16 Park St, Inverloch VIC 3996

Walk in and your eyes go straight to the kitchen. Not because it's huge or flashy, but because someone made the brilliant decision to paint the cabinets bright pink. It's bold, it's fun, and somehow it just works in this light-filled coastal space. The mobile island bench can roll wherever you need it — out to the deck for summer barbecues, over by the dining table when you're hosting, back to the kitchen for everyday cooking. It's got built-in power points and lighting, so it's actually useful, not just a good idea.

Living with the sun instead of fighting it

The whole house faces north, soaking up winter sun through floor-to-ceiling windows whilst those big eucalypts outside filter the summer heat. On cool mornings, the place warms itself. On hot days, open the louvred windows and let the sea breeze do its thing. There's reverse-cycle air con for the really extreme days, and a wood heater for those cosy winter nights (bonus: all the leaf litter from the old gums outside = free kindling).

The double glazing throughout cuts heat loss by about 70% in winter, and the full insulation in the walls, floors and ceiling means the place holds its temperature beautifully. Solar panels on the roof often push your electricity bill into credit over summer. You're genuinely looking at running costs about 30% lower than a conventional home this size.

Space that makes sense

Three bedrooms, including a large main bedroom with built-in robes. Two bathrooms — which anyone who's ever had houseguests knows is the dream. The main bathroom's got a proper bathtub for long soaks after beach walks. There's a Euro-style laundry tucked cleverly into the hallway, instantaneous hot water running on LPG (the local supplier is ridiculously quick with deliveries), and even a water filter under the kitchen sink because why not have great drinking water on tap?

The garden that comes with wildlife

The front yard is deliberately wild — a native garden that's become a little ecosystem unto itself. Park Street still has resident koalas, and they occasionally drop by to munch on the manna gums and swamp gums in the garden. Some of these eucalypts are over 80 years old. Possums, kookaburras, wattlebirds, echidnas, blue-tongues... it's like living in a David Attenborough documentary, but quieter.

Out back, there's a more structured garden with veggie beds, an easy-care lawn, and a north-facing deck that flows straight from the living room. It's fully fenced, dog-friendly, and gets sun all day. Morning coffee spot, sunset drinks venue, outdoor dining room — it's all of them.

The big shed at the rear was built as a workshop with undercover outdoor space and heaps of storage. There's rear laneway access if you wanted to adapt it differently.

The location bit

Easy walking distance to the beach. Easy walking distance to town. Easy walking distance to Dirty Three Wines (important). NBN fibre to the curb for working from home. Bins store neatly on the side with gate access to the street. This is one of those homes that's just lovely to live in. Not flashy, not trying too hard — just thoughtfully designed, comfortable year-round, and right where you want to be.

The owners have loved every minute here. Your turn.

For detailed floor plans, 3D virtual tours and additional photos, visit www.16parkstreet.com