The house at 18 Temira Cres, Larrakeyah. Image: realestate.com.au
A Larrakeyah home known for its musical Christmas light show is going under the hammer this month.
The two-storey red brick entertainer at 18 Temira Cres, Larrakeyah features contemporary interiors that extend to outdoor living and beautiful tropical gardens to the front and rear.
The bedrooms are on the ground floor, upstairs there is a huge open-plan living space and the striking front facade with curved staircase is ideal for displaying Christmas lights.
The owner couple bought the property 23 years ago and completely renovated it in 2017.
“My husband and I raised our three children here,” the woman said.
“We liked the size, the location and the fact that it is made of solid brick.
“All the interior walls were also made of solid brick, so it was pleasantly quiet even when the children were playing music in their bedrooms.”
The home has numerous outdoor entertaining areas. Image: realestate.com.au
The upstairs terrace overlooks the pool and gardens. Image: realestate.com.au
In 2011, the couple renovated the pool and added new decking and a porch.
The woman said they then “basically rebuilt” the house in 2017.
“We gutted it and completely renovated it – new electrical, new plumbing, new ceilings,” she said.
“It was built in the late ’60s and we tried to stay true to that era while making it modern.
“We put small mosaics in both bathrooms as accent tiles, but we put them on the wall, whereas in the ’60s the mosaics would have been on the floor.”
They built a new laundry room where the master bathroom was located and created a new bath with a two-way toilet that was lockable from the bedroom and accessed from the downstairs entertainment area.
“I love every part of the property, especially the large living areas and the balcony,” the woman said.
“And I’m really going to miss the butler’s pantry.”
The living area on the upper floor is equipped with slatted benches. Image: realestate.com.au
The new kitchen features a hidden butler’s pantry. Image: realestate.com.au
On the ground floor there is a veranda, living room, laundry room and a new family bathroom with bath and shower.
The master bedroom has a walk-in robe and an en-suite bathroom with dual sinks, a double shower, a side laundry chute and a separate toilet.
The three remaining bedrooms have built-in robes and access to the back porch overlooking the pool and back deck.
Indoor and outdoor stairs lead up to the expansive indoor/outdoor living space that occupies the second level.
There is a huge open plan living, dining and kitchen area leading through French doors onto the front and back verandahs.
The modern kitchen features sleek cabinetry, stone countertops and a hidden butler’s pantry with sink, refrigerator and ample storage.
On this level there is also a study and a guest toilet.
The covered terrace overlooks the pool and offers plenty of space for the barbecue and garden furniture.
Downstairs there is the in-ground pool and surrounding terrace with plenty of space for parties.
The upstairs living area opens to the front porch. Image: realestate.com.au
The pool is surrounded by stunning tropical gardens. Image: realestate.com.au
“We celebrated a lot of family Christmases here and were also involved in the Darwin Choral choir. That’s why we often had after-show parties here where we had hundreds of people on the terrace,” said the owner.
The property also features a double carport, enclosed garden and landscaped tropical gardens.
“My husband is responsible for the beautiful gardens,” said the owner.
“It’s his passion and he’s really gotten into it since we retired.
“We left the old laundry room (on the back porch) for gardening.”
Speaking of passions, the couple’s son used the house to pursue his passion for Christmas lights.
“It started in 2020,” the owner said.
“One day we came home and (our son) was measuring our house for Christmas lights.
“He saw these light displays and decided to do it at Mom and Dad’s house because our house was ideal for it.
“Originally it was just a fence and a house, and that evolved into a nature strip, a carport and an open driveway.”
The house in all its Christmas splendor. Image: Facebook
The sets for the incredible show were hand-built and synchronized with music, creating a show that attracted viewers from even rural areas.
“We had a family that traveled from Girraween or Herbert every Friday night,” the owner said.
“They brought a blanket and food and watched for hours.”
Since the home is now on the market, the showing will not take place this year.
Unless a buyer makes an offer on both the house and the lighting.
“The lights are for sale, so a buyer is welcome to make a deal,” the owner said.
She said the Christmas lights were one of the things she would miss most about her home.
“All the neighbors came and watched and we talked,” she said.
“We also used to sing Christmas carols with a group and invite the neighbors to sit in the front and listen.”
DETAILS OF THE PROPERTY
Address: 18 Temira Cres, Larrakeyah
Bedrooms: 4
Bathroom: 2
Parking spaces: 2
Auction: Tue, Oct. 27, 5:30 p.m
Agents: Andrew Harding, 0408 108 698, Evie Radonich, 0439 497 199, Ray White Darwin