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Graham and Maijia Tyler, with three-month-old baby Elsi, at their apartment in Collaroy. Picture: Christian Gilles

Being cooped up at home during the pandemic has encouraged more Sydney homebuyers to ditch inner city apartment living for a house near the beach or bush.

A review of greater Sydney’s popular suburbs for homebuyers in the past 12 months revealed families were increasingly looking in further-flung locations.

These included houses near beaches, reserves or national parks, according to the realestate.com.au study of “high intent” buyer activity online, which included inquiries on listings.

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The most popular suburbs were beach areas to the far north and south of Sydney spread across the Central Coast, northern beaches and Sutherland Shire.

Families’ embrace of areas further from the CBD was also evident in a recent surge in popularity of suburbs on Sydney’s southwestern fringe.

There was a particularly strong spike in buyer demand in Leppington, Austral and Gledswood Hills, where inquiry levels were double what they were last year. This was largely because these suburbs offered ample opportunities to find properties eligible for government buyer grants.

These included first homebuyer stamp duty exemptions and the federal government’s $25,000 HomeBuilder cashback for purchasers of new properties under $750,000.

Realestate.com.au chief economist Nerida Conisbee said demand for house and land packages on the city outskirts was increasing after having dropped in previous years.

Realestate.com.au chief economist Nerida Conisbee.

“It’s clear that a longer commute doesn’t bother people as much as it might have before, which makes sense if you’re only going into the office once or twice a week,” Ms Conisbee said.

“First homebuyers seem to be more willing to purchase house and land packages in fringe suburbs and more people want space.”

The most in-demand suburb with buyers overall was Wamberal on the Central Coast, about 80km north of the Sydney CBD.

Most of the houses in the suburb are less than a kilometre from a waterway – either Wamberal Lagoon or Wamberal Beach.

For sale at $3.75m: 6 Homestead Ave, Collaroy.

There was a similar coastal lifestyle on offer in the other suburbs most popular with buyers such as Collaroy, Newport, North Narrabeen and Gymea Bay. Many of the most in-demand unit markets were also close to the water, such as Freshwater, Kirribilli and Cammeray.

Ms Conisbee said the greater time families were spending at home may have encouraged more buyers to put a higher priority on lifestyle over accessibility. Inner suburbs were not as popular as they once were because proximity to the CBD was not as prized, she said.

Graham and Maija Tyler recently purchased a house in Collaroy and said it was more competitive than they had hoped.

“We thought it was a good time to buy with all the uncertainty at the moment, which we hoped would mean there was less competition from other buyers,” Mr Tyler said.

A house recently sold in Wamberal for $2m.

“There were a lot of serious buyers … we had to stretch our budget a bit.”

Mr Tyler added that it was worth it to get a house in the area. “We love it up here, it’s a bit more laid back and every day feels like a holiday.”

MOST POPULAR SUBURBS

The post Sydney’s most popular suburbs to buy a home: families look to beach and bush appeared first on realestate.com.au.

Street appeal – 64 Catherine St, St Ives.

You won’t be doing yourself any favours if you don’t at least take a peek inside this near new home.

Set in a leafy, peaceful cul-de-sac close to Surgeon White Reserve ant the St Ives shopping village, it ticks all the boxes for families of all ages.

And with a bedroom and ensuite on the ground floor, 64 Catherine St, St Ives, is also ideal for multi-generational family living.

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The full height foyer leads past the bedroom, media room and laundry to the L-shaped open plan living and dining space that wraps around the kitchen with an impressive island bench and butler’s pantry.

Sliding doors off both the living and dining area lead to a covered outdoor dining space with Travertine tiled floor, which overlooks the gas-heated pool and child-friendly rear lawn, framed by easy-care gardens.

Bring on summer.

There are multiple living spaces.

The private north-to-rear aspect offers peaceful views over Garigal National Park.

The home’s remaining five bedrooms are located on the first floor, including the main bedroom, which stretches the width of the back. A walk-in-robe leads to the ensuite with freestanding bath and glass shower.

The other four bedrooms also have a mix of built-in and walk-in robes, and there is a study nook on this level.

The rear terrace overlooks the pool.

The kitchen.

Other features of the home include ducted airconditioning, automated fittings, solar system, internal access to the double garage, and additional off street parking.

This is a significant property, and a landmark listing for Daniel Cook, of McGrath St Ives.

He and his father Mark have just rebranded under the McGrath banner, and have hit the ground running with eight new listings, including this gem in Catherine St.

Mr Cook said the home was ideal for large and growing families.

“You’ve got the flexibility for the largest of families not to be stepping on each other’s toes,” he said.

“It will also appeal to the young family busting out of a smaller house looking for their forever home.”

The home goes to auction on September 30, with a guide of $3.3 million to $3.5 million. For more details, contact Mr Cook, or Michael Crawshaw, of McGrath St Ives.

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The post St Ives home ticks all the boxes for multi-generational family living appeared first on realestate.com.au.

The planning process is key to a smooth renovation. Picture: Tom Ferguson

Any renovator — from an experienced flipper to a novice with one project under their belt — will agree, the key to a successful transformation is all in the planning.

A clear vision, good budget and know-how on what trades are needed are the vital first steps before the hard work begins.

Charles Bros Building Contractors owner and builder Jason Charles said engaging a draftsman or architect early in the process for large renovations was a good start.

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He said establishing a quote with one builder, who had access to all trades, would also take some of the stress out of the process.

“They will manage everyone on site, making it easier for you,” Mr Charles said.

He suggested comparing costs, experience and timing requirements from three different companies before recruiting a trades team.

Interior designer Monique Sartor’s terrace is unrecognisable after its renovation Photo: Aaron Busch

Hipages chief customer officer Stuart Tucker said sourcing individual tradies could be a daunting task.

“When you’re working with tradies on any renovation project, it’s important to ensure you engage someone who has the appropriate qualifications for the task at hand, as these can vary from state to state,” Mr Tucker said.

“Before you start a project, always request to see your tradie’s licence, ask to see examples of their previous work and read their online recommendations.”

Mr Tucker said Hipages had tradie profiles with all the relevant information, which took guesswork out of the process.

He also recommended knowing when to call in expert advice.

“Budgets can be tough when you’re renovating and some homeowners may be looking for ways to cut costs with some DIY,” he said.

“While it may look easy on TV, our research has found homeowners spend an average of $1500 fixing the damage caused by a DIY job gone wrong.

“Home extensions and renovations should never be attempted as a DIY project, along with plumbing and electrical works.”

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hipages.com.au

The post How to plan and nail a renovation appeared first on realestate.com.au.

The home is open to offers until September 17.

Drawing on the architectural style of the Renaissance, the Castlebar Cove apartment building stands out among its peers along the riverside at Kangaroo Point.

Topped by two domes, it wouldn’t look out of place in a Florentine vista. Yet its real crowning glory is the grand penthouse, a monumental apartment spanning two storeys, which the owners refer to as their “house in the sky”.

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The view from 2111/39 Castlebar Street, Kangaroo Point.

And why not? At 726 sqm the apartment is far bigger than many family homes and has 180-degree views that take in the city, Brisbane River and the majestic Story Bridge.

Mick and Jenny Marsh bought the apartment off the builder in 2010. He had
kept the penthouse for himself for four years, but never lived in it, so it was, Jenny said, like new.

The mesmerising spiral staircase.

The Marshes were living in a house in Ashgrove at the time and didn’t move in until 2014, after which they decided to give the place a top-to-bottom renovation, enhancing the European style to which the rest of the building is aligned.

Out went some of the wood panelling and in came intricate wallpaper, parquetry flooring, fireplace mantles and marble countertops — very Euro chic.

The dining room table has been in the family for more than 35 years. The owner had it upcycled to fit the European-look decor.

Much of the design was down to Jenny.

“The wallpaper is absolutely beautiful and I had a touch of black and white put in the laundry because I have always liked black and white tiles. There’s a gorgeous dining room table, which I’ve had for 35 years, from the house in which we used to live in Toowoomba. I managed to modernise it by changing the seating to striped cushions and painting the wood black. Everyone comments on how well it fits in with the decor.

“

One of the outdoor entertaining spaces.

I also put some stained-glass in the doors, which I am very proud of, to break up the bits of wood in the entryway.”

Jenny said the couple had never considered living in an apartment before buying in Castlebar Cove.

The European-feel to the decor suits that of the rest of the building.

“We were tossing up whether to buy a house, but when we saw this we just fell in love with it,” she said. “It’s not only the apartment, it’s a really nice block to live in. The residents are so friendly and the amenities, gardens and swimming pool are like those in a resort.”

The stained-glass doors in the entryway.

The apartment has its own pool, but the owners also have use of the luxurious resort-style pool and facilities on lower levels.

The floor plan echoes that of a traditional home, living spaces and the guest accommodation on the lower level and bedrooms above, with the two joined by an elegant staircase. Its soft spiralling curves could keep you mesmerised all day were it not for that other distraction — the view.

Whether it be through the floor-to-ceiling windows or from the wraparound balconies, the city of Brisbane is laid out before you at every turn.

“You never get tired of that,” Jenny said.

“We just love it and the lovely breezes that flow through all around. It’s a beautiful apartment to live in.”

An outdoor area.

DETAILS

2111/39 Castlebar Street, Kangaroo Point

4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, 4 parking spaces, 2 pools

Agent Sarah Hackett, Place Bulimba

Contact 0488 355 553
The house is open to offers until 3pm on September 17.

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Homebuyers Don and Dulani Wijesundara and son Movi, 7 with Ashbury sales consultant Sharee Hase. Picture: Peter Ristevski

The emerging Geelong suburb renowned for its Game of Thrones themed streets is rising in the ratings with homebuyers.

The impact of the coronavirus pandemic is obvious, with Charlemont, Armstrong Creek and Mount Duneed experiencing some of the best year on year growth in buyer demand, realestate.com.au data shows.

Charlemont, where the median house price is $516,000, topped the list with demand rising 146 per cent.

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Big fans of Game of Thrones Bryce and Lisa Torney and son William were pictured in Winterfell Rd, Charlemont in 2019. Picture: Glenn Ferguson

It’s part of the Armstrong Creek growth area that will add 60,000 residents to Geelong’s population when completed.

The main Charlemont Rise estate features Game of Thrones street names like Winterfell Road, Sandor Terrace and Snow Street.

The growth area’s population hit 17,000 this year, City of Greater Geelong chief executive officer Martin Cutter told a UDIA conference last week.

This four-bedroom house at 5 Sandor Terrace, Charlemont, is selling for $515,000 to $545,000.

Biggest year-on-year growth in demand

Rank Suburb Demand yoy Median price 1 Charlemont 146.5% $516,250 2 Marshall 102.4% $488,000 3 Winchelsea 71.2% $480,000 4 St Leonards 68.3% $555,000 5 Torquay 54.6% $840,000 6 Armstrong Creek 41.0% $530,000 7 Newtown 36.0% $927,500 8 Barwon Heads 33.9% $1,025,000 9 Manifold Heights 33.8% $832,500 10 Belmont 33.8% $580,000 11 Ocean Grove 33.1% $744,500 12 Leopold 32.8% $521,875 13 Point Lonsdale 32.2% $932,500 14 Indented Head 29.8% $605,000 15 Anglesea 29.0% $992,500 16 Whittington 27.7% $408,000 17 Curlewis 24.2% $530,000 18 Mount Duneed 23.7% $580,000 19 Newcomb 20.7% $456,000 20 Hamlyn Heights 20.5% $564,000

Source: realestate.com.au. Change in demand over 12 months to August, 2020

Metricon Homes regional west manager Simon Taylor said first-home buyers were fuelling the robust growth, with incentives like the HomeBuilder scheme.

“Metricon new home sales across Geelong and the Surf Coast are incredibly strong, as is buyer’s confidence, particularly given we are in a recession and seeing rising unemployment,” he said.

“In Geelong and the Surf Coast we are experiencing record activity as savvy buyers seize the opportunity to secure a new home away from Melbourne, with evidence that location is something customers are now looking at differently.

New Armstrong Creek Town Centre shopping centre located in the fastest growing area in Victoria seven kilometres south-west of Geelong

“With many organisations looking to embrace working from home beyond COVID-19 restrictions, a home in our communities are now being viewed more favourably — particularly if you are only commuting a few days per week as opposed to the full 5 days or can work entirely from home.”

Coastal communities are also rising with activity St Leonards and Torquay up more than 50 per cent, and more interest in Barwon Heads, Ocean Grove, Anglesea, Curlewis and Point Lonsdale.

Metricon display homes in Armstrong Creek.

There’s a mix of Geelong suburbs also finding more favour.

Buyer demand has risen 36 per cent in Newtown, and 34 per cent in Manifold Heights and Belmont.

More affordable areas like Newcomb and Hamlyn Heights are also drawing more buyers.

Whitford, Newtown agent Dale Whitford said the appeal of traditional suburbs like Newtown was strongest for families with children, but as values rose, people started to look further afield.

11 Chesterfield Court, Newtown, is a renovation or redevelopment prospect scheduled for auction on September 26, with price hopes of $780,000 to $840,000.

“Belmont has been stunningly successful,” he said.

“It’s that ripple effect? How important is it to have a quality of life in your house, or is it the mortgage.”

Buxton, Geelong agent Ben Riddle said it was clear people were prioritising lifestyle, but the strongest growth were in areas that were really affordable.

“The beauty of Geelong is its always supplied a diverse range of property for different budgets,” he said.

19 Claremont Ave, Newtown, is listed at the top end of the suburb’s market with price hopes of $2.1 million to $2.25 million.

“One thing that we all enjoy, regardless of the suburb, is great schooling, great lifestyle, got access to those beach pockets and treechange areas.”

Realestate.com.au measures demand according to the number of visits to property listings and buyer interactions, including saving and sharing properties and contacting agents.

Suburbs with more than 30 sales and 30 listings over 12 months to August are included.

Most in-demand suburbs

Rank Suburb Median price 12 month price change 1 Geelong $830,000 15.1% 2 Geelong West $700,000 3.7% 3 Belmont $580,000 9.2% 4 Newtown $927,500 12.1% 5 Anglesea $992,500 20.7% 6 Highton $715,000 4.4% 7 East Geelong $697,500 22.4% 8 Jan Juc $935,000 6.9% 9 Lorne $1,555,000 32.9% 10 Herne Hill $557,500 3.2% 11 Barwon Heads $1,025,000 1.5% 12 Newcomb $456,000 6% 13 Hamlyn Heights $564,000 5.4% 14 Ocean Grove $744,500 10.3% 15 Waurn Ponds $650,000 2.4% 16 Grovedale $535,000 7% 17 Bell Post Hill $490,000 1.6% 18 Clifton Springs $497,500 2.6% 19 Whittington $408,000 6% 20 Bell Park $493,000 1.6%

Source: realestate.com.au

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An artist’s impression of the view from a penthouse terrace at Kalypso, Tamarama.

A block of bespoke luxury residences set to hit the market in Tamarama is tipped to be popular as buyers love affair with a beachside lifestyle gathers pace during COVID-19.

Kalypso will be a block of just nine — comprising one bedders, two-bedders, sub-penthouses and a penthouse — is a development by Dare Property’s Danny Avidan to be built at 63 Fletcher Street.

Large windows and balconies soak in the spectacular views of the stunning coastline, from Bondi in the northeast to Tamarama and Bronte in the south.

Selling agent Ben Stewart of CBRE says: “It’s going to be pretty popular … we’ve got very strong interest already.

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An artist’s impression of Kalypso, which is to be built at 63 Fletcher Street, Tamarama.

“There’s a real appetite for that beachside lifestyle, particularly with a lot of people working from home now.”

Avidan, once the businessman behind fashion brands Charlie Brown, Howard Showers and Hollywood Fashion Tape, has since earnt his stripes as a highly successful property developer and already built the Wave development in Fletcher Street.

This latest project, Kalypso, brings together architects MHNDU, who have created the illusion of the three-level block being carved into the sloping street, mirroring stunning cliffs nearby.

The three-bedroom residences all have fireplaces.

Interiors are by MIM Design. There are curved walls and elegant Bianco Lana marble benchtops, designed to be in synch with waves close-by.

And as afternoon blends to evening in front of the keyboard as residents of the three-bedroom homes gaze out to their ocean view, they need go no further than their copper-framed wine cellar for a well-earned drink.

They’ll also have fireplaces.

There are integrated Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances throughout.

Copper-framed wine cellars and magnificent views.

And get set for freestanding bathtubs with double vanities in the bathrooms.

The penthouse master bedroom will feature a balcony with breathtaking ocean views.

Prices are yet to be finalised, but insiders suggest the four two-bedders, with interiors of 80 to 85 sqm plus 12 to 15sqm balconies, will be priced in the high $2m range.

The three penthouse-style apartments, with more than 200sqm of internal space, will have double-digit price expectations.

The standard three-bedroom apartment will be in the $5m range.

Beautiful kitchens.

And the three one-bedders, which will also have Sub-Zero and Wolf appliances — will be in the late $1m range.

All of the apartments will come with garaging, and the three-bedroom apartments will offer two car spaces.

Lords, the builders, will start demolition on the site in December with completion not due until mid 2022.

Stewart says there continues to be strong demand for the owner-occupier properties.

Bespoke finishes.

“We’re finding prestige properties and units that are rare are still selling very well,” he said.

“Empty-nesters and downsizers are saying give me something special to enjoy my life in,

“People are definitely spending more on their principal place of residence.

“There are minimal sales in investment stock, but owner-occupier sales are very strong.”

There’s been much discussion of inner-city apartments taking time to sell, but Stewart says they are seeing good resales of quality luxury apartments.

He said there’d been a sale last week of $13.5m at the Opera Residences, the 102 unit development at Circular Quay, which equated to $87,000 per sq metre.

“There’s been an uplift in price on resale of up to 25 per cent,” Stewart said.

“During COVID, there’s definitely been a flight to quality.”

The post Tamarama’s Kalypso apartments offer grand design and spectacular ocean views appeared first on realestate.com.au.

The right technique can be the difference between securing a property and missing out. Picture: Tim Hunter.

An auction is the most heart pounding experience a buyer will face on the path to owning what might be their first or twentieth home.

The high stakes event can often feel like a poker game or an emotional rollercoaster for some. This can make it easy to get swept up in the mayhem — by paying more for a property than planned, or missing out due to a bad technique.

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While a property’s features and the local property market have the most significant impact on how much a buyer will pay, having the right bidding strategy might just ensure you walk way with the keys, Cooley Auctions auctioneer Michael Garofolo said.

Making the opening bid can allow you to control the auction and possibly eliminate some competition. Picture: James Gourley/The Sunday Telegraph.

“Don’t be afraid make the first bid, as this allows you to take control of the auction and it shows the bidders you mean business,” he said.

Making the opening bid means the buyer can set the tone for the rest of the auction, Mr Garofolo said, adding that by starting strong, it could also scare off other buyers from bidding.

He said it was not about where a bidder starts with their opening bid, but where it finished.

“Be cheeky and offer less than the guided price, as nine times out 10, the auctioneer will always counter and might meet you halfway,” he said.

“Just remember to not put your best and final figure first as you want to leave some fuel in the tank.”

The auctioneer said buyers should never wait for the property to be called to market before bidding, as it increased the risk of overpaying.

“It means any bids from here are at market value or above,” he said.

Mr Garofolo said bidders should instead be proactive beforehand to give themselves the best opportunity to be at the front of the pack for any negotiations that come up.

Making small bidding increments of $1000 at the end of the auction could also see a buyer miss out, Mr Garofolo said, adding it allowed others to remain in the picture.

“I’ve seen many buyers miss out by $500 because they didn’t attempt to land a knockout bid,” he said.

Michael Garofolo (pictured centre) said bidders who increase their bids in increments as low as $500 towards the end of the auction run the risk of missing out. Picture: Sam Ruttyn.

At the same time, buyers’ agent Rich Harvey of Propertybuyer said people should also not throw a knockout $200,000 bid in an attempt to wipe out the competition.

“It doesn’t always work, and you could be left paying far more than what the home was actually going to sell for,” he said.

Wearing sunglasses or the body language you let off could also impact your prospects of winning an auction Mr Harvey said.

Keen bidders should stand where the auctioneer can clearly see them. Picture: David Swift.

“Some buyers like to wear sunglasses like a poker play would to hide their intentions or what they are thinking,” he said.

The buyers’ agent said it did not matter where a person opted to stand during the auction, as long as the auctioneer can see them.

Before even placing a bid, Mr Harvey said it was important to research the local market to see what the competition is like and how much homes are selling for to allow you to create the best auction strategy.

“This allows you and your bidding partner to work out what is the maximum amount you will bid and will not go past,” he said.

Buyers agent Rich Harvey said it was important to write down your maximum bid and never go past it as you run of the risk of regretting it.

“Never do flexible figures as you will end up regretting it after the auction when you have to go past your budget.”

Mr Harvey also advised buyers to write down your bids and ensure the auctioneer hears your correct bid.

“The early $1 millions can get quite confusing, and an auctioneer might hear a higher bid than you want,” he said.

Despite Australia being in the middle of its first recession since 1991, the number of scheduled auctions is expected to ramp up over the coming months with the arrival of the popular spring selling season.

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Nardoo cattle station sold for $35m under the hammer via Ray White Rural QLD.

An enormous Queensland cattle station has sold for $35m via online auction – the biggest price fetched under the hammer by one of the country’s leading agencies this year.

Eleven bidders registered to bid on the 97,500ha Nardoo cattle station, with the first bid coming in at a whopping $20m.

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Nardoo cattle station was the biggest under the hammer price fetched across Ray White so far this year.

Ray White Rural Queensland principal Bruce Douglas facilitated the sale which was “the highest under the hammer price across Ray White this year”, a company statement said.

“Interest came almost exclusively from larger grazier families around Queensland,” Mr Douglas said. “It’s good cattle country and very tightly held, properties don’t come up very often in the area so buyers jumped on it.”

Stunning scenery across the station.

He said the property saw strong interest all the way through the sales campaign.

The massive cattle station sold to a local Cloncurry grazier family.

Outgoing owners Peter and Ann Wollett offered the property up for auction along it is cattle and plant machinery.

The station has a carrying capacity of 8000 cattle and is located 280km north west of Cloncurry.

The classic homestead at Nardoo station.

Among other big cattle station sales in Queensland this year according to BeefCentral was Dooruna 100 west of Moranbah which sold for $27m to Goondiwindi family the Duddys.

As well, Terrica, 56km north west of Stanthorpe, sold in August to Grimwade & Gordon for $14m, it said, while Whyenbirra, 132km south west of St George sold for $4.3m to Robert Woodward in late August.

LATEST QLD REAL ESTATE NEWS

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Simon Diaz grew up in Glen Waverley and still lives nearby.

Simon Diaz is a smoothfm 91.5 afternoon announcer.

Where do you live?

In the southeastern suburbs with my wife and two boys in a 1980s, mission-brown brick, three-bedroom home we bought in 1997, just before Melbourne’s property prices went crazy. It even came with an ’80s kidney-shaped pool.

What do you love most about your home?

The outdoor room, which overlooks the pool. I also love that our home is close to friends we made through mothers’ group, the local footy club is only 500m away, the local Westfield is a five-minute drive, and a ride up the Dandenongs is not too far. Getting to the smoothfm studios, in Richmond, on the “Monash carpark”, though, is very trying.

Have you changed anything?

We altered a few internal walls to create a separate living area so the boys could have their own living area and we didn’t have to hear the PlayStation. And we converted the outdoor deck into an outdoor room we could use all year round.

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One more thing you’d change?

We often say we should’ve knocked down the house and rebuilt, but there was no way we could’ve afforded it back then.

How many homes have you ever lived in?

I grew up in Glen Waverley, in a home my dad designed in the ’70s and ’80s. It’s still one of a kind. I’ve also lived in numerous flats in country towns throughout my radio journey.

The most memorable?

A coastal block down the Bass Coast I bought for nine grand. I told all my mates about it and they bought blocks as well. We had the best summers down there, camping. Eventually, we built on the block and sold it.

Your first foot on the property ladder?

Where I’m living. We’ve also had a few investment properties we’ve renovated and sold.

Are you a keen or reluctant property buyer?

I’ve always been a keen property watcher and buyer. We’re the sort of couple that can be driving through a suburb, see a sale sign and look up the property to see what it’s selling for.

Highlights of your property journey?

Seeing how new carpet, a coat of paint and a little kitchen and bathroom makeover can make such a difference.

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The lowlights?

There’s always a risk with an investment property. A tenant can damage your property and can skip rent, which has happened to us.

Tips for homebuyers?

Buy within your means. Make sure you can service the loan. If it means moving a bit further out, like we did, so be it.

Future property plans?

We’re looking at a knockdown rebuild in Mornington and plan to eventually sell our family home, once the kids have finished school, and move down there. I’m sure the boys will follow.

The post Simon Diaz: Smooth sailing in property for radio announcer appeared first on realestate.com.au.

20 Olinda-Monbulk Road, Olinda requires no artwork on the walls as its natural surroundings are picture perfect.

There’s no need to go buy the fancy fern wallpaper that seems to be all the rage right now for this Olinda treehouse. 

The picturesque property with huge glass windows is surrounded by forest, a tiered fern garden and native birdlife – letting nature do all the work for you.

The three-bedroom pad at 20 Olinda-Monbulk Road is on the market with a $1.2m price tag.

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The kitchen backdrop looks fake it’s so lush.

Give me a home among the treetops.

The lucky buyers will feel at one with nature: the home has you feeling like you’re living in a secluded haven, yet it’s just 50m from the local village, which features boutique stores, antique shops, cafes and restaurants.

Bell agent Elliot Bell said the house had functioned as the owners’ weekender, and had been completely rebuilt.

“It’s a fit out you’d find in Brighton or the Bayside suburbs,” he said.

The owners have $1.2m price hopes.

The home has most recently been used as a weekender.

The property was designed around an open-plan communal hub, which features the kitchen, living and dining zone and connects to the large entertainment deck.

The bedrooms and bathrooms flank this hub.

Soaring ceilings, a gas fireplace, and the picture windows that frame lush green vistas are standout features of the home.

A private garden studio, which could be “the perfect spot to finish that novel”, is another highlight.

Be at one with nature.

A quaint studio in the gardens rounds out the package.

“It’s disappointing we can’t show people through at the moment but once we are able to do so, it will get snatched up really quickly,” Mr Bell said.

“It’s biggest appeal is it is this amazing secluded property, but still only a 1-2 minute walk from the village.”

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