Putting on the glitz

The Australian dream of owning your own home is still alive and well it's just that the focus has shifted. It used to be that the city was somewhere you went to conduct business, or maybe for a day's outing, but come the end of the day you headed back to the comforting embrace and wide open spaces of the suburbs.

However, as lifestyles have changed, more and more people are trading in the view of theback yard for one of bright lights.

This shift has seen the establishment of some innovative companies catering to homeownerswanting the ease of apartment living withoutsacrificing the spaciousness that a house affords, says Rori Homes director Mark Pettenuzzo.

"Homeowners are realising that they can combine business with pleasure to create the lifestyle they want in a city setting."

The Melbourne penthouse featured on these pages is a true example of that, as it was designed to be both a living and entertaining space.

"The home is the result of amalgamating two neighbouring apartments into one all encompassing environment," says Pettenuzzo.

"Specially designated spaces include the entertaining area with commercial-size bar, the formal lounge and dining for intimate occasions, and informal areas for day-to-day living. There is also a library, gymnasium and office with boardroom."

The penthouse is one of several designer projects carried out by Rori Homes, which specialises in building architecturally designed homes, as well as designer extensions and renovations. The company also has expertise in specialist items such as pools and landscaping.

For details, contact Rori Homes, PO Box 754, Belgrave, Victoria, 3160, phone (03) 9756 0456, fax (03) 9756 0459. Email: info@rorihomes.com.au. Website: www.rorihomes.com.au.

Story by: Trendsideas