Enjoy outdoor living through all the seasons in this Gowrie home

Outdoor living has become a way of life, but those ways of enjoying all things al fresco are rapidly expanding as home owners create new zones of experience.

Sure, the covered outdoor kitchen-dining area still reigns supreme, but beyond that, there are plenty of nooks around the home to enjoy any time of day or season.

Bree Prince of Hive Property, who lists this week’s Gowrie feature property, says its owners have incorporated different experiences.

“There’s a front courtyard ideal for a morning cuppa and an indoor atrium that’s perfect for a quiet read,” she says.

“An outdoor entertaining area draws in the guests while a fire-pit area is perfect for conversation and taking in the views.”

Prince says home owners are really thinking about how they want their outdoor spaces to work for them.

“Perhaps a play area for the kids, maybe a fitness zone for other family members – anything goes.”

Jacob Stanton of The Property Collective says home owners are thinking more broadly about how they use their outdoor spaces.

“The main entertaining space is becoming even more sophisticated in terms of outdoor kitchens, all weather enclosures and more,” he says.

“And other areas are being used creatively – some needing significant investments, others as just good spots to enjoy.”

Stanton says that bigger-ticket items include pools and spas, but the wellness trend has also welcomed more affordable ice baths.

“But others just want a spot for a quiet moment, maybe take in a view,” he says. “That’s about an emotional connection.”

Great outdoors

Lifestyle

We’ve moved on significantly since the humble patio and a simple patch of lawn. We want our outdoor spaces to offer more – zones for entertaining, play, wellness and relaxation.

Practicality

Optimising outdoor areas increases their usability. Weather-resistant materials and zoning for various activities ensure seamless functionality, transforming an underutilised space into a dynamic extension of the home.

Value

There’s little doubt that thoughtfully designed outdoor options add to the appeal of any home. And they can directly translate into added dollars. The key is in the vision and execution.

Feature property

Gowrie

35 Dartnell Street

Agent: Hive Property, Bree Prince 0450 566 150

$1,098,000+

35 Dartnell Street, Gowrie ACT 2904

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It’s quite the cliche to read how a home’s interior floor plan has connected “seamlessly” with its outdoor entertaining area.

Here’s a home, however, that has turned that concept inside out and brought the outdoors in through a central garden atrium.

However, the owners haven’t forgotten the importance of outdoor entertaining, offering further creative options.

The first is a front courtyard, a quiet spot for reflection. Perhaps for considering how this renovation has effortlessly delivered a home that fuses a classic 1982 exterior with a very 2025 interior.

That inside story is light, bright and airy over a simple floor plan that essentially divides the home into one zone for sleeping and another for everything else.

The bedroom wing is anchored by the main-bedroom suite, which features a walk-in wardrobe and a smart en suite. Three further bedrooms share an equally stylish main bathroom with a free-standing bath.

And smack in the middle is that accessible central atrium with a water feature. Grab a book and a cuppa.

The living zone floats on blonde timber flooring and delivers the kitchen-dining-family space. The kitchen with its deep-etched lines offers plenty of bench space and storage. Brand appliances deliver the firepower.

Nearby – a big surprise – a two-bench sauna. Who saw that coming?

Outside is a covered al fresco area with a built-in barbecue. Or the option of a fire-pit zone with nature views.

There’s a storage room and a tandem carport.

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