Consider that without a canal, the boardwalk may instead be a lush private courtyard adjoining the master suite through its stacking doors complete with an outdoor spa bath under a shade sail.

Now imagine converting the shade sail terrace into an alfresco space opening off the living room and kitchen. Perhaps a bridge link over a water feature to a thatch roof pavilion in Balinese style instead?

These possibilities and more are made possible by a floor plan that focuses attention on rear living, even from upstairs.

The office offers discreet access to the powder room and is visually connected to the main living space even though separated by a flying staircase over an indoor garden (that receives daylight from the upper story and from beneath the upper floor bridge in the lobby).

It's like having a light spatial sculpture in the middle of the house. Provision is made for lounge furniture and a spacious desk space offers great opportunity for learning, discussion and web browsing, not forgetting coffee and apple strudel.

Behind this internet space and a discreetly concealed store room is the guest suite with its own private courtyard. This is for your stop-over mates, or for Gran and Pop for a week or two - even for temporary live-in help. You have freedom to use this space at will.

Views from the upper lounge are down into living spaces and across to the kitchen, and vice versa. The stair is direct between the two. The result is twin living spaces on two levels which on one hand separate the two bedroom wings while on the other hand uniting them. If parental attendance on kids at night is still needed them access is direct.

The kids rooms are huge, easily accepting queen size beds. Talk about spoiled, there's room for a bath and a twin rain head shower.

We argued an upper balcony in place of the roof over the guest suite. It is possible, but the charm of this house is its prime focus to the rear, whether a canal dock and a cruiser, or lavish gardens that beg your pleasure.

From its King size master suite, 2 oversize Queen bedroom suites, a self contained guest suite and vertically connected living spaces focussed on canal living, this house is deceptively simple in plan but with a beguiling essence that commands attention. The design has a distinctive street presence and room to indulge an opulent lifestyle. ?