Half-pipes, ninja courses and putt-putt: The quirky backyard features Canberra buyers love

Homes with backyard space to spare are incorporating recreational options to ramp up the fun factor.

Luke McAuliffe of Luton Properties Gungahlin says the “ramp” analogy definitely applies to that particular home with its backyard skateboard half-pipe.

“There are certainly plenty of recreational options and there’s more possibility of realising them on homes that sit on larger blocks,” he says.

“The half pipe is a bit of fun, but sometimes installations like these are not just for the kids – the whole family enjoys them.”

McAuliffe says he has seen plenty of other initiatives from ninja type obstacle courses to volleyball courts.

“I think some of this expression has been driven out of the lockdowns when it might have become difficult for families to find outdoor recreational options within the broader community,” he says.

“Now they are creating their own.”

Tim Burke of Luton Properties Weston Creek and Molonglo Valley says beyond the recreational focus, some backyard creations have a social dimension.

“A well-designed putt-putt course is a great way to relax with guests ahead of, say, al fresco dining,” he says.

 “And it’s not necessarily a significant investment or a logistical challenge when it comes to moving.”

Burke says that he has seen some backyard recreational options, whose era may have passed, reinvented to suit the times.

“There was a trend some years ago for half-court tennis and since that has somewhat faded, I’ve seen the spaces now reinvented for half-court basketball instead,” he says.

• Benefits Numerous studies have shown that we all benefit from fresh air and sunshine – that’s easier to get if there are attractions to motivate us to spend more time in the backyard.
• Create Respond to family interests. What challenges each member: a jungle gym, ninja obstacle course, maybe a half-pipe – or perhaps simply pottering around a humble sandpit or a cubbyhouse.
• Encourage Backyard recreation options are opportunities to foster imagination, creativity and passion. Future Ash Bartys or Raiders or Brumbies stars may well say it was their backyard play experiences that shaped them.

Check our top pick of homes for sale:

Scullin

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A backyard skateboard half-pipe is probably not enough of a reason to buy a home, but it might be enough to think the owners will do anything to create the perfect family space.

And this tastefully renovated Scullin home, which sits on the high side of the street on 671 square metres, certainly has everything a family could need. 

Entry opens into a light-filled space in neutral white with timber floors across generous living areas. Full-length corner windows highlight a formal lounge that opens onto an elevated front terrace. 

There’s a galley style kitchen with contrasting black and white accents. This showcases long benchtops and an Omega stainless steel oven, gas cooktop and dishwasher.

The dining area flows into the rumpus room where bifold doors open onto a vast, paved entertaining area. This overlooks the rear garden with its neatly terraced retaining walls and a screening of mature shrubs.

The main bedroom features a spacious walk-in and an en suite with high-end finishes. The balance of the bedrooms all have built-in wardrobes and share the main bathroom with a free-standing bath. 

Home comfort is delivered through ducted gas heating and ducted evaporative cooling.

There is a double garage under the home, storage under the front terrace and a garden shed.

The home is just a short walk from the local primary school and minutes from the Hawker shops or the Belconnen mall.

Price guide: $900,000 +

Auction: 10am, April 30

Agent: Luton Properties Gungahlin, Luke McAuliffe 0433 338 429

Or try these:

Chifley

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Price guide: $1.3 million +

Auction: 12:30pm, April 30

Agent: Independent Gungahlin, Andrew Potts 0404 895 162

Throsby

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Price guide: $1.75 million +

Auction: Noon, April 30

Agent: Canberry Properties, Mathew Kocic 0432 146 159

Holder

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Price guide: $1.05 million +

Auction: 1pm, April 30

Agent: Luton Properties Weston Creek and Molonglo Valley, Tim and Justine Burke 0411 878 587

Jerrabomberra

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Price guide: $1.45 million – $1.55 million

Private sale

Agent: Ian McNamee & Partners Queanbeyan/Jerrabomberra/Canberra, Lucy MacGregor 0433 310 366