Top tips for living among the tree tops

A home among the treetops offers a special connection to nature and a great lifestyle, but it also comes with responsibilities for maintenance and safety.

Amy Wilson of Belle Property Belconnen, who lists this week’s Aranda feature property, says homes that sit among treetop canopies are sought-after by buyers.

“These homes offer a sense of refuge – a retreat, if you like – from the built environments in which we often spend most of our days,” she says.

“You get a real sense of living closer to nature. It feels like you’re living in the country, but the city is right there, too.”

Wilson, who coincidentally lives in a treetop-surrounded home, says places like these often have direct access to nature reserves.

“Walking trails right on your back doorstep further increase the appeal,” she says.

Living closer to nature can require extra work around the home, especially with the arrival of bushfire season.

ACT Fire & Rescue commander fire safety Chris White offers his top tips.

“It’s timely to check and clear gutters of leaves, twigs and other rubbish, and ensure they stay cleared,” he says.

“Any tree branches overhanging your house should also be trimmed, while grassed areas should be kept mown and well-watered throughout the hotter months.”

White says metal fly screens on all windows and vents could also help minimise the risk of ember attack in the case of a bushfire.

“Make sure you have a plan as to what to do if you need to evacuate – and check your home and contents insurance policy to ensure you are covered for extreme weather situations,” he says.

Emergency Survival Plan available at esa.act.gov.au

TOP TIPS

Prepare your home

Clear gutters, remove flammable materials and install metal fly screens and vents. Create a defendable space around your home by removing debris and vegetation, and keep lawns mown and watered.

Stay informed

Monitor weather conditions and fire danger ratings. Have an emergency plan and know how to evacuate if necessary. Double-check that your home and contents insurance covers extreme weather events.

Be vigilant

Keep an eye out for branches that might present a risk to your home should they fall. Regularly inspect your property for other hazards and maintain vegetation around your property.

FEATURE PROPERTY  

12 Marulda Street Aranda

Live among the treetops with birds as neighbours in this contemporary two-storey home nestled at the top of Aranda with a north-facing aspect that ensures you can enjoy nature all year round. 

This light and bright home also offers plenty of space and living options, delivering more than 326 square metres under roof. 

View property

Inside, the floor plan’s flexibility becomes apparent: the lower level houses the minor bedrooms and enough for self-contained living, including a kitchenette, bathroom, rumpus room and living room.

The upper living area offers a study and a main bedroom with a walk-in wardrobe and en suite.

The kitchen-living-dining zone enjoys a north-east aspect with floor-to-ceiling windows framing those stunning views.

The high-spec kitchen will get a big tick with its stone benches, Miele appliances, butler’s pantry and built-in bench seating.

But the home’s standout feature is its huge north-east-facing terrace balcony with breathtaking views across Aranda. This will undoubtedly provide the stage for memorable events with family and friends.

There’s a generous double garage with high ceilings, storage and a wine store. The block also offers plenty of off-street parking, enough for a trailer or boat.

The home sits among established gardens including native plantings, a creek-style water feature and fish ponds – and bonus direct access to local nature trails.

It’s also just a short walk to a popular cafe, a bar and restaurant, and the local primary school.