It’s always a bit of a struggle to get into the swing of a new working year, but we wouldn’t complain if we were setting up a home office in some of these luxe locations.
Here are some of the best properties for sale around the country that get the work-life balance just right.
As the proud owner of this palatial ocean-facing domain, you may not get much work done — but that isn’t the fault of the private study that accompanies a lounge area, rock bath tub and floating balcony in the upper-floor parents’ retreat.
You’ll simply think you’re on an endless holiday at this opulent infinity-style residence on an elevated double block south of Byron Bay.
Six-metre-high glazing connects the lavish kitchen-living zone to a jaw-dropping panoramic vista made for contemplation, while the outdoor bar and ultra-modern inclusions set the scene for successful poolside entertaining.
The gym, 10-seat cinema, trampoline and a focus on textural finishes add to the resort experience.
Work, rest and play combine at this prime Mornington Peninsula property slightly elevated at the popular Tyrone foreshore. Although getting the balance right might be tricky when the immediate surrounds are this lovely.
You could spend forever lounging with a book and a snack on the north-facing verandah that fronts the main bedroom and expansive living zone, watching for dolphins, passing watercraft and weather changes.
A well-equipped family kitchen, stone fireplace and home theatre are part of the deal.
While good times are out the front, you’ll find a serious three-room set-up out the back that is purpose-built for a home office, gym and overflow guest accommodation.
Hola! … and welcome to this elegant Spanish mission gem in the heart of Brisbane city.
There’s a study tucked into the centre of its ground floor, but we rather fancy working from one of the three top-floor bedrooms, each of which has panoramic views and double doors to a terrace or balcony.
A renovation of the c1925 residence blends art deco style with pure luxury.
When work is done, select a rioja from the underground cellar and settle either on the front balcony for sparkling cityscape and river views, or in the all-white walled terrace given the Mediterranean treatment of archways, terracotta roof tiles and a turquoise pool.
Considering a tree change? And maybe a career change? Working the land is one of the work-from-home opportunities at this serene Macedon Ranges property.
Covering 117 hectares of scenic rolling landscape, The Pines offers grazing land and bushland, shearing shed and cattle yards, three-bay shed, henhouse, vegetable enclosure, automated bore, water tank and spring-fed dams.
Its renovated 1880s weatherboard cottage features the original exposed pitched shingle roof retained above a modern kitchen. On one side it expands into a complementary contemporary addition and on the other, a huge deck.
The district of Pastoria is a stone’s throw from charming foodie and culture hotspots Daylesford, Castlemaine, Kyneton and Woodend.
Be creatively inspired and happily distracted by picturesque glimpses of Pittwater through an established leafy garden, as seen from the functional workspace along the lower level of this northern beaches home.
The self-contained room, measuring 10.5 metres by 3.8 metres, has a slate floor, a bathroom, glass doors to a verandah and its own side entry, making it suitable for a home business or a team of workers.
The neat three-level property on a big sloping site has been in the vendor’s family for 45 years. “It’s a prestigious area and a beautiful home,” the vendor says.
Draw straws for the best room to become your integrated workspace at this ultra-private contemporary property just clear of Melbourne’s metropolitan border.
Of the five bedrooms, our pick might be the one beside the front door, looking across tree-lined pathways towards the tennis court, or perhaps the north-facing room with double doors that open to the verandah and pool area.
Tranquillity is guaranteed on a 4000-square-metre block in the semi-rural environs renowned for wildlife-attracting bushland, Yarra River activities, local produce and a strong sense of community, just 45 minutes’ drive east of the city.
Here’s the epitome of a luxury contemporary family residence, writ large and presented as-new a decade after construction by Signature Homes. In a leafy precinct, it’s a pleasant stroll through Melvista Park to the banks of Swan River.
Let’s start at the start. Off the impressive entry foyer, there’s a fitted home office with a view through shuttered windows to an established front garden.
Add for full effect a home theatre, a kitchen that caters for a crowd and a pool partnered with a pool house, then finish at the recreational piece de resistance: a sublime, seamless indoor-outdoor living zone featuring a covered al fresco area with a second kitchen.
An architectural overhaul of this inner-west cul-de-sac period cottage didn’t only make it larger and lovelier; the expansion and interior style by inner-city and heritage specialists TW Architects introduced a modern way of life.
At ground level, chic open-plan living meets a rear courtyard for indoor-outdoor entertaining.
Climb the open-tread staircase to find two of the home’s four bedrooms plus a skylit attic-style room, 12 metres long and awaiting whatever purpose the buyer needs, from work studio to hobby room to fabulous kids’ rumpus room.
Exit the property via the back lane to Rozelle village cafes, shops and weekly collectors’ market.