SARAH and Joel couldn't believe their lucky when they found a 50-acre property only three kilometres from Orange and immediately set about building their dream home there.
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The couple worked with L-Con Building & Construction to design a home to provide enough space for them and their two young sons Jack and Marcus to enjoy.
"We really wanted to build a house that made the most of the outlook and the sun," Sarah said.
Large double-glazed almost floor-to-ceiling windows and over-sized sliding doors ensure the view is hard to miss and the family can take advantage of the home's north-facing aspect.
"We wanted to bring the outside in and make the most of the vista," Sarah said.
The family moved into the 40-square house in October, 2012 and have given its interior a classic look with a modern twist.
"While contemporary was in the brief we also wanted the house to be light and airy," Sarah said.
"There's a lovely airflow throughout the house.
"I wanted the house to be comfortable and as stylish as it could be with two little ones living here."
Reverse cycle air-conditioning helps moderate the temperature throughout the house while a slow combustion wood fire, with a stone fireplace, provides a cosy place for the family to relax.
"There's nothing quite like having a timber fireplace in your home," Sarah said.
A pitched ceiling in the lounge room is one of the property's highlights because it looks amazing and lets additional light into the house.
When it came to furnishing her home Sarah kept the colour pallet "simple and neutral" to complement the countryside.
"We tried to use local suppliers where we could," she said.
The large open-planned living area, with separate dining, lounging and kitchen zones, sits at the heart of the home.
At one end of the house there's a wing with a laundry and a grandparents' retreat including a separate bathroom and bedroom, while the other wing houses the family's three bedrooms, two bathrooms and a study.
Sarah and Joel's extended family don't live in Orange so having an inviting area for visitors to stay was important to them both.
The bamboo flooring has proved perfect for the family room and living area while carpet in the bedrooms and hallway is a practical addition, especially in the Winter months.
Sarah admits the excess of storage in the house helps ensure the house looks picture-perfect at all times.
Large linen cupboards, built-in storage in the office, a walk in pantry, a luxurious walk-in wardrobe and a large shed outside have proved godsends.
When it comes to the outside of the house, the couple was committed to having a garden that was easy to maintain.
Sarah said she's enjoyed styling the home and looks to Instagram for inspiration.
"I wanted the house to look relaxed, spacious and earthy," she said.
tracey.prisk@fairfaxmedia.com.au