Retreat to the Hunter Valley with this bush weekender

Snap up this warm, low-maintenance retreat on 2 ha of semi-cleared bushland only 140km northwest of Sydney. Price guide: $900,000

Only 15 minutes to Wollombi village amenities this remote haven comes with mains power, tanks and satellite internet connected.

NSW

Rocky Creek Road, Wollombi

Oregon timber and Hebel concrete create a warm, low-maintenance retreat on 2ha of semi-cleared bushland, 140km northwest of Sydney. The three-bedroom home features open-plan living, a country-style kitchen and slate floors. The light-filled main bedroom opens to a timber deck, while upstairs bedrooms overlook the trees while stained-glass windows, high ceilings and wraparound verandahs add character. Follow garden paths to a jetty-topped dam, tend the veggie beds, or WFH from the study nook. It’s 15 minutes to Wollombi village amenities with mains power, tanks and satellite internet connected. Musgrove Realty, 0429 663 026. $900,000-$950,000

John Lees Drive, Dilston

TAS

John Lees Drive, Dilston

Designed to respond to its 1.2ha site, River Rocks curves along the Tamar River with 270-degree water views and no visible window or door frames. Floor-to-ceiling double glazing is set directly into steel columns, for light and connectivity to the land. A green roof seeded with local topsoil provides natural insulation above two living zones linked by a courtyard, a sunken lounge, a sculptural kitchen, three bedrooms, and a French wood heater. Completed four years ago, there is commercial-grade climate control, 100sqm powered shed and landscaped terraces down to the water’s edge. Elders, 0417 507 630. About $2.5 million

Gordon Street, Cottesloe

WA

Gordon St, Cottesloe

Architect-designed and north-facing, this three-bedroom, three-bathroom beachside home fuses marble, travertine, polished concrete and steel in a refined yet welcoming palette. Floor-to-ceiling glass, louvre windows and a floating staircase amplify light and space, while the open-plan living area flows to a tree-lined courtyard with a saltwater plunge pool and remote-controlled awning. Features include a chef’s kitchen with Miele and Electrolux appliances, marble ensuite with skylit tub and twin showers, surround sound, zoned aircon, solar panels and secure gated entry. Walk to Napoleon Street, the river and Cottesloe Beach. Ray White 0429 159 506. $3.7-$3.9 million

Brookside Road, Springfield

SA

Brookside Road, Springfield

Designed by architect Gavin Lawson in 1927, this landmark estate celebrates its heritage with a timber-clad dining room, grand reception hall, ornate leadlight windows and a central fireplace anchoring the formal sitting room. Set on 2,401sqm, the four-bedroom home includes a full-size tennis court, indoor heated pool, wine cellar and four-car garage. A sympathetic renovation adds a Miele kitchen, casual living zones and alfresco pavilion study, rumpus, built-in workstations, ducted air. Located 6km southeast of Adelaide’s CBD, it’s close to top schools and walking trails. Booth Real Estate, 0413 000 887. $8-$8.8 million

Agnew Rd, Mount Mellum.

QLD

Agnew Road, Mount Mellum

Commanding panoramic views, this one-of-a-kind Sunshine Coast hinterland estate spans 4.67ha and includes a five-bedroom, four-bathroom main residence and a separate one-bedroom guest lodge. Designed by Sparks Architects and completed in 2020, interiors feature oak floors, granite benchtops, Miele appliances, an integrated fridge, ZIP tap and three gas fireplaces. A covered balcony opens to a fully equipped outdoor kitchen, while motorised blinds, Shou Sugi Ban ironbark cladding, a solar-heated pool, Tesla battery and 127,000L rainwater storage complete the offering. Trains and amenities are less than 6km away in Landsborough. Queensland Sotheby’s, 0403 327 792. $15 million-plus