Bob's Tree House

Bob Prudhoe is an electrical engineer, with an MA in systems engineering and a post-graduate diploma in heating, ventilation and air-conditioning. In 1992, while he was working toward a PhD on alternative energy systems, his Tibetan-style home burnt down. Although devastated, Bob decided that he would build another house, and the next one would be even better.

Eumering

The new house is just across the road from the old one. Its name, 'Eumering', means the ring of energy that ties us all together. Bob has travelled extensively. He has lived with Yogis in the Himalayas, camped alone in Alaska with grizzly bears and humpback whales, and studied Mayan relics in Guatemalan jungles. The house is symbolic of his journey through life, his affinity with nature and his experiences of different cultures, religions and art forms. It also reflects his need to express himself creatively after the death of his mother, who was his best friend.

Lofty design

Bob has extended and transformed a property which was originally the Warburton station master's house, and then a youth hostel. He has added tree houses, miniature temples, stained glass windows, Tibetan prayer flags and totem poles, as well as sculptures and carvings of tigers, dragons and eagles. The house has many windows and carved, purple-rimmed eyes which symbolise the deepening of individual consciousness.

Recycled materials and secondhand timber were used in the construction of the house. Bob carves and hand paints all the interesting design elements. The tree houses were built without using nails, screws or bolts. The doors and windows in the tree houses reflect the twisted and knotted branches and trunks in the trees they face.

Gum leaf virtuoso

Bob has regular parties, and loves to fill Eumering with friends, laughter and music. On the day Burke's Backyard visited, we were treated to a rendition of 'Home Among the Gum Trees' by Jeff Wilmott, the 2001 Australian Gum Leaf Playing Champion.

Jeff won his title at a national competition held in April in South Australia. According to Jeff the gum leaf is the hardest musical instrument to play. His tip for beginners is to start with a rose petal, which is easier to get a tune from, then progress to gum leaves. Jeff, who is partially sighted, has been playing the gum leaf for 17 years. He plays several other instruments as well including the guitar, fiddle, didgeridoo and Irish drum. He also plays, makes and sells ocarinas, which are small clay flutes. Jeff's flutes are available at the St Kilda Markets, held each Sunday at St Kilda in Melbourne.

Contact information

Jeff Wilmott
2001 Australian Gum Leaf Playing Champion
Phone: (03) 5966 5949

Copyright CTC Productions 2001