Sue and Phil, who had this luxurious contemporary villa with pool and massive garaging built in Riverhead, say they aren’t a “stay in one house for 30 years” type of couple.
When the couple completed this home in late 2023 it was the sixth time they’d built, not counting five other homes they’d substantially renovated.
Sue says: “I’m married to a gypsy, who doesn’t like to stay in one place for too long. We like the process of creating something somebody else will love, then moving on.”
They bought this land in late 2020, attracted by its size, flatness and proximity to Albany, Westgate and a business they own. It enjoys stunning views across countryside to the twinkling night lights of the city and Sky Tower.
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The 1.02-hectare lifestyle property harbours this 320sqm home and boasts a whopping 312sqm shed-garage discreetly placed behind it.
Sue says: “My husband is a car enthusiast so of course there was always going to be a garage almost as big as the house.”
They had architectural designer Brent Olsen, who they’d worked with twice before, design a contemporary villa with modern functionality. It offers the traditional charm of fretwork, finials and abundant verandas. Yet it delivers modern living with its spacious rooms, ducted central heating, gas fires and quality fittings. You can see the thought that has gone into the fabulous, functional layout.
Traditional interior elements include the impressive three-metre stud throughout, heritage-style light switches and feature panelled walls.
The sprawling 645sqm home sits on a 1.02-hectare lifestyle block and has four bedrooms, three bathrooms and garaging for multiple vehicles. Photo / Supplied
The foyer leads to the expansive open-plan dining-entertainers’ kitchen with scullery. Photo / Supplied
“We really appreciate the craftsmanship of our builder Jamie Stewart, who we’d used twice before.”
Number 21 is located not far from the Riverhead-Coatesville border and all that this amazing area has to offer, an envied lifestyle right on your doorstep.
“It’s very private and peaceful but still not too far away from anywhere you want to go.”
It’s fronted by a tongue-and-groove automatic vehicle gate and post and rail fencing, which also defines a paddock where they’ve grazed sheep. They’ve kept planting traditional, including some standard roses, but aimed for relatively low maintenance.
The home’s foyer leads to the expansive open-plan dining-entertainers’ kitchen with an impressive scullery. This flows out to a covered outdoor room with a gas outdoor fireplace, open on one side, with French doors on another leading out to verandas and the pool area.
The beautiful kitchen has a freestanding heritage-style black oven and the large scullery has its own induction cooktop, oven, fridge and dishwasher. Photo / Supplied
The large garage with high stud ceilings and built-in workbenches fits 10 cars or could be used as a workshop or studio. Photo / Supplied
“The kitchen is beautiful with a freestanding heritage-style black oven. The large scullery has its own induction cooktop, oven, fridge and dishwasher.”
There’s also a big lounge-media room near the centre of this single-storey layout, leading towards the bedroom wing. The luxurious master suite with walk-in wardrobe and ensuite is simply stunning and enjoys spectacular views. Three other good-sized bedrooms accompany an elegant family bathroom, walk-in linen cupboard and separate laundry.
The couple’s 10 grandchildren adore the heated salt-water swimming pool, bolstered by a spa pool. A pool house built in keeping with the home contains a lounging area to relax out of the sun and a bathroom, a shower and a changing room.
The large, impressive garage with high stud ceilings and built-in workbenches fits 10 cars, perfect for car enthusiasts or could be used as a workshop or studio. It includes a separate “man-zone” lounge area with a bar, enclosed wood-burner and its own full bathroom.
Universal Realty agent Amy Anderson says: “I have sold several of Phil and Sue’s homes over the years, but this one is the best by far. They really do create something amazing, the attention to detail and design always impresses buyers.”
21 Diamond Lane in Riverhead, Rodney, is on the market for sale by a set date closing May 28.
- Sponsored by Universal Realty
