"Resort Ambience"

Sunday Times, Home Magazine, 25th January

The Retreat. If the name doesn't say it all, then the outdoor bathroom in this Dale Alcock Homes display certainly does. With its stone tub, tropical plants, waterfall and timber decking, this wow-factor display feature may not be within everyone's budget but it certainly spells out the intention of the Retreat's resort-inspired design.

Dale Alcock, managing director of Dale Alcock Homes, says while the stone bath is not a standard inclusion, it illustrates what can be done to make a home feel like a luxurious South-West hideaway. Think Bunker Bay and Empire Retreat.

"Bathrooms today have taken on another meaning, with the bathroom being place of tranquillity and relaxation after a hard day's work" Dale says.

If a soak under the starts isn't on the cards, the Retreat offers a splendid indoor bathroom complete with extra-large square shower and double basins.

"The double vanity and basins remain a strong focus when looking at design" Dale says.The indulgent resort-style ambience continues throughout this Ellenbrook display home, including in the kitchen.

Light, open and airy, it has been dresses with two wine chillers ready to receive a batch of Margaret River favourites.

Illustrating how this area of the home has been earmarked as a real entertainer's domain, the design also includes a large island bench around which family and friends can gather.

"The kitchen is one of the main hubs of the family home. From breakfast on a weekend, to homework after school, it's an environment that is used a lot" Dale says.

With its disguised range hood, stone benchtops, stainless steel appliances, masses of drawers, large pantry, feature-lit floating shelves and built-in coffee maker, this kitchen is no slouch in the design stakes.

Vertical slats have been used to create a divider that separates the kitchen from the passageway to the master bedroom without hemming in the space.

The laid-back South-West style is also evident in the sunken home theatre where the Dale Alcock design team has opted for natural materials to enhance the resort look.

There is a chunky limestone wall the separates the theatre room from the main living and dining area. If has been used to incorporate a modern heater set in a glass box which allows the flame to be seen on three sides.

The room invites you to put your feet up and relax on a chilly winter's evening.

Summer fun is assured as well in the Retreat. The alfresco has been extended in the display home to showcase just how effective a free-standing pergola can be.

A dining table and built-in barbecue have been placed in the outdoor area under the main roof, while an additional structure with a timber-lined sloping ceiling creates a fabulous outdoor lounge with feature limestone-effect pillars to match those in the home theatre.

An optional water tank illustrates the Retreat's green credentials, and solar orientation and cross ventilation have been taken into account in the home's design.

There are three minor bedrooms to one side of the home, each with built-in wardrobes. One looks out to the veranda, which has plenty of room to sit and watch the world go by.