Couple happy to be Home, sweet home

by Emily Sobey (courtesy the Courier)

THE boxes are unpacked and the furniture is in after Nik and Corinne Malesevic moved into The Ballarat Foundation’s charity home.

The couple relocated from Melbourne to their new home, located in Alfredton’s The Chase.

The seven-star, low energy home was built to support the foundation, which benefits the community through philanthropic activities.

The home was built last year through a partnership with the Integra Group and the University of Ballarat .

Local and national suppliers also supported the project, while PRD Jens Gaunt sold the home charging no commission.

After it was completed, about 4000 people walked through its doors as a display home.

The aim was to provide builders, potential buyers and the community with low-energy and sustainable living ideas.

For Mr Malesevic, this was “a selling point” for the couple, who chose the home for its “extra bits and pieces and good area”.

The Ballarat Foundation chief executive Noel Trengove said the home featured everything from solar devices to double-glazed windows, with most of the fittings donated.

“It’s a very happy outcome for this couple, with the funds back into the foundation,” he said.