Imagine living in a house, with no internal doors and showering in a magnificent glass dome, for all of nature to see.
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This is Hugh and Lyn Ellis’ slice of paradise and one of Eugowra’s best kept secrets.
Set amongst a backdrop of lucerne and native pastures sits Kiembah, an iconic Australian homestead with a thought-provoking architectural design.
Originally drawn up by world renowned architect John Andrews in 1980, Kiembah’s ecological efficiency was well ahead of its time or “out there” as Hugh puts it.
An energy tower in the centre of the house supplies water throughout the house and water tanks at each corner of the house are designed so that the air is cooled as it flows into the homestead.
Inside, the open living plan means that from almost any standing point you can see into all rooms of the house.
Timber is a major feature in Kiembah with celery top pine lining the ceiling and internal walls made of brush box.
The gourmet kitchen uses Eugowra granite for the bench top and from there kitchen hands have an impressive view of the striking fireplace, a feature in the heart of the living room.
The biggest talking point of the homestead however is the shower, hands down.
Jutting out of the house into the garden, is the ‘dome’ shower which sees a marble floor descend into the ground not unlike a Roman bath.
With no doors inside the homestead and a bathroom visible to all birds and passers by, Hugh says the lack of privacy is something “you get used to”.
“We just have showers really early in the morning or late at night,” he says.
The Ellis’ moved to the property 6km from Eugowra from Bedgerabong in 2009 in search of higher rainfall for their stock.
They haven’t looked back.
“It is quite a daunting experience moving from where you are comfortable and have lived for 30 years, but having done it, I would recommend it,” he says.
“I think you can get a bit stale and the change has reinvigorated us and we are thoroughly enjoying the challenge.
“It’s a stunning part of the world to live in.”
As well as feeding 1200 ewes and 60 Angus cattle on their 2500 acre property, the Ellis’ also operate a bed and breakfast.
The property features a cottage, an old 1925 homestead and ‘Seldom Seen’ guesthouse replete with an inground pool, spa and hidden cellar.
All three guest retreats have access to a tennis court, and panoramic views of dramatic rocky hills and valley.
Kiembah attracts visitors from all over the world and Hugh says both he and Lyn operate different aspects of the business.
“Lyn has a flair for decorating and I am the home handyman - never out of work,” he says.
