RED poinciana petals were scarlet jewels on the rich green grass and soaring trees everywhere turned this lovely cul de sac, off a cul de sac, into an enchanted forest.

Cheyne Walk is an area of Applecross I haven’t ventured into before and it was a delight, as was this fantastic four-bedroom home I discovered there.

Built by the vendor in 1981, you can feel the love that went into this family home, as you step from the covered portico into a cavernous formal lounge.

Raw brick, hand-made and beautifully textured in tones of red, brown and black were one of the last batches from Midland Brick Works and they have been used to gorgeous effect in walls that soar from ground level to a mezzanine high overhead.

Black slate floors and a golden timbered and beamed ceiling, add to an air of an exclusive private club.

The open fire is cleverly designed to pump warm air from vents set in the brick, something it does so well the whole house is warm as toast, despite the large open areas, according to the vendor.

The informal living areas are semi-open, creating a sense of cosy, intimacy without losing any of the spaciousness. And floor-to-ceiling glass ensures garden views whether in the living area, kitchen or dining nook.

The kitchen is huge, with soft timber cupboards and a sweep of bench space, and a big walk-in pantry.

Alfresco entertaining doesn’t get any better than the lower terrace of the lush garden, with its pizza oven.

Three of the bedrooms are on the lower level, all double, while the main is upstairs, where a pleasant sitting room looks down onto the formal lounge and a balcony overlooks a forest of trees in neighbouring properties.

Sitting on 731sqm there’s room for the kids to play, but when the game needs more room Cheyne Walk is so quiet the gang gathers for street cricket or footy.

by JENNY D’ANGER

7 Cheyne Walk, Applecross
$1.45–$1.55 million
Fleur Hartley |0459 020 874
Nathan Hewitt | 0411 695 313
Yard Property | 9339 1006