Located atop an abandoned 1904 fort on Porter Hill, Esmond Dorney’s Porter Hill House is the Hobart home of your dreams. The current Porter Hill House, built in 1978, is actually the third built on the site, the earlier two having been destroyed by bushfire.

The petal-like roof and floor-to-ceiling windows are an exercise in planning perfection that makes the most of the sun – and the panoramic views of the Derwent River and Southern Ocean – all year round. Furniture is barely required; the living room seating is built-in steps around a fire pit – perfect for small or large gatherings. You’re in the landscape up here, and you feel part of it too.

Address: 29 Gardenia Grove, Sandy Bay

Highlights: Fire pit, view of Derwent Estuary, petal roof

Building specs: Type: House. Year Built: 1978. Architects: Esmond Dorney