Live an enterprising sustainable lifestyle on the coast

- Dongara Washington

Set in 500 acres on the Western Australian coast, this property was built to become part of the environment. Power is generated by sun and wind, rainwater is collected from all roofs and bore water is fed to high tanks using solar pumps.

Human waste is turned into compost and greywater feeds into dispersion trenches. The house breeds an awareness of the elements and location. The stars at night are clear and bright.

The design is very light and open. The Jarrah floors were once walked upon by the guests of the Swanbourne hotel in Perth. Other timber was once an inland barn. The ceilings are high and the interior is cool in summer and warmed by five fireplaces in winter. There is ample wood around the property to fuel the fires.

The beach is accessed by a winding track and is probably the best beach in the world! It is protected by an offshore reef, is pristinely clean and free of jellyfish and other nasties. There is ample line fishing and bountiful crayfish.

Finally, this 21st century farmhouse has the most fabulous kitchen with a rare La Cornue stove. As with every good house this is the centre of operations and connects with the covered loggia and the most open and serene view that you could ever wish for.

Composting toilets with composters in underground cellars
Rainwater collected in 100,000 litres of concrete ranks
No mains water, no fluoride!
Ample bore water and solar pumping for irrigation
Solar water heating
Satellite NBN Internet, satellite and free-to-air TV
2,000 tree olive grove
180 acres of arable land, currently agisted. Good fences and access.
900 metres of beach – no jelly fish, reef protected
Development potential