neat, spacious and stylish. 

Oh, and all the window furnishings are automated, giving the owner more control over the comfort and temperature of the entire house.

Aaaaand if anyone needs us, we’ll be googling deep cast iron tubs…..and just look at that wallpaper. Love!

FYI, all the bathrooms and the pool house [we told you there was more!] have underfloor heating, so perfect for our crispy Highlands mornings.

Okay, let’s talk pool houses because now we want one just like this one! 

A very cool addition to the floor plan [but one that feels totally connected to the main home thanks to the design of the layout of the house], the pool house is bright and spacious with multiple uses….. a lounge area, kitchenette and bar space.

Then there’s the fresh, crisp bedroom on the end of the pool house – perfect for guests and perhaps anyone who needs somewhere to rest after a late night pool party. 

And don’t you just love the exterior finishes?

That brickwork again, connecting it to the interior of the house, and those custom built timber posts…we see a shady arbour covered in jasmine in its future!

But you know what every pool house needs? 

A sauna……! 

And this pool house has one of those too. 

Check this out.

As much as that pool house would encourage you to stay indoors, the backyard with the outdoor kitchen, pool terrace, the pool of course, and the manicured gardens would absolutely entice you outdoors too. 

What a great space for the warmer months in the Highlands.

There’s also some pretty amazing technology that’s hidden away adding that super contemporary finish to the wonderfully blended heritage and modern design of this 5 bedroom house in Retford Park Estate. 

• Hydronic heating panels throughout the house for consistent and affordable heating
• The underfloor heating in the bathrooms and pool house we mentioned earlier
• Automated window furnishing
• Reverse cycle heating and cooling
• 10kw solar panel system [awesome for when you’re adding a pool + sauna into the energy mix]
• Top of the range Sonos audio system with flush-mounted in-ceiling speakers [that means they’re hidden away and seamlessly – there’s that word again! – integrate with the decor]
• 4k ultra high def security cameras

And as the Waratah boys turn the lock in the key and we wander off through the lush green lawn and manicured hedges, we take our time to stop at the end of the drive and look back and wonder if whoever buys this amazing place will need some new friends……cos’ we sure can see ourselves in that sauna!

This incredible home, built by locals Waratah Building, is now on the market with Sam Mulholland of Mulholland Property.

Head here for more information, to check out the floor plan and to reach out to Sam to organise an inspection or check open home days and times. 

And if you end up buying it?? You know where we are and have our housewarming gift [do you like wine??] ready to go! 

…

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