Lifestyle: Warreeah Lane, Kangaloon

There’s no need for a guard dog at Blackwood. The resident peacock, Mr PJ, heralds the arrival of anyone coming up the silver-birch-lined driveway leading to Charlotte and Brett Shields’ charming hideaway.

“There’s incredible privacy here as our retreat is set among properties of several hundred acres so we enjoy picturesque rural views without having to worry about things like fencing and cow drenching,” Charlotte says. “Peacocks, wombats and bower birds are a lot less upkeep than cows!” A bonus is that Piper, 12, and Eliza, 7, can go yabbying in the spring-fed creek that crosses the property.

In 2001, the couple purchased six acres of land with a rainforest area. “Using many serviettes and backs of envelopes, we brought together aspects from homes we liked; worked out the way we wanted to live and entertain, and what was important to us,” she says. Words such as “low-maintenance” and “sustainable” topped the list.

They created a two level- plus- basement main house plus a smaller, two-storey guest villa which are harmoniously connected by a jasmine-covered arbour. Both are clad in red mahogany which is silvering naturally, requiring no staining or painting and the mahogany blends into the surrounding environment. The main house has a passive-solar design, is highly energy-efficient and was planned to have an ongoing low-carbon footprint.

With the outlook the hero from most rooms, the interior palette has been kept softly neutral and peaceful. While much of the furniture hails from local Southern Highland’s stores, accessories have been collected over many years from European trips.

Curtain fabrics come from Provence with lining and thick bumph thermal lining added to ensure good insulation. Downstairs the curtains all tuck away behind a secret wall so when they’re not needed, the large picture windows allow the full expanse of the view to be enjoyed. And proud Mr PJ can strutt his plumage to an appreciative audience.

55 Warreeah Lane, Kangaloon
For sale $2.45 million +
5 bedrooms 3 bathrooms 8 garage
Built 2011
Inspect By appointment
Unique Estates, 0401 849 955, 0411 144 877

Where to buy:

Screens

A bespoke, rusted, laser-cut screen invites visitors through to the inner garden, poboxdesigns.com.au.

Peacocks

Indian Blue peacocks are living garden performance installations. Available from breeders such as Marcia Ludlow (07 5426 6248, can be sent interstate), $100 -$150 a pair; or try Gumtree; poultry auctions or post on australianpoultryforum.com for breeders to get in touch.

Leather trunk

A great place to stash homeless treasures: leather chest available by special order in various styles and sizes ranging from 50cm x 50cm x 50cm, $495, to 90cm x 60cm x 50cm, $1800. Adrienne-bonney.com.au.

Cushion

Accent Cushion Photo: domain.com.au

Accent furniture with Tropical Tiles pink cushion cover in cotton, 45 cm x 45 cm, $12.95 from TheHome.com.au.