Determined to find a waterside retreat where they could indulge two of their passions — sailing and the bush — Felicity and Matt Powell had dreams of buying a house near the beach at Pittwater in Sydney.

However, the couple, who met 15 years ago while backpacking around Europe, soon realised property prices around this area were out of their budget. They continued their search along the Parramatta River and came across the tranquil suburb of Putney. Here, they found a wonderful Federation-style timber cottage in need of renovation. It ticked all the right boxes: a stone’s throw away from the river, near to a sailing club, and a backyard large enough to create their own private bushland. Perfect.

Felicity — an amateur sculptor with a keen eye for scale, space and style, coupled with a work ethic strong enough to tackle any large project — set about recreating the relaxed atmosphere of the northern beaches, with her own timber “love shack” in the back. It’s a fabulous place for their kids, Amelia and Angus to lay in and also for her and Matt to entertain. “We’re big on food,” Felicity says, “and the odd night that’s gone on too long!”

Perfect on every level

The garden has a series of clever level spaces which multi-task beautifully — for riding the scooter, relaxing in a hammock with a good bo0k or simply sitting back and admiring the water feature.

There are two generous decks that extend from the home’s living area and kitchen, a boardwalk that links the bedrooms to the outside, and a paved area that incorporates the glistening water feature, built-in bench seating (with storage) and a crepe myrtle. It makes a stunning feature tree and also provides excellent shade, creating a private and relaxing spot to unwind. From here the garden gently winds its way up to the back of the block, past a self-contained yurt — the “love shack”, as Felicity calls it — and through some huge mature trees including a large liquidambar and an enormous turpentine. Rather than grumble about fallen leaves or mess, Felicity and the kids have made great play areas in the trunks and branches, with flying foxes, swings and a trampoline all nestled in or under the limbs of the trees.

The further back you go, the less formal the garden becomes, with gracious sweeps of natives like grey flax lily and hybrid grevilleas, punctuated by grass trees and beautiful Gymea lilies dotted amongst the sandstone paths and drystone walling.

Garden fresh

Felicity’s passion for food makes its way out into the garden. She has a chicken coop for fresh eggs, and a kitchen garden with espaliered (flat or walled) citrus trees, fresh herbs such as mint and parsley, and picking greens all at her disposal. Not surprisingly, Felicity’s favourite spot (and that of the family’s border terrier, Gidget) is the window seat in the kitchen. Why? It looks out across their beautiful bush backyard, or course.

For more great ideas and practical solutions for your home see http://www.reallivingmag.com.au/