"Welcome to a trendy retreat"

West Australian, New Homes,  16th January 2010

Young kids getting under your feet? Teenagers playing video games/music/you tube on your TV? Feel the need for some “you” space and time? Many people do, so it is little wonder the trend toward a parents’ retreat in affordable homes is growing.

Dale Alcock’s entry is called, cleverly enough, The Retreat and is on display at Ellenbrook. It was entered in the HIA/NAB Perth Housing Awards and the parent’s courtyard is one of its main points.

Reached through a sliding door from the main suite, the area can be used as a spa retreat. Put in a shower. Put in a bath. Whatever takes your fancy can be installed here. In the display it is set off with a tumbling water feature set among mature plants.

“The idea behind The Retreat is bring the secluded comfort of a luxury getaway into an affordable house,” said Dale Alcock. “It is reminiscent of an upmarket hotel suite.”

The other outdoor areas of the home fill two other sides of the property. The main area is set off the main living area of the home and marries outdoor with indoor, being reached by a sliding door. This skillion alfresco area houses a barbecue, all timber decked with a sunken part leading off. It has a cedar ceiling with flush lighting and is two steps down. Leading off from this is another courtyard, cleverly set out with a circular plantation featuring a grass tree, and encircled by a paved walkway.

Semi-circular wooden benches off set this quiet space.

Dale Alcock said: “The retreat paints the picture for many West Australians searching for the resort lifestyle. It is where you close the door behind you and feel protected from the workday stresses and strains.”

And with your own private courtyard, you can see what he means