Karen and Matthew Ryan did not have to look far to find their breathtaking home perched overlooking the city and sea at 3 Peppertree Lane, Wattle Park.

The couple has lived around Wattle Park and Stonyfell since 2004, loving the area’s liveability and sense of seclusion in proximity to the city.

“We really like Wattle Park and, as we have purchased new homes, we have gone further and further up the hill to take advantage of the views,” Karen says.

Before they purchased the five-bedroom, three-bathroom home in 2015, Karen and Matthew were ready to make a change and move out of their comfort zone.

“We were actually looking to move to the Adelaide Hills because my husband was determined to get a property up there and refused to even look at this house on the internet when I first saw it,” Karen says.

“We went to see the property in the Hills for the third time and were very close to making an offer. But, when we got there, he thought ‘no’ and gave me a few reasons why he had changed his mind.

“This property happened to be open on the same day so I thought, because we were already out and about, we may as well go and have a look at it.

“He took four or five steps up the driveway and said: ‘yep, this is the one’.”

The couple loved the secluded location surrounded by natural beauty and wildlife, and could see the home had good bones, but a lot of work needed to be done to bring the home into the modern era.

“Everything was very pink,” Karen says. “The carpets and the wood trim – even the ceiling was painted pink.”

The couple began by stripping back the old carpets and giving the walls and ceilings a fresh coat of paint.

From there, they took on the rooms one at a time, transforming the home’s interior into the spacious and bright home they knew it could be.

Karen is most proud of the kitchen’s renovation where they transformed a sun-damaged and rotted room into a spectacular entertaining space with bespoke shaker-style cabinetry, marble countertops, integrated appliances, and a monumental central marble bench with a timber table extension.

“The panelling in the dining area I did myself,” Karen says. “I had seen it on TikTok and YouTube, so I tried it myself and really enjoyed doing it.”

The large master bedroom boasts an abundance of windows offering panoramic views of the home’s surroundings in addition to a lavish ensuite and walk-in robe.

“We had to buy a bedhead that was large enough to fill the room,” Karen says. “I adore laying on the bed and opening the blinds to look out at the view; it has a very peaceful, tranquil vibe.”

An entertainer’s dream, the property boasts spaces for hosting both large parties and intimate gatherings whether rain or shine.

In the summer, guests flock to the deck for parties where they can soak in the sunshine and dive into the saltwater pool. In winter, Karen and Matthew gather their friends around the fire pit to snuggle up in blankets and enjoy pizza from their wood oven.

“On New Year’s Eve, we can see the fireworks from the deck and it is incredible watching the RAAF and F/A-18A planes fly over during the car racing,” Karen says.

“This year was especially great as the jets seemed to fly directly over the house. Being able to watch it twist and turn in the distance was amazing.”

Now that their two children have grown up and flown the nest, Karen and Matthew feel it is time for them to make a change.

“I think that is why we are selling – it is too big for just us and our dog. I think it is time for another family to enjoy it.

“We are looking to build and have a house completely of our own design. We have always wanted to build and, hopefully, it will be our forever home.”

The sale is being handled by Sally Cameron of TOOP+TOOP.