Top 25 homes with the best backyards and gardens in NSW | Full list
From ‘bat caves’ to Great Gatsby-esque estates, from the ultimate post-pandemic hideout to feng shui Nirvana, these are Sydney and NSW’s most amazing backyards.
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The great Australian backyard has changed forever and for the better.
Gone is the ubiquitous Hills Hoist, the pebblecrete pool and mouldy paving stones – adventure, aesthetics and a resort-esque lifestyle are the new must haves.
But with a twist – the coveted and lovingly curated emerald green lawn is back with a bang.
As The Saturday Telegraph began to compile a list of 25 of NSW best gardens, we discovered the evolution of the backyard is happening right before many homeowner’s eyes and we would have to throw said backyards, outdoor spaces and play areas into the contemporary mix.
Whether it’s for the space, for mum and dad and/or the kids or simply for bragging rights, what now sits outside your home is almost as important as the great Australian dream of home ownership.
HOW COVID IMPACTED OUR HOMES
Selling Houses Australia’s new co-host and landscape expert Dennis Scott says the best backyard is one “that actually gets used”, and Covid had resulted in more value being placed on the outside of the home.
“The outside of your house is the biggest room of your house,” Mr Scott said. “It’s not just about bathrooms, kitchens and laundries anymore; it’s about the landscape.
“The first image someone has of your property is from the outside, so if they don’t think it’s aesthetically pleasing from the outside, it’s going to be hard to get them to want to go inside.
“I think people are more willing to focus on the outside, and it’s functional now. People want these outside spaces and to not be cooped up inside.”
Mr Scott said the ‘front yard’ had become an emerging trend post-pandemic.
“Before Covid, people wanted this big backyard to hide themselves away in, but now we’re craving the social aspect of doing some gardening with the kids in the front yard and being able to chat to the neighbours,” he said.
Outdoor kitchens, outdoor living zones, pools, edible gardens, kid-friendly areas and fire pit zones had also become outside additions. There’s also skatebowls, motocross tracks and even helicopter pads.
“There’s also a big focus on outdoor furniture … it’s come a long way.”
But Mr Scott said it was hard to beat the feeling of having the best lawn in the street.
“A simple, well-maintained lawn that gets used by the family for fun and activity is probably the most awesome start you can have for a backyard,” he said.
“People are now spending more time maintaining a lawn. Back in the day, lawns were manicured pastures and that was for the wealthy to show off. People want that effect again — to be able to show that they have self pride and awareness of space, that they want to have a good looking yard.”
Our selections in our top 25 have been guided by experts like Mr Scott, recognition in awards events, contemporary needs, wants and aesthetics and also the backyards we enjoyed as kids or wanted to enjoy.
WHAT BACKYARD TRENDS AND FEATURES WILL BE POPULAR POST-Covid?
Pre-Covid, the backyard was shrinking, but now it’s back bigger and better than ever, according to REA Group executive manager of economic research Cameron Kusher.
“If you look at the general trend (pre-Covid), a lot more apartments were being built and houses being built in outer suburbs were taking up much of the block,” Mr Kusher said.
“The backyard was outsourced to local parks and those kind of areas, but now people have been putting a lot more value on space and backyards have become a lot more popular.
“We’re also seeing less demand for units and house prices rising faster than unit prices.”
Mr Kusher said it was hard to put a dollar value on how much a backyard added to the price of a property, but the evidence was clear that people were willing to pay a premium for space.
“If we look at what types (of properties) have grown in price the fastest, they’ve been larger properties and regional properties where you do tend to get larger blocks of land.
“So clearly, if we look at the trends, people are putting a lot more value on having a backyard.”
“Even in capital city areas, a lot of people are doing renos and want a pool and vegie gardens.”
“I do think for the next few years we will see more demand for slightly bigger properties and people looking to build homes that don’t take up the vast majority of the block of land.”
AWARD WINNING BACKYARDS
Phil and Sue Casey created award-winning gardens out the back of their Central Coast family home and said living among the lush setting was an “adventure”.
Their Kangy Angy property is layered with elaborate flower beds and walkways wind through “rooms” formed from hedges.
The gardens abound with antiques, Thai statues and artwork, including a feature fountain with Hindu symbolism.
It was such a unique set up that the property drew interest from photographers needing a backdrop for fashion shoots.
This eventually spawned a business idea and the couple got DA approval to turn the property into a wedding and events venue.
“Visitors tell us there’s a spiritual feel to the property. Others say it’s like a fairy tale,” Ms Casey said, adding that the gardens were created around a cottage her father built many years ago.
The couple have listed the property for sale with expectations of about $3.5 million and said they hoped someone new could take their creation “into full bloom”.
Selling agent Shaun Coffey of Stone Real Estate said the property was one-of-a-kind and well known among locals.
“The landscaping is everywhere, it hits you right as you pass the front gates,” he said. “It’s a popular place to get married, but it’s also an amazing home.”
25. Byron Bay Hamptons
Sitting in the woods above Byron this Hamptons-style resort is an ideal and enviable family space with a luxe pool at the heart of the outdoor space, opportunity for passive income and a treehouse for kids big and small.
24. Feng Shui Nirvana
A wonderful example of the ancient art of Feng Shui from Landscape artist Matt Leacy.
23. Palm Beach Villa
This incredible home designed by Jeremy Bull from Alexander & Co. is something straight out of The Great Gatsby, and so is the garden. Picture by Felix Forest.
22. Matt Cantwell Rooftop Garden
With a view like this it’s hard to make anyone notice the garden, but gardening expert Matt Cantwell of Secret Gardens of Sydney has done just that.
21. Claudia Nevell Garden, Coffs Harbour
One of the most intriguing regional gardens out there. A multi-layered tropical wonderland of green, grey and purple foliage sits beneath layers and layers of canopy.
20. Hollywood cool, Newport
This northern beaches home’s view is almost usurped by infinity pool, the Hollywood-style outdoor entertaining space, casual tropical garden and wet edge pool from which it spawns.
19. Pavilions by Mirvac
According to the judges of the 2021 Sydney Design Awards this development has “reimagined urban life at Sydney Olympic Park. Its 4500sqm of whimsical gardens, outdoor dining spaces, bocce courts, intimate lawns and a children’s play space have engendered an immediate sense of community.”
18. Peter Fudge Garden, Killara
A gorgeous French parterre gardens of the style that made the landscape designer famous.
17. Kangy Gardens
This secluded 2.5 acre estate with award-winning gardens and a boutique wedding venue is almost like a magical land unto itself with dazzling statues, a full wet bar and serpentine Hansel and Gretel pathways. It’s for sale with a $3.5m price guide.
16. Ex-Stanmore Fire Station
The parties this place must have seen – like something straight out of hit TV series entourage with its LA-style outdoor pool and party deck.
15. 2 Havel Place Dural
This award-winning property ticks all the boxes when it comes to the ultimate in resort-style living: two homes, tennis court, big pool, outdoor entertaining area including a bar and landscaped gardens on five acres. It’s on the market now.
14. Phoenix Central Park
This award-winning contemporary urban space from 360 degrees landscape “demonstrates a harmonious integration of nature, sculpture and space” according to the judges of the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects gongs
13. 50 Willows Park Grove, Cattai
Nothing promises more fun for the whole family than a dirt bike track and a helicopter pad in your own backyard and it’s for sale
12. Greenwall Inc.
Almost as if the house is growing out of the garden, this eyecatching backyard is the eco-friendly home of horticulturist and Greenwall founder Mark Paul.
11. Peter Fudge Garden, Pagewood
The immaculately manicure lawn, wides styled space and native flora is unmistakeably Australian.
10. Clifftop Garden
Perched on a 100m high cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean this award-winning set up designed by landscape architect Jane Irwin features a natural pool and thriving native water plant garden which leans into the drama of the natural environment around it.
9. Sirius Sydney Harbour
Shortlisted for the 2021 World Architecture Festival’s Future Projects award the wholly integrated landscape and designs of this Sydney icon have given in incredible fresh new, utopian aesthetic
8. South Coogee House
Fans of Mr Inbetween will recognise this $17m contemporary gem with “an infinity edge pool that merges with the seascape and multiple indoor and outdoor living spaces at one with the nature”.
7. Terrey Hills Billabong
This $11m property with its own lagoon, a Great Barrier Reef aquarium and drive-in outdoor movie theatre deserves to have a Banjo Patterson bush ballad written about it.
6. Lights of Panania
In terms of urban landscaping chic, this $2.6m Panaia home is hard to beat via glass brick kerb appeal, on trend Palm Springs front yard aesthetic, submerged glass-walled spa and 24/7 outdoor pizza oven.
5. Ingleside Sports Stadium
Nestled beside an ancient billabong, this insane Ingleside estate is perfect for outdoor lovers with a full size footy field, putting green, cricket nets and a dog park
4. The Pavilion, Kangaroo Valley
Perhaps modern Australia’s answer to Balmoral Castle, this incredible $5.8m rural retreat’s outdoor expanse unfolds northward from the bespoke residence with a studio barn, horse stables, three dams and a eucalyptus plantation. The perfect treechange. One of the most viewed properties on realestate.com.au ever.
3. Bronte House
Like something out of a Frederick McCubbin painting, Sydney icon Bronte House’s outdoors are every bit as impressive as its Australian Gothic Revival Style mother. The formal garden flows seamlessly into the Bronte Gully landscape. As nostalgic as it gets.
2. 4 Yuruga Road, Dural
This home brings new meaning to the phrase indoor garden via its unique giant fish pond. The home, currently for sale with estimates at around $8m, also has indoor and outdoor bars, a pool, tennis court, organic vegie gardens and fully fenced horse paddocks.
1. Nautilus
This Burraneer super mansion comes with a bat cave, bowling alley, archery range, WWII torpedo, two bars, Turkish steam room, a day spa, swimming pool, private beach and marina. It’s fit for a God, that’s why Thor star Chris Hemsworth is rumoured to be interested in this home with $50m+ sale hopes.
Selling Houses Australia’s outdoor living expert Dennis Scott is joining The Saturday Telegraph’s At Home magazine from next Saturday.
Dennis will share his expertise on landscaping, gardening and outdoor living, and in his first column reveals how to grow a lush lawn that will make your neighbours green with grass envy.
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