HIDDEN away between two neighbouring houses, this cosy family home can only be described as a peaceful hidden gem.

The peaked roofed house may not look so special at first glance, but it isn’t the outside which provides its unusual character.

Despite looking Australian on the outside, the inside is a different story.

This tidy family-oriented house hosts the essence of both mountain and beach in a combination that could only be Freo made.

Stone floors and the light creamy walls remind me of rural houses in the south of France. While standing in the main dining area I can imagine myself tucked away in a small village of the Pyrenees, surrounded by 3000m peaks. The atmosphere is warm and cosy and the French double doors let northern winter light slip in. The whole central area faces north, a real advantage in winter for shiverers like me.

Stone from the main rooms combine with dark timber floors in the hallway, a sublime combination that keeps bringing the midi-Pyrenees image to mind.  I can imagine antique timber furniture, soft carpets and warm colours in the decor, all helping to create this image of rural alpine home.

It almost reminds me of a little ski resort hotel I used to spend my childhood summers at in Les Angles, France. It only lacks a timber balcony filled with red geraniums facing the mountains.

Despite the bucolic look, the main bedroom has all you’d want: its own walk-in wardrobe, with plenty of storage for shoe lovers like me, and access to a small private study. There are two more bedrooms for children or, for those sans kinder, handy home offices.

The outdoor area offers green lawn, an alfresco paved dining area and two big sheds.

What stands out, however, is the thatched tiki umbrella on top of a little elevated balcony area that adds beach essence, a reminder that Hilton is just a few minutes from the beautiful coast.

by MARTA PASCUAL JUANOLA

7A Howson St, Hilton
Early to mid $600s
Rebekah Voss-Jamieson 0428 175 643
Locate Real Estate 9335 9007