18 Yalgoo Ave, White Gum Valley WA 6162

In an elevated spot surrounded by trees is a serene contemporary home that offers easy, light-filled living in a welcoming neighbourhood in the valley. North-facing open-plan, a series of outdoor spaces, independence between bedroom zones, and even an impressive wine cellar are among the delights of this surprisingly expansive home. The green spaces of Valley Park and Booyeembara are nearby, the primary school is a walk away, and it's a quick drive or ride to central Freo or South Beach.

Native trees and the traditional productive olive tree create a cool, leafy setting, with limestone framing the garden and a shady outdoor sitting area. Through the bright red front door, jarrah floors flow throughout. Tucked away at the front is the master bedroom with en-suite, plantation shutters, and sliding doors to the table among the trees. It's a lovely spot to enjoy the sunset with a bottle from the large cellar, complete with storage system and its own air-conditioning. The home's extensive use of automatic blinds is another great feature for temperature control, and the good news is it's all solar-powered. Northern light floods into the air-conditioned open-plan, facing a long-high-walled courtyard area with a retractable awning to the rammed earth wall. A fine kitchen presides over the space: Corian tops, high-end appliances, and masses of storage, including large walk-in storage in the butler's pantry/laundry behind.

At the rear of the home is a second living room (or office, library, playroom or music room), two bedrooms with ceiling fans and built-in robes, and a blue-and-white bathroom with bath and separate toilet. The outdoor spaces continue, with a private alfresco, a limestone-walled path to another paved area to the south, and a gate to the front garden. It's a great set-up for independent access to the bedroom zone at the rear.