The call of country living around Canberra

We’re adapting to smaller living environments within the territory’s borders. Blocks sizes are shrinking, land prices are rising and more of us are turning towards apartments.

Some of us are well-suited to compact living – the shops and the hustle and bustle at our doorsteps can be energising, but for others, city life can become a bit claustrophobic. They yearn for the rolling rural landscape and perhaps a couple of horses.

Fortunately, the Canberra region can accommodate both of these lifestyles. Those who grew up on wide, open country properties and others seeking a different way of life, are turning to properties just across the border.

A rise in living organically and a desire to being more connected to the land has fuelled the demand for country living, according to Luton Properties Manuka agent Greg Hedger.

“A lot of just want space around them,” Hedger says.

“They just want to be free of the pressures of suburban living and they’re looking for the opportunity of buying a few acres and having a bit more breathing space around them.

“Canberra offers the semi-rural and rural lifestyle within a ridiculously short commute time when compared to Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide.”

But can city dwellers whose country experience is limited to weekend winery visits handle the challenges of rural living?

Elders Real Estate Yass and Murrumbateman agent John Lennie says estate-style villages, such as those found in Murrumbateman, offer a gentle introduction for those of us who are used to the suburban life.

“These estates were designed around smaller fenced blocks starting at around 1.5 acres going up to in excess of 10 acres (four hectares),” Lennie says.

“These estates have connected water, three-phase power, waste collection, mail services, good broadband download, sealed roads, school bus services and an ongoing set of estate management by-laws that are designed to assure folks of a peaceful and structured lifestyle.”

Lennie says there is a similar element of of control over the living environment as you’d find in Canberra suburbs.

“The estates provide buyers with a privileged and managed country lifestyle that reflects urban living, but on much larger blocks,” Mr Lennie says.

Agents agree that the majority of Canberra buyers on the market for a tree change are looking for a rural parcel at the smaller end of the spectrum.

Hodgkinson Real Estate agent Melinda McCallum says about 80 per cent of buyers are seeking no more than 20 acres (8 hectares).

“They want the lifestyle for their children,” McCallum says.

“A lot of them want to be able to have some chooks and a pony for the kids. We see a lot of young families and professional people wanting the privacy and the quiet – that’s the majority of our marketplace.

“The main criteria is that it’s within commuting distance of Canberra.”

Lennie says the price of land outside the city is another huge drawcard – a small country acreage can cost less than a suburban home and the commute is not too dissimilar.

This attracts buyers who aren’t necessarily looking for a hobby farm and are just after some extra space and the country lifestyle.

“Not all little properties at Murrumbateman are productive beyond providing their owners with a fabulous urban-like lifestyle,” Lennie says.

“Those folks that decide to work their little properties include horse people, alpaca breeders, dog lovers and serious gardeners. Many folks want to enjoy the benefits of self-production and keep chooks for eggs and have a large vegetable/herb garden for their own family use.”

Considerations for a tree change

• Water – Whether you’re buying into an estate or a larger acreage, ensure you will have a reliable supply of water. Hodgkinson Real Estate’s Melinda McCallum says most large properties will include a creek, a dam or a bore.
• Weed control – Luton Properties Greg Hedger says weed control is one of the responsibilities that come with owning a country property. “Make sure you’re not buying someone else’s weed problem,” he says.
• The family pet – Just like humans, dogs can thrive on the country lifestyle. But for the safety of your dog and neighbouring animals, make sure they are secure. “Get a dog run so you know the dog is safe while you’re at work,” Hedger says.
• Maintenance – That extra space will come with extra work, so make sure it’s a parcel you can manage, Elders Real Estate’s John Lennie says. Want the country life without the work? Quarter acre blocks are also available. Lennie says suburban-sized blocks of land in Murrumbateman’s Fairley Estate can be purchased for less than $300,000.

Living the dream

Weston Creek couple Letitia, above, and Cameron Lyons had always dreamed of the country life.

Cameron had fond memories of visiting his grandparents’ farm in the school holidays, while Letitia owned horses and loved the idea of having them in her backyard.

Six months ago they bought a nine-hectare block in Burra.

“It’s too small for a farm, but more than enough acres for us city folk,” Letitia says.

The block has an interesting history; it was home to the old Burra station and included the district’s shearers’ quarters. The parcel’s existing house was lost to a fire in 2009, so they are creating a new home in its place that will suit their needs.

“We really wanted to build an energy-efficient home and cut down on our carbon footprint,” Letitia says.

“Our place in Fisher had a lovely open-plan design and we were keen to continue with an open-plan style.”

They have been impressed with how friendly the town is and how many activities are available.

Their great dane cross loves his new life as a farm dog and a kelpie has recently joined the pack.

Letitia says the commute hasn’t been an issue. She works in Tuggeranong and spends less time in the car than her Gungahlin colleagues.

Cover property

172 Binowee Drive, Little Burra
​Low to mid $1 millions

Those seeking a tree change within easy reach of Canberra could find everything they’re looking for at 172 Binowee Drive.

It is set on 3.7 hectares (nine acres) and it’s just minutes from the Googong township or 20 minutes to Tuggeranong.

A gorgeous treelined driveway leads the way to the luxurious five-bedroom home. It has been meticulously crafted with no expense spared on inclusions.

There are three living spaces, with an expansive, informal living area and kitchen forming the hub of the home. The designer kitchen features two wall ovens, an induction cooktop, granite benchtops and a glass splashback.

Additional living spaces include a formal lounge and dining room and a huge north-facing rumpus room with floor-to-ceiling glass.

Two of the five king-sized bedrooms are complete with en suites and all have built-in wardrobes. The segregated master suite has a large walk-in wardrobe and its en suite features a double shower and dual sinks.

A triple garage under the roofline provides internal access to the home.

Infrastructure includes an adjacent self-contained two-bedroom studio or shed as well as water for gardens from the community bore.

No. 172 Binowee Drive, Little Burra, is open on Saturday from 2.15pm to 3pm. Tenders close at 3pm on Wednesday, August 3. Phone Hodgkinson Real Estate agent Melinda McCallum on 0429 122 700.