A Park Orchards property listed by the Barry Plant Group is set to break an all-time record for the suburb with an asking price of $3 Million and no shortage of interested buyers. The Pleysier Perkins-designed home, set on a generous allotment of native landscaping, is indicative of a burgeoning trend towards high quality homes that are geared towards indoor-outdoor living, utilise natural materials, and blend seamlessly with their environment. The property was listed with Barry Plant’s Doncaster East office on February 5th, and Director Spiro Drossos has already been inundated with inquiries. Terra Murus, meaning “earth wall” in Latin, is a home unlike any you've seen before. The four-bedroom four-bathroom house caters for thoroughly modern living, with the entertainment area a focal point. It comes with a 7-star energy rating, a saltwater pool, and a cellar designed for entertaining – not just archiving wines. “This property has really hit the right spot with people,” Spiro said. “I can’t remember ever having so many early queries about a property at this price level. It has generated interest from people all over Melbourne as well as locals.” According to Spiro, the property’s appeal lies partly in the careful inclusion of natural materials such as timber and rammed earth, which are complemented by extensive walls of glass framing lush views. “It’s a highly sophisticated home with a warm feel,” Spiro said. “The earthy tones, the flat roof, the way it blends in with the environment – it’s the kind of property we often see on the Mornington Peninsula, and we’re going to see a lot more of in Australian cities.” And sophisticated it certainly is. The home boasts an impressive catalogue of imported appliances and fittings. Heating, cooling, lighting and curtains are controlled through iPad software, with an option to add Smartphones to the control suite. “The technology allows the owners to control these functions remotely,” Spiro explained. The landscaping style is “Modern Native” – one that is gaining popularity as it achieves the variety of colour and texture associated with exotic gardens, but without the maintenance. “They have very cleverly chosen native plants that work with our climate rather than fighting it,” Spiro said. “Neighbouring homes are not visible from the living areas – you look out onto trees,” Spiro said. “People inspecting the property have commented that it looks like you’re on five acres rather than two-thirds of an acre, and it’s so quiet!” Looking out across the treetops creates a sense of tranquil seclusion, making it hard to believe the home is within walking distance of a vibrant community shopping strip, only ten minutes’ drive from Westfield Shoppingtown, and with excellent access to private schools and transport.