Why are more families and tree change-seeking couples taking an interest in acreage home designs and big blocks in South East Queensland? Not only is the region such a beautiful part of Queensland to call home, but there’s also something special about living on a large block with wide, open spaces and stunning landscapes on your doorstep. This abundance of space allows for greater privacy and a more relaxing living environment, free of the hustle and bustle of urban settings – while all the amenities you need are just a short drive away.
Another advantage to acreage living is the space that provides the freedom to design and build an acreage home that includes the must-have features that homebuyers insist on. After all, you’re building your forever home. It’s only natural that you’d want to ensure the build and design quality is of the highest standards and that the features you want in your new acreage home are present. These features will help to maximise your new acreage home’s potential and home value, and will also enhance your acreage lifestyle here in South East Queensland.
1. Open-plan living spaces
To maximise the appeal of your new acreage home and enhance your lifestyle at home, open plan living spaces really are a must-have feature that you can’t overlook. As few home design trends have transformed how we live at home like open plan living spaces, chances are any acreage home design you consider will have an open floor plan. However, some acreage home designs are more effective at creating spacious, free-flowing and light-filled spaces that promote multifunctionality and maximise floor space. The benefits that the right open-plan living space in an acreage home offers include; increased natural light and airflow, more relaxed and social living, greater flexibility across living zones and easier multitasking!
2. View Maximising Windows
The more natural light entering a room, the more open and spacious it feels. Plus, chances are you’re looking forward to enjoying the expansive views that living on acreage provides. So, let the view inside where you can enjoy it from all areas of the home with windows that flood your home with light and views of nature. This makes your home more visually appealing and also offers benefits like fostering a connection to nature and the land, and promoting relaxation. Additionally, when your acreage home has the right home orientation, you’ll find that view-maximising windows might also maximise passive cooling and heating.
3. Natural materials
Complementing the scenic views and the natural light that fills your acreage home with natural materials is such an amazing way to create an acreage home that truly embraces the enviable acreage lifestyles we have the opportunity to enjoy in South East Queensland. Using natural materials offers unrivalled unique beauty and perfectly complements the natural surroundings of your home, they also offer extensive flexibility and suit a wide range of interior design concepts, from rustic to modern. Most people, regardless of their interior design preferences, find that using natural materials adds a freshness that’s inviting and appealing and adds a sense of harmony and balance.
4. Butler’s Pantry
A butler’s pantry or large walk-in pantry is an absolute must-have feature in any acreage home. This increasingly popular feature in acreage homes provides extra storage space for food, perishable items, dishes, glassware and bulky kitchen appliances. While butler’s pantries were once seen as a ‘luxury’ item, they’re increasingly seen as a must-have feature in acreage homes, even if you don’t host guests often. One of the biggest advantages to having a butler’s pantry or large walk-in pantry when living a little further out of town is having the extra storage space to stock up on supplies so you needn’t go to the shops as often. Moreover, many households that complement their shopping with home-grown fruit and vegetables find the additional space indispensable to their acreage lifestyles!
5. Mudroom
As the name suggests, a mudroom is a dedicated room or space in the home where you can remove muddy footwear, raincoats and outdoor clothing before entering the living areas. Usually located at the rear or front entrance to the home, like Hallmark’s “Drop & Go” mudroom, this is a great feature for promoting cleanliness and organisation at home and is especially useful for households that regularly engage in outdoor activities. Just think how simple it would be to keep the floors clean with a dedicated space to remove dirty shoes and clothes and avoid bringing mess into the interior and throughout your living spaces! A mudroom doesn’t need to be a ‘room’ and can simply be a space near the entryway with a bench (ideally with shoe storage) to sit down and take off your shoes, hooks for jackets and raincoats, storage for umbrellas and other items, and an aesthetically appealing mudroom mat!
6. Guest Room
With most acreage home designs offering four bedrooms, many families and couples find that they have the opportunity to create a dedicated guest bedroom. After all, you may find that due to living a little further out that your guests are more likely to stay over after dinner parties – and that you have more visiting requests from family and friends! Creating a welcoming guest room in your new acreage home needn’t be an expensive endeavour and can be as simple as adding a comfortable, high-quality bed (or sofa bed), a bedside table and lamp and decorative elements that reflect the aesthetic of the rest of your home.
7. Covered Outdoor Entertaining Area
A covered outdoor area that protects from the elements creates an essential living space that allows you to live your best acreage lifestyle and enjoy the idyllic South East Queensland weather. With an enviable climate like ours, an outdoor living space is a must-have feature in acreage homes that’s perfect for relaxing and taking in the views, entertaining family and friends, and simply providing additional living space. What’s more, a covered verandah or deck with an insulated roof benefits the interior of your home by keeping the sun, rain and wind away from the windows and walls. This not only protects from the elements during those times when you need it most, but also helps to keep your home cooler in summer – an important consideration in all homes.
The unparalleled appeal of big-block lifestyles has made acreage blocks in areas across South East Queensland, like the Lockyer Valley and Sunshine Coast, even more appealing to homebuyers seeking the freedom and possibilities that building on a big block offers. Hallmark Homes has extensive experience building on acreage blocks and we have a stunning selection of acreage home designs to explore in our Eden acreage home designs range. When you’re ready to experience our build and design quality in person and chat with a consultant about your home-building journey, visit one of our acreage display homes.
Currently, we have homes open for inspection at two acreage display villages in South East Queensland – the Fairview 321 at The Fairways Kensington Grove in the Locker Valley, and the Retreat 303 at Woodhill.