IT was a bit of a scorcher when I went to Beaconsfield last week, so I was happy to feel the temperature plummet as I walked inside this Gibson Street home.

But it wasn’t down to air conditioning: this five-bedroom house is a green monster with polished concrete floors, cross ventilation, four rainwater tanks and solar panels.

You’ll be glad to hear that none of this detracts from the grace of this contemporary family home.

Sitting on a generous 809sqm block, there’s room for the Brady Bunch, including a “maids” wing for Alice with bedroom, bathroom and sitting room.

The open-plan is an enormous space with a wall of glass set under a cathedral ceiling, ensuring plenty of natural light.

Two bold feature walls contrast with the white colour scheme and the marble-flecked concrete floors.

The large, well-equipped kitchen has loads of storage, including a floor-to-ceiling pantry, cupboards and masses of bench space.

Alfresco entertaining doesn’t get any better with a protected barbecue kitchen and sitting area overlooking a below-ground pool.

There are four bedrooms on the ground floor, along with a cosy TV room that leads to the rear garden.

The main bedroom, with its en suite and walk-in-robe, is on the second floor and has a huge balcony with ocean glimpses.

Next door is an equally spacious activity room that would make a terrific art studio.

There’s a couple of primary schools nearby and Fremantle College  is a five-minute bike ride away.

A small shopping and medical precinct is also close at hand, and it’s only a six minute drive to South Beach.

by JENNY D’ANGER

81 Gibson Street, Beaconsfield
from $975,000
Mary Burns 0413 749 944
dethridgeGROVES Real Estate 9336 1166