Prime season: Why Canberra buyers value outdoor entertaining spaces

Summer is here and outdoor entertaining spaces now move into their prime season and assume heightened importance with buyers.

Corina Nesci of Drew Lindsay Real Estate, who specialises in the Southern Highlands region, says well-designed outdoor entertaining spaces add significant value to any home.

“They’re essential in the Southern Highlands where we get four distinctive seasons,” she says.

“And home owners tend to style them to be used for much of the year – outdoor fireplaces or fire pits are particularly popular.”

Nesci says many of the lifestyle properties in the region have the space for larger footprint amenities like tennis courts and swimming pools that can help create the perfect self-contained country retreat.

“A place to relax outdoors and entertain family and friends in comfort is the main driver,” she says.

Adam Jones of Blackshaw Gungahlin says the pursuit of “lifestyle” is a key priority for current buyers.

“They’re looking for homes that present as the complete package and a comfortable, well-designed outdoor area can really heighten a property’s appeal,” he says.

“By contrast, buyers may well look for a discount on a home that doesn’t offer the same level of entertaining amenity.”

Jones says entertaining space with cover from the elements increases the use of outdoor spaces throughout the year, extending the use of this further living option.

“An investment in providing cover to an entertainment area would be worth considering if bringing a home to market – it definitely adds value,” he says.

• Lifestyle: Buyers are looking for homes that provide a complete lifestyle. Outdoor spaces that provide cover from the elements and a platform for dining, cooking and relaxing get the big ticks.
• Design: Outdoor spaces have moved on from the simple pergola with a deck or paved area. Contemporary spaces zoned to serve different purposes and complemented by landscaping amp up the appeal.
• Bling it up: Turn your outdoor space into a staycation resort. Soak up the summer warmth on sunloungers, served by an outdoor kitchen and, perhaps, a bank of wine fridges. 

Check out our top pick of homes with outdoor spaces for sale:

Burradoo

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Genteel country living probably doesn’t come much better than in the Southern Highlands, and if the idea of a grand homestead on nearly 4000 square metres appeals – well, read on.

Anticipation around this Burradoo offering is heightened as a hedged entry driveway gives way to a sweeping arrival forecourt surrounded by mature landscaping. 

If you could imagine a country family home to serve the generations, it might well express the spirit of Federation-style architecture highlighted by its distinctive wraparound verandahs.

And that’s exactly what it is. 

If your expectations of the interior features then run to high ceilings, wide timber floorboards and cosy open fires . . . then, here too, more of your boxes have been ticked.

The floor plan offers three connected wings, including formal and informal living and dining spaces.

Five large bedrooms wrap around the living zones, two with en suites and the main with a generous walk-in. The other bedrooms share a bathroom.

A well-equipped country-style, eat-in kitchen is the hub of the home, with plenty of storage, including a walk-in pantry. It opens onto intricately landscaped gardens and toward a paved entertaining area that leads to a dining platform beneath huge, sweeping deciduous trees. 

There’s a double garage and ample further parking. 

The home is just a five-minute drive from Bowral’s cafes, restaurants, shops, schools and other Southern Highland amenities.

Price guide: $3.25 million-$3.5 million

Expressions of interest: Close 5pm, December 16

Agent: Drew Lindsay Real Estate, Corina Nesci 0416 523 155

Or try these:

Palmerston

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Price guide: $1.05 million

Auction: 9:30am, December 10

Agent: Blackshaw Gungahlin, Michael Braddon 0408 446 793

Lawson

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Price guide: $750,000+ 

Auction: 6pm, December 15

Agent: Luton Properties Weston Creek and Molonglo Valley, Josh Wilson 0439 479 170

Denman Prospect

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Price guide: $1.55 million

Auction: 5:30pm, December 15

Agent: Belle Property Canberra, Alexander Smout 0421 148 706