Get out of town: The loveliest natural outlooks

35 Merindah Way, Kurrajong
$1,149,000
3 bed 1 bath 2 car

Country comforts and modern luxury go hand-in-hand with this semi-rural property on 1.2 hectares in the Hawkesbury region, an hour north-west of Sydney. It has a wraparound verandah overlooking one of two dams, English-inspired gardens with a vegetable garden and chook sheds and a fenced paddock. Inside are high ceilings, exposed beams and a fireplace. Cutcliffe North Richmond, 0414 363 707.

32 Factory Lane, Jamberoo
$1.49 million
3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 4 car spaces

Le Jardin is about 90 minutes south of Sydney. The 1916-28 dairy factory was transformed into a stylish contemporary property in 2004. The French-inspired 3330-square-metre garden includes London plane tree-lined walks, an ivy-covered steam boiler, 100 metres of cypress pine hedging and maple, birch and cedar trees. It is 10 minutes from Kiama’s beaches and five minutes to the village.

Elders Real Estate Jamberoo, 0402 101 343.

194 Penguins Head Road, Culburra
$1.5 million+
3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 car spaces

This house has views of Tilbury Cove, Culburra Beach, Crookhaven Heads, Seven Mile Beach and the Gerroa Headlands, as well as passing whales, dolphins and seals from the north-facing balcony and living room of this beachfront property of 1020 square metres. Timber steps lead down to the beach. There is also an internal courtyard. It’s a 2½-hour drive south of Sydney. Culburra First National, 4447 3600. Auction March 19.

38 Woodside Drive, Eleebana
$1.7 million+
5 bed 5 bath 5 car

“Woodside Villa” at Lake Macquarie, just over 90 minutes from Sydney, is perfect for big families, with its flexible floor plan. It also offers great privacy, set in a leafy, lakeside spot of 5795 square metres, with three generous levels of house to enjoy. It has a saltwater pool , tennis court, gymnasium, rumpus room and retreat. McGrath Warners Bay, 0418 494 183.