How Australians are embracing outdoor entertaining in winter

 Winter is here but just because it’s a little chilly and grey outside, there’s no reason to abandon outdoor living to take refuge inside.

“Australians, in general, and Sydneysiders, in particular, are outdoor people and that means either having a barbecue outside with family or friends, or putting in an outdoor fireplace so they can make more use of the space,” Ray White agent Ercan Ersan says.

“It’s no accident that so many of us get up at 6am on a winter’s day to do the Bondi-to-Bronte walk or get together outside for a few drinks. People have cottoned on to making the absolute most of our outdoor areas, as well as those inside.”

Esran’s listing at 67 Camden Street, Enmore is a perfect example of a home built for outdoor use in winter, with a fully paved courtyard complete with an original working fireplace.

Behind its retained traditional facade is a stunning contemporary home with state-of-the-art finishes throughout. .

“It is a gorgeous home,” Ersan says of the $1.3 million property. “You’re going to be warm even outside in the winter.”

A home he sold the week before, at 92 Simmons Street in the same suburb, had a sofa and table outside, while one that is coming up at 49 Augusta Street has a fire pit.

Ercan Esran recently sold 92 Simmons Street, Enmore prior to auction.
 Photo: Supplied

Mitchell Wynn of Highland Property Agents agrees. He is selling a two-bedroom apartment at 28 Wallumatta Road, Caringbah, which has a large outdoor courtyard with built-in timber seating. It goes to auction on August 9 for about $950,000.

“Outdoor living is something people love and this house is a great home with beautiful alfresco areas that are as liveable as the interiors.”

“People now want to make the most of any outdoor areas they have, with outdoor barbecues, pergolas, seating, water features” he says. “[Australians] love to entertain at home these days, and do it much more than they used to.”

The unusual outdoor fireplace at 67 Camden Street, Enmore.
Photo: Bruno Giuliano Sergole

If there’s a great view, seating outside becomes even more important, believes Ari Ozbenian of 1st City Double Bay.

He is selling an apartment at Point Piper with drop-dead gorgeous views of the harbour.

“It’s definitely happening more and more that people design and furnish those outdoor areas to make the most of them,” he says. “The climate here is just so good.”

The Point Piper apartment listed with Ari Ozbenian.
Photo: Supplied

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Sales of outdoor barbecues for those alfresco areas have always been strong, but what’s happening now is that people are increasingly buying barbecues that can set up like an outside kitchen, with a sink and fridge and multiple burners, says Amanda Paterson, manager of BBQs R Us.

“[Australians] just love to spend time outdoors now, even more than they used to,” Paterson says. “Most new houses that are being built, and renos, are putting in big alfresco patios to make it another usable room.”

Sales of other outdoor features, such as artificial lawns for patios, outdoor blinds, pergolas and decking, are also on the rise in Sydney, according to Australian Outdoor Living creative manager Dominic Legg. “Outdoor living is becoming increasingly popular, and people want to make it as comfortable as they can,” he says.

68 Broughton Road, Strathfield has an in-ground pool with an outdoor shower.
Photo: Supplied

Pools are also popular. Hawre Ahmad, of Strathfield Partners, has a new, architect-designed six-bedroom house on the market, with an in-ground pool at the back with outdoor shower, and a fully equipped alfresco kitchen with heating. It’s for auction on August 12 for $3.8 million to $3.9 million.

“Having that outdoor area is so important for people’s lifestyles now,” Ahmad says. “People want to entertain or the kids live at home longer, so it’s an extra space for them to let off steam.

 “The backyard has never been as important as it is now.”

Download the Domain app to search for homes with outdoor spaces that are ideal for winter entertaining