Living large: Why Canberra buyers are considering big homes

Buyers like the options that big blocks can offer, whether they be in Canberra or convenient to it.

Andrew Nelson of Independent Woden, who lists this week’s Goulburn feature property, says it is a case in point.

“It’s a magnificent offering, sitting on some two hectares of immaculately landscaped grounds,” he says.

“That provides a lot of outdoor options along with a high level of privacy – both sought-after features in this kind of lifestyle property.”

Nelson says country properties like this, in the exclusive Run-O-Waters development, offer a retreat that’s perfect for a growing family or as an unrivalled short-term rental.

“It’s got a beautiful aspect, a sense of space and offers a relaxed, country lifestyle,” he says.

Steve Lowe of Agent Team Canberra says much of the appeal of big blocks is driven by changing family needs.

“For example, many first-home buyers bought into the Gungahlin region on blocks of, say, 350 square metres,” he says.

“As families began and expanded, those home owners began to look to the bigger land offerings in those longer-established suburbs that can be found in, say, the Belconnen region.

“These older-style homes are often on 1000-square-metre-plus blocks and offer plenty of space for children, pets, and parking areas for work vehicles, caravans, trailers and more.”

Lowe says bigger blocks also deliver heightened privacy and the option to include amenities like pools and even secondary residences for extended family or short-term rental.

• Motivation: The biggest driver for more outdoor space is changing needs, most often connected to family growth, both for recreation and practicality.
• Amenity: Big suburban blocks or lifestyle country properties offer the potential to include a wide range of amenities – perhaps a swimming pool or maybe a tennis court. The only limitation is imagination.
• Utility: Large blocks can also meet more practical needs. For example, extra garaging space or off-road parking for a work vehicle, trailer, caravan or heavy machinery.

Check out our top pick of homes:

Goulburn

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“Classically elegant” best describes this outstanding Goulburn lifestyle property, set on two hectares of landscaped grounds within the exclusive Run-O-Waters estate, just seven kilometres from the CBD.

The classic lines of this home echo those of the district’s historic grand estates, yet this residence was built just over 20 years ago.

External features include French doors, deep verandahs and a steeply pitched steel roof with dormer windows.

This home is certainly grand in scale, offering about 528 square metres of living. It’s being sold with all its French provincial-style furnishings and fittings.

The tour begins with a grand double-door entry that leads into a substantial foyer, highlighted by Italian porcelain tiles and a chandelier with a ceiling rose.

A study (or possible bedroom) is to the right. The floor plan then leads through formal living areas to the kitchen, family room and conservatory.

The lounge is generous with coffered ceilings, deep skirtings, a gas fireplace and a bay window while the formal dining space could easily seat 10.

Contemporary finishes and fittings in the kitchen include stone benchtops, polyurethane cabinetry and coloured glass splashbacks. Miele appliances abound, including a coffee maker, microwave, wall oven and dishwasher.

Parents will enjoy the main bedroom suite with a luxe en suite including a spa bath. There’s a second bedroom and bathroom on this level, while upstairs are two further generous bedrooms, a media room and a third bathroom.

Price guide: $3.8 million-$4.2 million

Private sale

Agent: Independent Woden, Andrew Nelson 0417 217 169

Or try these:

Googong

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Price guide: $1.595 million

Private sale

Agent: White Rhino Property Googong-Queanbeyan-Jerrabomberra, Brendan Halls 0449 795 828

Kingston

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Price guide: $730,000+

Auction: 11:30am, February 4

Agent: Timothy Road, Tim McInnes 0401 097 568

Macarthur

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Auction: 12:30pm, February 11

Agent: Agent Team Canberra, Steve Lowe 0414 720 532