Looking to escape the hustle and bustle in an eco-friendly home designed for low-cost living? That’s exactly what vendors Steve and Fran have enjoyed for more than 15 years at their Coromandel Valley home that’s a hit with the local wildlife.
“It’s right on the edge of the Sturt River and it is absolutely beautiful,” Steve says of their 19 McNamara Rd property.
“We have trees out the front and uninterrupted views to the north, with good shade.
“The design of the house is great – it’s full of light when you want it and that heats the slate floors, and you can close down the blinds when it’s warm out.
“You can manage the air temperature through cross ventilation and the ambience is beautiful.
“We get koalas, great bird life and possums, and when the conditions are right we hear the frogs in a creek. It’s lovely.”
The rammed earth home sits on a spacious 1239sqm allotment and has four bedrooms, an open-plan kitchen and meals area, a number of spaces for outdoor entertainment, and sought-after features including a combustion fireplace, cathedral ceilings and a 3.2kw solar system.
As wonderful as the house is, Steve says its location is second to none.
19 McNamara Rd, Coromandel Valley. Supplied
The home’s kitchen. Supplied
The spacious living area. Supplied
“We can walk to the shops at Coromandel Valley where there’s a doctor, a pharmacy, a coffee shop, a bakery and the pub, and it’s a five-minute drive up to Blackwood, where it’s so easy to catch a train into the city,” he said.
“We’re moving to far west South Australia, but we’ll miss what we’ve got here – it’s special.”
“And it’s very easy to live in – its design keeps your utilities costs to a minimum.
The home reflects a growing shift towards not just environmentally friendly housing, but housing that’s friendly to the hip pocket in an era of rising running costs.
One of the light-filled bedrooms. Supplied
A modern bathroom. Supplied
One of the numerous outdoor entertainment areas. Supplied
General manager of utilities for iSelect, Julia Paszka said cost of living pressures were front of mind for many, and power consumption could be a source of arguments in households across Australia.
“With cost-of-living pressures, it’s no surprise that energy bills are a source of tension in many households,” she said.
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“Bill payers want to save wherever they can, while others prioritise comfort; these small disagreements can impact happiness and wellbeing.
“While habits like turning off lights or drying clothes outside can help reduce bills, they’re not the only factor.
“If you want to avoid arguments while still saving on energy, it’s worth reviewing your current plan and comparing alternatives to see if a cheaper option is available.”
Looking for 10 ways to slash your power bills? Here’s iSelect’s advice on how to live for less this winter.
Lighten your bills
1. Switch off your lights
2. Make the switch to LEDs
Think ahead for energy efficiency
3. Keep the temperature just right all year
4. Switch to a cold wash
5. Plan and prep for energy-efficient cooking
Stop devices unnecessarily using power
6. Recharge devices responsibly
7. Turn your entertainment centre into energy savings
Upgrade your home inside and out
8. Upgrade your appliances for energy efficiency
9. Insulate for long-term savings
10. Go solar