Cover star: Park Orchards pad’s dream backyard includes basketball court
This dream backyard with a basketball court laced with fairy lights and a pool is an enchanting offering.
A dream garden runs wild behind this completely renovated 1970s Park Orchards pad.
No expense was spared by homeowners at 34-36 Granard Avenue when they transformed the original brick property into a modern oasis, which is complete with an entertainers’ paradise backyard.
Barry Plant Doncaster East director Theo Politis said the family worked with architect Peter Gionfriddo when rebirthing the magnificent four-bedroom home.
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It’s on the market for private sale with a $2.7-$2.9m price guide after the major project was completed in December.
“The brickwork remains original, but they completely gutted the house, moved the kitchen and added a modern extension to the rear,” Mr Politis said. “They also added the pool and spent money levelling out the backyard.”
A “native but usable” garden created by Fine Garden Company is the breathtaking highlight of the 2769sq m block.
A Merbau deck with a pool, spa and a conversation pit — semi-shaded by a cafe-style awning — makes a statement when stepping outside from the living room.
Down a flight of stairs from the low-maintenance space is a luscious native garden with a quarter-sized basketball court and a fire pit, all underneath glittering fairy lights.
Mr Politis said the family loved to entertain among the gardens, with gum trees lit up by installed spotlights.
“Their kids also play basketball, so get a lot of enjoyment out of the court,” he said.
“It’s one of the best backyards we’ve ever seen … it’s so kid-friendly and integrates well with the kitchen and pool area.”
The leafy retreat creates the perfect northern vista for sleek interiors by Katie Wain Design.
A lower ground floor is closely connected to the gardens and features an open living domain with a dining space, a high-end kitchen and butler’s pantry.
The central gathering hub is one of four living zones, alongside a huge theatre and additional rumpus room on the same level.
Another lounge room with a fireplace and an adjoined north-facing balcony is on the upper floor, where three of the four bedrooms are found.
Mr Politis said the clever design offered every member of the family peace and privacy. He highlighted a parents’ retreat with access to the balcony, a large dressing room and an ensuite with a bath, a steam shower and underfloor heating.
“But the house is also designed so that even the children have their own wings,” he said.
“Both of their boys also have their own private sitting area and an ensuite next to
their bedrooms.”
Three bathrooms in total and a private study ensure there is plenty of room to spread out.
Mr Politis said “every inch of the block” was used to its full potential when crafted by
LG Building.
There is also potential to add a lift and a wine cellar, for those seeking extra luxuries.
Mr Politis said local families “looking to trade up” had already inspected the home multiple times since it hit the market.
Its location on “one of Park Orchard’s best streets” is walking distance to Park Orchards Primary School, cafes, shops, a tennis club and the Mullum Mullum trail, and was also an attraction for buyers.
CoreLogic shows the vendors paid $1.345m in 2016 before transforming the property into a modern bush retreat.
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Originally published as Cover star: Park Orchards pad’s dream backyard includes basketball court