When planning to build their idyllic lifestyle property at Ashbourne, John Todd, a company director, and his wife Diana Todd, who is now retired, envisaged a house that would complement the nature around them.

For both the design and build, they enlisted Angus + Dowie Architecture, who John says is known for their work on wineries.

“We engaged architects that we knew did work in rural areas and gave them a brief that basically said we wanted something that fitted in with the landscape, that had to be able to see outside and just absorb the beautiful surroundings,’ he says.

John says the location was an important element of their new build, adding that the surrounding wildlife brings them a lot of joy.

“It’s very private. We don’t see any neighbours and we don’t get any traffic noise and we’ve got a lot of vegetation on the property,” he tells SALIFE.

“Every day you’re here, the magpies wake us up, or the kookaburras are singing and all the little wrens or finches are pecking around the lawn. It’s just wonderful.”

Completed in 2010, the home’s south-facing aspect takes full advantage of the sunlight, while wide windows provide unparalleled views of surrounding nature.

“We get so much sunlight into the house in the winter; that’s another beautiful thing,” says John

“The views looking outside the house are just dreamlike; they really are.”

Another priority for John and Diana was having separate living areas for themselves and the children and guests, “so that if the guests got up early, they did not disturb us and vice versa”.

Stepping off the porch into the entry hall, you will find the master suite to the left, with its spacious walk-in wardrobe, bathroom and study.

To the right, you will find the open-plan living, dining and kitchen, with large windows and a covered deck looking onto the stunning outdoors.

There are three additional bedrooms, with a family room, a separate bathroom and access to a porch and deck.

In designing the exterior, John and Diana have allowed the natural beauty to shine.

“We’ve used the natural beauty of the place to fit in with the house,” says John.

“Our property borders on the Finniss River and we have a section there where we go and have picnics occasionally; that’s just wonderful.”

John says that the xanthorrhoea grass tree forms the basis of their garden, while a wetland-like dam is home to reeds, ducks and frogs.

Among the other animals you might see on the property are western grey kangaroos, eagles, cockatoos, galahs, magpies, blackbirds, ravens, golden-winged warblers and tawny frogmouths, as well as two alpacas and “two very friendly big cows”.

But after 12 years of living at 133 Parri Wilta Road, Ashbourne, John and Diana are now looking to downsize and move closer to family in Adelaide.

“It’s getting too much for us to manage and we’ve got grandchildren and children that live in Adelaide,” says John.

“If we’re nearer to them, we can see the grandchildren more often.”

John says the couple will miss the scenery and tranquillity the most.

“We’re going to miss it terribly; I think we’ll have tears in our eyes when we move,” he says.

The sale of 133 Parri Wilta Road, Ashbourne is being handled by Georgie Todd and Leah Chandler from Harris Real Estate.