Perfect for young families as they grow

13th Feb, 2011

Ingrid Waltham, The Sunday Times Home Magazine

A generous sunken theatre directly opposite the main bedroom creates a relaxing and private adults' zone in the Santa Fe, built by Affordable Living Homes in the Byford Glades estate.

The remainder of the home is dedicated to family living and entertaining, with a generous open-plan area and three minor bedrooms in their own zone.

It offers an ideal scenario for an expanding young family according to Affordable Living's Larry Scamaton.

"The Santa Fe has a flexible design that young families can grow into," Mr Scamaton said. "The parents' zone has been set well away for privacy, and the central gallery kitchen means mum can stay in the centre of the action."

From the street, the Santa Fe presents well, with a modern elevation that displays a tiled blade wall and feature planter, and a welcoming porch entrance.

The wide entry hall has a high coffered ceiling and a feature display recess.

"We allowed for a private entry lobby that didn't have a line of sight through the home," Mr Scamaton said.

The home theatre is to the left of the entry; the main suite is to the right. It has a long walk-in robe behind the bed and an open ensuite with a double vanity and separate toilet.

With the cleverly angled benchtop, the bulkhead kitchen faces both the family and dining areas. The benchtop creates a handy breakfast bar that is the focal point for the open-plan entertaining area.

The kitchen is well-equipped with 900mm stainless steel appliances and plenty of bench space and storage, including a big pantry and self closing drawers.

A corridor off the open-plan area leads to the three minor bedrooms, all with built-in robes. They sit either side of the bathroom, laundry and toilet.