My dream backyard: for kid space and entertaining, big is still beautiful

Though a trend towards townhouses and apartments has tempted some Canberra home owners out of suburbia, for many, the Great Australian Dream remains the quarter-acre block with plenty of room for the kids.

Maria Selleck, director of Maria Selleck Properties, says the movement towards smaller homes has only fuelled the desire for large homes on big blocks, as they begin to become the exception, rather than the norm.

“There is no doubt that homes built on larger parcels of land become more valuable over time, simply because the availability of the large block of land is becoming a rarity,” Ms Selleck says.

Peter Blackshaw Gungahlin principal Michael Braddon says larger blocks are in short supply and high demand, particularly in suburbs with quality primary schools.

“You find it a lot in Belconnen suburbs with quality primary schools and preschools that a home with a big backyard is in high demand,” Mr Braddon says.

“Anything backing or near reserve, particularly with views, is very popular. Buyers want a decent-sized entertainment area and an area which can be used for a variety of sports.”

Ms Selleck says many factors come into play in choosing a large block, including garden maintenance.

“However, for many, a large backyard is perfect for small children learning the ins and outs of field sports, with ample room for passive and active outdoor recreation to satisfy the personal preferences of everyone in the family, including the family pet,” Ms Selleck says.

“The need to keep the children away from the television and computer activities, out in the fresh air within the safety of the home grounds, is paramount. Obviously, with a large block of land, you can have more options for private entertaining and plenty of potential to expand the home as family situations warrant.”

Trevor Fuller of Dimension Gardenscape says a successful backyard is more than the sum of its parts – it’s not what you add, but how you add it.

“The main thing is that it’s an integrated design,” Mr Fuller says.

“It’s based on function to a large degree. I often say to people that they should take advantage of the whole block. They come with the wish list, but how it can work together is our profession.”

A clever design becomes even more important as block sizes begin to shrink. Mr Fuller says the deck and entertaining areas are the most popular request, with water features and fire pits adding the wow factor to many of these spaces.

When it comes time to sell, Ms Selleck says an orderly, clean backyard, particularly one with lifestyle facilities, will add thousands of dollars to the property.

“Don’t forget also that a clean garden will also show that you look after and care for all aspects of the home,” Ms Selleck says.

Ms Selleck says vendors should attend to all maintenance on pergolas, decks and eaves, as well as tidy and mulch the gardens. She also suggests tailoring your backyard to the group you are targeting.

“A children’s play area, for example, a swing or trampoline will be very inviting to children and to the parents,” Ms Selleck says.

“Ensure you place outdoor tables and chairs, preferably with an umbrella, to give the appearance of outdoor entertaining. Don’t forget to include a book and a drink.”

Backyard value-adds

• Clear, flat space: Peter Blackshaw’s Michael Braddon says a multipurpose space that can be used for a range of sports will appeal to a range of buyers. For example, this week’s cover home has a cricket pitch, however it can also be used for soccer, netball or mini-golf.
• Swimming pool: Mr Braddon says a swimming pool won’t appeal to every buyer, but for some buyers it’s an absolute necessity. “Some will only buy a property with a pool or one that can accommodate a pool,” Mr Braddon says.  Dimension Gardenscape’s Mr Fuller says the pool should be integrated with the house and the landscaping.
• Entertaining area: This is arguably the most important backyard addition. Even if buyers won’t be entertaining regularly, they will still want a nice space where they can sit, relax and enjoy a meal. Mr Fuller says quality lighting and heating will enhance these spaces.
• Professional landscaping: Regardless of the size of your block, beautiful landscaping will tie it all together. “It’s got to complement and supplement the house,” Mr Fuller says.

Lifestyle enhancement

The Gurneys’ backyard renovation not only enhanced their home, but the entire family’s lifestyle.

Backed by a government quality-of-life grant, the original concept for the area was to incorporate an in-ground trampoline for Max, above, a teenage boy with autism. Trampolining was a part of the special school’s program and his parents, Rachel and Peter, believed the addition would enrich Max’s life.

“We decided to make the space an area where we could spend time with our son and entertain others,” Ms Gurney says.

Dimension Gardenscape designed a large outdoor living space that incorporated an in-ground Olympic-size trampoline.

“He was certainly a growing boy, and we were concerned that he didn’t join in with sports, and we found it hard to keep him physically active,” she says.

Max was 13 when the trampoline was installed, and the results were dramatic. He lost weight, gained strength and became more agile.

The backyard, which also includes a swimming pool and an adult swing, has been enjoyed by Max, his parents and his sister Olivia. A sophisticated alfresco entertaining area has provided an additional living space for the family.

“The whole home has been set up, so we have a well-balanced lifestyle,” she says.

Style, views and room for recreation

7 Bingley Crescent, Fraser
$800,000-plus

A swimming pool, purpose-built sports area and immaculate gardens make this one of Canberra’s best backyards. The four-bedroom home is set on a 1200-square-metre block with majestic rural views that will make everyday life feel like a permanent holiday.

Comprising four large bedrooms, a study, three bathrooms, a sauna and multiple living areas, including a large segregated rumpus room, there is plenty of space for the whole family. With an interior designer and landscape architect in the family, the home has been beautifully finished. The kitchen has been updated and the bathrooms are fully renovated.

The resort-style home has been built-in with quality materials including jarrah floors and natural travertine stone. Floor-to-ceiling windows capture the spectacular vistas and the north-facing aspect adds to the home’s energy efficiency. 

Cedar doors open to a stunning entertaining area. The large block has been brilliantly used, with a large in-ground saltwater pool complete with a bar and barbecue area. The kids will love the sports area, with room for cricket, basketball or bike riding within the safety of the backyard.

Nestled behind lush front gardens, the home offers peace and privacy. A large double car port with ample storage space completes the package.

7 Bingley Place, Fraser, will be auctioned on Wednesday, February 17 at 6pm, on site. Phone Peter Blackshaw Gungahlin agents Michael Braddon and Matt Sebbens on 0408 446 793 or 0402 064 504. Inspect: Saturday, noon-12.40pm. EER: 1.