WHEN Warren and Paula moved to Clifton Grove in 2006 they realised they’d found the perfect family home with just the right amount of privacy and serenity.
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Set on five acres at Clifton Grove, the couple’s 60 square house has 360 degree views of the surrounding countryside including the two dams on their land and picturesque Strathnook Lake on the adjacent property.
In fact the views are so good it’s possible to glimpse Mount Canobolas from their land, prompting hobby artist Paula to capture it on canvas.
Warren said when the couple were house hunting they knew they didn’t want to live in a “normal house” but also didn’t want something too quirky.
“We wanted something out of the norm, special, but it was really important that the house be livable and functional,” he said.
According to Paula over the years the house has proved the perfect place for their blended family, including children Matthew, Declan and Ella, to live and host guests.
“It’s been good being able to entertain and not have neighbours who are too close,” she said.
“We even do Christmas eve dinner out on the veranda.”
In fact the couple even married at the property allowing guests to enjoy the beautiful landscape and gardens, which have never been without water thanks to the property’s bore and underground tank.
“We don’t have structured gardens, we want plenty of room for the kids to play,” Paula said.
Warren said the spectacular grounds have encouraged the children to get outside and “get some fresh air in their lungs”.
“We wanted them out there and off their iPhone, iPads,” he said.
Inside the immaculate house is painted in a natural colour scheme with pops of colour such as a feature wall in the living room that provides the perfect backdrop to hang a painting the couple purchased in Paris in 2009.
Paula’s love of art is evident throughout the house with every wall showcasing paintings the duo have collected in Australia and overseas alongside Paula’s own works.
“Most of my paintings are like a catalogue of our (overseas) trip,” she said.
Warren sums up the house’s decor as being an “expression of our lives”.
“It shows our travels, ours kids ... it’s our family home.”
The cosy feel of the house makes it easy to forget just how large it is.
There are four bedrooms, a teenager’s retreat, a study and a games room, as well as a living room and a formal lounge room and dining room along with a four-car garage.
Despite its size, the house feels lived in and loved.
“It really is a beautiful house,” said Paula.
tracey.prisk@fairfaxmedia.com.au