A hidden earth home carved into the foot of a hill with drawbridges, a "living" grass roof and a private lake set across a sprawling 25ha has hit the market in Perth’s north.
The six bedroom, six bathroom marvel known as ‘The Earth House’ was the realisation of a dream for Tani Richards and her husband Tim, who began planning the residence in 2018.
“I've always wanted to live in a cave. I just feel really safe, protected - clear of all the mad things going on outside, and create that beautiful safe haven,” Mrs Richards told realestate.com.au.
93 Wilson Road, Bullsbrook is on the market. Picture: realestate.com.au
“It was not too much of a stretch to excavate down behind the dam through the winter creek and create my own cave, I guess an underground cannon, and that came together quite well, and with all the engineering and the amazing waterproofing products out there now.”
Built to be smoke proof, Mrs Richards ensured the home at 93 Wilson Road, Bullsbrook was built to be protected from the area’s bushfire risks.
“That's my big factor, being close to the water, so the rivers in front of us, the dams are on the northern side of us, and we've got all these beautiful granite boulders overlooking where we are, it just felt like the right thing to do,” she said.
The home wraps around a massive private lake. Picture: realestate.com.au
“We had a fire two months ago, and it was directly over the road from us, and it came right down to the road and I was sitting opposite, just watching it next to my river… (thinking) ‘I don’t have any problems here I can just go 50 metres up to my house, bring my horses in, lock everybody inside’.”
The interior blends a gothic and industrial aesthetic, comprising what has been dubbed ‘the commercial wing’ with four bedrooms each with a full ensuite, and ‘a private sanctuary,’ which is home to the master suite, where the walk-in robe can be converted to a sixth bedroom.
The iconic property has incredible thermal performance with a "living" grass roof. Picture: realestate.com.au
The property’s long list of highlights include a wine cellar and secret room, a living grass roof that could be used as a spot for exercise, or an entertaining space, while a huge garage/workshop area featuring custom made arched doors could be a place to store cars or machinery.
The home's layout is designed for both grand hosting and private retreat. Picture: realestate.com.au
Sales agent Simon Bird from Sherlock Homes Group said the listing has garnered immense buyer interest.
“A lot of people are curious, a lot of people are asking questions, who's lived there before? Was it owned by a celebrity? Does Bruce Wayne live there?” he said
“There are some genuine buyers out there with capacity that are interested to look at it.”
The kitchen featured rich timber cabinetry and gothic-arched windows that frame the views. Picture: realestate.com.au
The home's mythical elements include functional drawbridges, a wine cellar with a secret room, and a cascading internal waterfall. Picture: realestate.com.au
Mrs Richards - who has plans for a similar project on a smaller scale - said she feels satisfied her vision for Earth Castle came to life.
“Even the river tunnel - which nobody's ever done before - …the sense of satisfaction that I actually achieved what I really wanted, in between the ideas, the planning from our architect and the people who said, ’Oh, can’t do that’,” she said.
One of the home's 7 bathrooms. Picture: realestate.com.au
The home is on the market via an ‘All Offers Presented’ campaign.
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