The couple purchased the land in 1992 and in the years that followed spent many nights camping there in an effort to determine the best vantage point to build a house that would be both extremely practical and breathtakingly beautiful.

In 1995 the house, designed by Tim Winters, came to fruition, and an extension was completed in 1995.

John said the couple's brief to the architect was to create something that looked "almost like a farm shed ... an upmarket farm shed" with the couple having long admired the work Glenn Murcutt, who's renowned for building houses clad in corrugated iron.

Meg, a photographer and environmentalist, said the house has exceeded their expectations, mostly because it showcases the land it sits on.

"I love the block, and you never tire of the view because it's ever-changing with the weather and the seasons ... you can see the sun rise and then set, " she said.

"It's not just the house it's the whole place."

The couple have also established an impressive vegetable patch and when its produce is combined with the apricots, plumbs, pears and all the other fruit that's grown in their orchard the couple's visits to the supermarket are kept to a minimum.

"It's very satisfying being as self-sufficient as possible, you work more but it's satisfying," Meg said.

Thanks to its north-facing aspect the house is bright and sunny all year sound, with the sunshine also harnessed to heat the solar panels which power the house.

The pair also collect tank water and have a boar with a windmill and pump as a back up supply.

In winter the combustion wood fire ensures the living area, which is clad in plywood over a steel frame, is cosy.

There's no denying that when the doors to the second-floor balcony are open, it feels like you're sitting in a tree house, enjoying spectacular vistas of the Australian bush.

"It's the most beautiful place to be," Meg said.

The balcony not only serves as the perfect place to contemplate life, it also links the combined dining, lounge and kitchen area to the bedroom and wash house which is a combined laundry and bathroom including a self-composting toilet.

According to Meg the house has proved a hit with both family and friends.

"A lot of people come and go from here but it's good to be able to share it with family and friends and have the solitude in between," she said.

"Peace is quiet important to us both."

John admits it can be "crisp but not uncomfortable " to walk along the balcony to the wash room in winter but it hasn't deterred visitors.

According to Meg the unique layout of the three-bedroom house, including a large bunk-room, allows the couple and their visitors to share communal spaces or occupy their own individual spaces. Photos: JUDE KEOGH.

tracey.prisk@fairfaxmedia.com.au