On the border of Freo and White Gum Valley, a paved brick driveway leads to a pair of tall wooden gates. Through the gates and down the curved steps is a Mediterranean courtyard, redolent with fragrances of fruit trees, jasmine and frangipani. A murmuring fountain hides behind palms and miniature pine.

Among the many architectural surprises of this thoughtfully designed home is its nest-like construction with the various living areas all on different levels, allowing for comfortable seclusion when preferred, and an organic flow of movement through the house. The big, light-filled bedrooms all have two full-sized windows. The elegant bathroom has a huge bath and a lovely built-in shower.

The open-plan living area with its long cathedral-ceiling is warmed in winter by a wall of north facing windows. The well-appointed cook's kitchen is framed by a gorgeous cluster of Italian-red cabinets.

The secluded garden is a cavalcade of shrubs and bushes, canopied by a stately, flowering Poinciana tree. A hedge of trees affords complete privacy to the property. Overlooking the greenery is a big rustic porch, shaded in the summer by a weave of well-established wisteria and grapevine.

On the south side of the courtyard is a big, limestone studio/bedroom, complete with ensuite and wall-to-wall north facing windows: ideal as a guesthouse, home office, teenage hideaway or simply a room of one's own.

Note the beautifully rendered walls of the main building with its multi-pitched roof where the different angles of a dozen solar panels catch money-saving sunshine all day long.

With off-street parking for two cars, it's only a short stroll to WGV Primary School, Boo Park, the Wray Ave precinct and the centre of town (no more hunting for parking spaces). And it's a five-minute drive to South Beach.

When the gates are open, visitors, friends and family will all appreciate the welcoming character of this lovely home. When you close the gates behind you, it becomes a safe and tranquil sanctuary from a noisy world.

**Disclaimer: * The above information is provided for general information purposes only and may be subject to change. No warranty or representation is made as to the accuracy of the information and all interested parties should make their own independent enquiries relating to the information provided and place no reliance on it. Any chattels depicted or described in the information are not included in the sale unless specified in the Offer and Acceptance.