The month in review: South West WA

By Herron Todd White
September 2016

Situated in the picturesque south-west corner of Australia, the South West region is known for its extensive natural beauty and enviable climate. The region covers an area of 23,970 square kilometres and has a typically Mediterranean climate with pleasant summer months and winter rainfall.

Bordered by the Indian and Southern oceans, the region’s coastline features some of the best surfing beaches in the country, towering forests and established wine regions.

The region boasts superb restaurants and a thriving arts community with numerous galleries showcasing the works of talented artisans. Other attractions include national parks, beaches, wineries and ecotourism sites that have credited the South West region as the most popular tourist destination outside Perth.

The South West region has a variety of housing options to suit singles, couples and families. As well as traditional single storey houses, people have the choice of living in the growing number of units, villas, lifestyle villages and rural retreats being developed around the region.

There are a number of older homes in the region given its farming background, some of which have heritage significance. These older character homes from the early 1900s, many of which are timber weatherboard in construction, have been tastefully renovated and extended. However these are considered to be in the minority. The majority of older properties along the coastline particularly those with views of the ocean have been demolished and replaced with modern architecturally designed homes. As such there is not a style of home that can be considered typical for the region.

Project style homes abound in the newly released subdivisions which are typical of the majority across the country