Property of the week: Elim, a hidden oasis

There is song in the air when you enter through the driveway of this inspiring eco-friendly acreage near Copacabana Beach. ‘Elim’ at 310 Cullens Rd, Kincumber was once part of a large farm where vegetables were grown before plots of land were subdivided. Acreages in the estate are largely unknown to locals – owner Vicki Hopkins said that people were often surprised to discover her little piece of heaven near the beach.

“I moved here to be with my husband four years ago and every time I came from Sydney I would feel so excited,” she said. “It is like a hidden Eden, there is just this sense of peace as soon as you drive in the driveway. You get this hint of the ocean in the distance that calls us for a beach walk or a swim. It is a very special place.” A Biblical term meaning oasis, Elim is an Australiana paradise with rosellas, rainbow lorikeets, bellbirds, kookaburras, wallabies and bilbies to name a few locals.

There is an architectural single-level home, full-sized tennis court and fully self-contained guest house that feature on the rolling green cleared lawns surrounded in bushland. Sunlit decks are immersed in stunning gardens created by Michael Cooke, a renowned landscape gardener that has created some of the coast’s most beautiful and exclusive gardens. Coming to life in spring, there are a huge variety of plants and shrubs, including Lord Howe irises, plumbago and bromeliad’s near the fish pond, and salvia’s, hydrangea’s and aloe’s throwing out pops of colour here and there.

View from the guest house.

There are white crepe myrtles with large cycads at their base, which bring an element of tranquillity. Grevilleas, lilly pilly’s, banksias, gymea lily’s and native grasses add to the Australiana feel. In summer the frangipani’s bloom in abundance. The home has been crafted to take full advantage of its site, oriented and constructed to provide cooling breezes and shade in the summer months while capturing abundant sun during the winter. It’s iconic skillion roofline and use of unique textures and materials has created a light filled haven of immense warmth, style and integrity.

Large windows and open living areas show off the gorgeous surrounds and a well zoned layout includes multiple living areas plus media room. A smartly finished island kitchen includes premium Bosch appliances and there is a fireplace, outdoor kitchen, double garage, and double carport. Vicki said that she loves to sit on the lounge next to her kitchen, which has views of the courthouse. Perfect for an Airbnb set-up, the extra accommodation opens up options for buyers with a bedroom, kitchenette and open-plan living space.