Al fresco and entertaining spaces in high demand for spring home buyers

Barbecues all over Canberra will, no doubt, be cranking up as the last winter cobwebs are brushed off outdoor spaces and the lifestyle focus shifts toward al-fresco entertaining and play.

Colin McIntyre of McIntyre Properties says designed entertaining spaces such as those at this week’s Jerrabomberra cover property are highly valued by home buyers.

“People love a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor living and place a premium on a built outdoor space that offers entertainment and recreation options,” he says.

“Families definitely gravitate toward homes that offer the whole package with plenty for the kids, like a pool and grassed play areas.”

McIntyre says first-home buyers and downsizers have different priorities but still demanded good outdoor living spaces.

“The young buyers want the indoor/outdoor connection and a space where they can entertain family and friends,” he says.

“Downsizers usually look for an entertaining space within an overall priority on low maintenance.”

Justine Burke of Luton Properties Weston Creek and Molonglo Valley says home buyers definitely put a premium on a home with well-designed outdoor entertaining.

“They buy into the lifestyle concept behind a particular property. A great outdoor space helps them imagine what it would be like to live there, to have friends and family over and to enjoy options like a pool,” she says.

“Homes in suburbs like Chapman can also extend that outdoor connection in backing onto a nature reserve along with an elevated position with views.”

Burke says ex-govvie homes in Weston suburbs undergoing renovation are ensuring they incorporate the indoor-outdoor connection.

At a glance:

• Design. The best outdoor areas are those designed as an extension of the indoor spaces for that seamless connection. Ideally, there should be defined spaces for relaxing, dining and cooking.
• Year-round. Canberra’s climate can restrict outdoor entertaining to the warmer months, but planned spaces can include heating and all-weather protection. Air flow and shade are musts as the temperature ramps up.
• All the bling. Ever-popular and trending features include outdoor cinemas, defined living, dining, kitchen and bar areas, fire pits, fish ponds, spas, strip lighting, built-in speakers, and wifi-enabled “smart” gardens.

Allhomes’ top pick of homes on the market with great entertaining spaces:

Jerrabomberra

133 Waterfall Drive

Price guide: $1.5 million +

Views that go on forever and a resort lifestyle that will ensure that your best holiday is a “staycation”.

That’s the promise of this stylish, contemporary home that dominates the heights of Waterfall Drive in Jerrabomberra.

It’s packed with a massive five bedrooms, three bathrooms and parking for six cars.

Best of all is a salt water, in-ground pool within a superb entertaining deck that reinforces this home’s credentials as the ultimate family home – with room for all.

There are sweeping rural vistas from every room in this light-filled residence that enhance its feeling of space and a strong connection with the outdoors.

Home chefs will appreciate the open plan kitchen with touch electric opening joinery; yes, even the drawers are electric. The kitchen features Miele appliances including an induction stove top, a dishwasher, breakfast bar and a combined laundry/scullery with ample storage and bench space.

All bedrooms are generously sized and two include built-in wardrobes. The main bedroom on the top floor has a large walk-in wardrobe and en suite with double basins and shower heads, a sitting area and private balcony.

 

The lower level room (bedroom four) has potential as a teenager’s retreat or a home office with its own bathroom and private garden entry. There’s also a study, rumpus and a fifth bedroom with multi-purpose options.

Vehicle accommodation comprises a double garage on one level and a four-car garage on another.

Private sale

Agent: McIntyre Property, Colin McIntyre 0417 263 678

Or try these:

Evatt

18 Jacobs Street

Price guide: $600,000+

​Ainslie

23 Higgins Crescent

Price guide: $1.5 million+

Allhomes Or Try These Sep 22

Crace

89 Samara Street

Price guide: $1.2 million+