Description
Our home is a single level ranch style - about 17 years old - and is located on 3 acres.
We originally had 4 bedrooms but one has since been converted into an office. The office houses our computer which is connected to broadband internet.
Our main bedroom includes an ensuite,and we have a large sliding glass door which opens up onto a veranda overlooking the landscaped garden. The main bathroom has recently been renovated and includes both bath and shower. This bathroom overlooks a heavily wooded area at the rear of the house.
Our lounge includes a large brick fireplace,which is seldom used,and a sliding glass door, again,opens up onto the veranda.We have TV,Video,DVD in this room. We also have a separate TV and Video in one of the other bedrooms.
The kitchen is primarily Tasmanian Oak with large fridge/freezer and dishwasher. We also have a separate dining room overlooking the front garden although,informal meals can be taken in the kitchen or on the veranda.
Because of our rural setting all rooms have views into the garden,so the local wildlife can be seen at will.
Neighborhood
Our neighbourhood can best be described as rural/residential and most properties have a minimum of 3 acres,with an abundance of native trees. In fact,it's difficult to see another house whilst sitting on our veranda which illustrates the wooded nature of the area.
Sheldon is known for its wildlife and is in a protected koala corridor. Whilst not a regular occurance we see koalas in our gum trees,and,occasionally on all fours walking the garden. Several wallabies have also taken up residence in the wooded area at the rear of our house,so it is not unusual to see them hopping through the property. Birdlife,of course,is in abundance.
We are a 10 minute car drive to a major shopping centre so,although we enjoy the tranquility of acreage living all mod cons are on our door step. It is,however,important to point out that our bus service is fairly infrequent and,therefore,we see a car as an essential commodity.
The bayside and harbour suburbs are only 15 minutes away,where there are numerous restaurants for alfresco dining,or simply dropping in for coffee on the boardwalk. The bayside suburb of Manly also provides many kilometres of waterfront walks with beautiful views over Moreton Bay.
The Gold Coast beaches are less than an hour away,with Surfers Paradise being the main tourist attraction. If you are looking for less commercialised areas then a visit to the Sunshine Coast - approx 90 minutes away - provides a great alternative. Road access to Northern and Southern beaches is via long stretches of highway so travelling is quite stress free.
If you wish to visit a more sophisticated shopping environment then the centre of Brisbane is only 30 minutes away. A bus service operates from our local shopping centre,and we also have a rail connection located adjacent to the bay.
A 3 litre Toyota automatic is available as part of the exchange offer.
About Us
My wife Beryl,and myself are both originally from England,although we have been in Australia for 37 years.
Beryl is now retired having spent much of her working life in the hospital system. She originally qualified as a kindergarten teacher but moved across to general nursing after leaving England.
She continues to play tennis every week and is also an enthusiastic member of a local gardening club.
I retired recently,after spending many years in the management of import/wholesale companies. As a younger man I played soccer,both in England and Australia,and,whilst still fit enough,transferred my interests to coaching at junior level. As the years rolled on I developed a passion for golf and now play twice a week.
We are both fairly well travelled and have previously been involved in house exchanges. Only two weeks ago (Nov 2007) we returned from the UK having completed a successful 3 month exchange.
We have two children,Leighanne and David,who have now moved from home, although still frequent visitors when a free dinner is on offer.
Destination
Preferred destination in Australia is W.A. or Tasmania.
Dates can be flexible.
