Community Profile – December 14, 2017

After camping for many summers at Queens Park and then renting holiday houses, 20 years ago David bought land just out of town. Three years later, he and Warwick Yates, a local builder, designed and built a house that sits so naturally in the bush it looks like it grew there. Made of 90 per cent recycled timber with no plaster and only minimum new boards, it is a masterpiece in design and workmanship. Almost every component has a story attached to it, from floor, beams, rafters, counter top and doors. David sourced most of it from a company in Echuca. An elaborate sprinkler system has been installed around the house to give it every chance to survive in a bushfire.

A large deck with an ocean view and a barbecue help to entertain friends.

David worked in the corporate world for 15 years. He then bought a guest house in St Kilda, renovated and operated it for 17 years, before selling it three years ago to an American university for student accommodation.

He lives in Melbourne with his partner, Lesley, but spends three to four days a week at his Lorne bush retreat.

David’s home has never been connected to the electricity grid. He sources his power from solar panels which store power in his large 24 V DC battery system. The power is converted to 240 V AC through an inverter.

David’s passion is travelling and lists Europe, South and Central America as favourites. He enjoys reading, swimming and riding a mountain bike around the bush surrounding Lorne. He is a member of the Aquatic Club.

CW