A unique ESCAPE,

This verdant property is in the heart of the N.S.W. Southern Highlands village of Bundanoon 90mins drive from Sydney and Canberra and 90mins drive from the white beaches of Jervis Bay. With its invigorating highland climate, abundance of natural features and spectacular lookouts Bundanoon (aboriginal for big deep gullies) has been a popular tourist destination since the 1940's.

This extremely rare 1226sqm north facing block is a half subdivision of a 3/4 acre property which has been perpetually developed and renewed as an art studio, sculpture garden, private gallery, temple sanctuary and home comlex by the resident artist for more than 20 years. The address is regarded by locals and visitors alike as a mysterious haven and is veiled from outside scrutiny by a stand of century old pine trees, rambling stone ramparts and thick copses of native vegetation.

Hidden amongst the eucalyptus trees is a stone, timber and mud-brick cottage/studio with tall pyramidal skylights. Its light filled cantilevered interior has a warm ambience created by natural cedar panelling and clay rendered walls. A half metre thick basalt wall contains an alcove for a Jotul fuel stove and niches to maximise thermal mass transfer. Wide turpentine floorboards are laid on bearers of ironbark bridge timbers and granite piers. Laquered oregon beams support an eight sided prism that brings in the sunlight by day and moonlight and starlight by night. The studio was built with self-sufficiency in mind and with the further addition of a solar heater and photo-voltaic panels this function could be enhanced. Wiring for 12 volt lighting is inbuilt to the numerous recesses in the stone walls and is ready for connection.

The studio's small eco-footprint is highlighted in the use of quality recycled materials. An archway crafted from hefty Golden Cyprus tree limbs leads down to the stone walled bathroom with laid granite floor and sunken green marble shower/bath. Above the bath is a soaring pyramidal skylight and the stone walls have deeply recessed windows awaiting the fitting of custom stained glass. The century old Cyprus tree has also been fashioned into window frames , wide steps and banister, and a tree-ladder that ascends to a children's (or adult's) sleeping loft. The loft is lined in red cedar and has a dormer window for ventilation. Well insulated and positioned above the water heater it is a cosy hideaway that is always warm.