Darlington: Why this bushland 'burb is luring buyers to the Perth Hills

Imagine a suburb reminiscent of a quaint English town, almost entirely circled by natural bushlands, with hills and valleys that burst into a vivid meandering display of beautiful wildflowers come spring. This dreamlike description perfectly defines Darlington, the crowning jewel of the Perth Hills.

According to Patrick Harper, property partner of The Agency Perth, living in the hills is only becoming more alluring, attracting a growing number of affluent buyers who have their eyes set on the boutique suburb.

“Darlington has a great fusion of old and new, thanks to tree-lined streets that reveal a mixture of grand heritage homes, 1970s originals, and modern architectural builds,” says Harper. “It’s certainly an ideal place to make a tree change while remaining well connected to Perth’s CBD, which is only a 30-minute drive away.”

Domain’s latest House Price Report shows that Darlington’s median of $800,000 is up 13.5 per cent year-on-year, contributing to its 24 per cent jump over five years. And so long as city folks continue to surrender to the urge to live among the trees, this market is likely to continue to strengthen.

“Residents to Darlington can enjoy several great schools, including the Helena primary and college, together with the availability of bus routes to schools in the city,” adds Harper. “The suburb also inspires an active lifestyle, with many walking and bike trails available, including the historic former railway route with beautiful views over the valley.”

Residing in the inner-city for most of their adult life, Bronte Taton-Boulet and Joshua Casey had a change of heart after having their daughter, purchasing a family home in Darlington in mid-2021. Enveloped by a rambling, park-like garden, it has plenty of space for their family to grow.

“We wanted to provide a home environment surrounded by nature and outdoor activities, but still be somewhat connected to inner-city life,” says Bronte. “Darlington has certainly fulfilled this dream, with its scenic strolls along the railway track, passing beautiful waterfalls along the Nyaania Creek, and the odd hike through nearby quarries and forest tracks, as well as the neighbouring John Forrest National Park.”

On top of being a new mum, Bronte is kept busy as the creative director and antique collector at Cleo Collects, offering exclusive European and Australian homewares. This business runs from her family home, which also doubles as an idyllic backdrop for many of her product’s photoshoots. Yet, when free time presents itself, she notes all the ways she has come to relish in Darlington’s many delights.

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“Lunch visits to the Darlington Estate Winery are always special, and so are pop-ins to the Two Birds homewares store and the Mundaring and Kalamunda Farmers Market, or playtimes with my daughter at the local pool or playground,” Bronte says. “I also love to sit for pizza at The Hive before walking along the aptly named View Terrace at sunset with beautiful views of the city – a nice reminder that it’s never too far away.”

One to watch in the area

SOLD - $2,400,000

28 Glenburn Road, Glen Forrest WA 6071

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View property

Evoking a luxury wilderness escape, this palatial rammed-earth residence crafts a striking presence among four hectares of lush bushland. Resting in the centre of the home, a cavernous central hall aligns east to west, illuminated by atrium-style windows that capture surrounding valley views.