Couple sells their Kangaroo Valley home where David Attenborough once filmed

Why travel to Italy when you can retreat to this secluded slice of paradise inspired by the European country? Perched along the water’s edge of the property’s own private lake, this two-storey home has seen many special memories made within its bounds.

The owners, Emma and David, were married amongst the glorious gardens and swapped out the traditional aisle for a walk across the bridge to their destination island wedding right in their backyard.

The home has been a labour of love since its inception, formed through compromise. David wanted to instil his experiences of Italy in this new abode while Emma sought out the dream Australian farmhouse.

After finding the perfect windows that encapsulated both visions, the pair built a modern and unique home that’s a testament to each of their styles and the surrounding nature.

“I wanted a home that was open to the outdoors on all sides,” Emma says.

“From the road, you wouldn’t even know it’s there – it looks like a simple bush retreat. But as you crest the drive, it opens up in front of you.”

The location is one to truly envy; placed in the foothills of the mountains, away from sight but close enough to reach the small welcoming town of Kangaroo Valley in a moment’s notice, with the quaint towns of Berry and Bowral a little further on down the way.

Back at the acreage, there’s an abundance of flora and fauna to keep the nature lover occupied for a lifetime. Emma and David revel in the sights and sounds beneath the cool shade of the romantic grape vines that climbs across the pergola.

“It’s a delight to see all the birds and wildlife,” the couple admits.

“We have echidnas on the property, as well as a resident wombat, and often in the evenings we walk to the stream nearby to watch the platypus play in the fading evening light.”

They also tell me that it was here where infamous zoologist and everyone’s favourite documentarian, David Attenborough, filmed one of his series. If it’s good enough for Attenborough, it’s certainly good enough for me.

The gardens are also embedded with pieces of personal history from each owner and in buying this home, the next owner will have the opportunity to add to it.

The waterlily-filled Lake Con was named in memoriam for the previous owner before Emma and David took up residency.

“When the mother, Con, died she asked them to build the biggest lake possible,” Emma says.

“They scattered her ashes there when it was finished and every day until he died, her husband would sit by the lake. His ashes are now with hers as well.”

The couple’s addition comes in the form of a fig tree cutting, brought over from England circa 1850 and passed down through the generations.

“A cutting from that very first tree is given to every descendent as they move into a new home. The fig tree is one of our favourite plants here,” they add.

Designed and built in 2008, the home itself is as captivating as the gardens. The subdued lemony tone of the facade catches the morning and evening light, enhancing its ethereal quality while the interiors are light, airy and modern.

It was important for Emma and David to have a home where the outdoors were visible from every room. Look out any window and you’ll find mountain vistas or rolling paddocks that seem almost within reach.

“The garden and the house complement each other, with so many delightful places to sit and relax, and admire the view,” David says.

The library shares a double-sided fireplace with the lounge room, which creates a cosy atmosphere. Underfloor heating on the ground floor warms the entire home in the winter while the summer months benefit from the clever floor plan that allows the breeze to flow freely throughout.

Perhaps the new owners will host a wedding here just like Emma and David. Though watch out for wayward children; their one-year-old niece almost threw the rings into the lake. If it weren’t for a spectacular dive from the best man, you might have found a diamond ring resting at the bottom of the lake.

But who needs gemstones when you own the treasure that is 1490B Kangaroo Valley Road?

Kangaroo Valley

1490B Kangaroo Valley Road

Price guide: $1.95 million-$2.05 million

4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 4 car spaces

Private sale

Agent: South Coast Prestige Properties, Carrie Bond 0421 449 846