What is an Acreage?
If you've ever dreamt of leaving the hustle and bustle of city life behind for the serenity of the countryside, you’re not alone. Many Queenslanders find the idea of living on an acreage property incredibly appealing. But what exactly is an acreage, and what are some of the most important considerations if you’re considering a move?
This guide is designed to help first-time home builders and those planning a suburban exodus to embrace acreage living.
How Big is an Acre of Land?
An ‘acre’ is a unit of measurement for land. In Australia, an acre is measured as being 4,840 square yards – or, in more modern terms, approximately 4,047 square metres.
If you’re struggling to grasp the scope of what an acre actually looks like, rest assured it’s fairly substantial and is one of the defining reasons why people leave their suburban homes and move out to the country.
To put it in perspective, an acre is larger than the size of half a standard soccer pitch. Having such a generous parcel of land provides great opportunities for spacious living, outdoor activities and – most importantly – creating your dream rural sanctuary.
What are the Characteristics of an Acreage Home Design?
Acreage home designs are distinct from standard urban home designs in a few different ways. Their designs are tailored to maximise the advantages of spacious rural areas while addressing the challenges unique of larger properties. Here are some key characteristics of acreage home designs:
- Expansive layouts: Acreage homes typically feature spacious layouts with larger rooms, open living areas and ample outdoor spaces.
- Connection to nature: Acreage home designs emphasise the connection between indoor and outdoor living. Features like large windows, expansive outdoor entertaining areas and wrap-around verandahs are highly sought-after.
- Privacy: With extra space comes unparalleled privacy, often including generous set-backs from neighbours and natural barriers like trees and fencing.
- Flexibility: The vast space on a beautiful rural block allows for greater flexibility in your home design, making it possible to include features like home offices, gyms or rumpus rooms and large garages and sheds.
Brighton Homes has a selection of exquisite acreage designs that reflect these characteristics, giving you the chance to fully embrace the benefits of rural living with all the bells and whistles of a well-designed home.
The Advantages of Acreage Living in Queensland
Living on an acreage property in Queensland comes with a number of exciting advantages, making it an attractive choice if you are seeking a change of pace and scenery. Here are some of the key benefits:
Unparalleled Privacy
One of the biggest pros of acreage living is the unmatched level of privacy it provides. With ample space between your home and neighbouring properties, you can enjoy a peaceful and secluded lifestyle. Say goodbye to noisy neighbours and hello to the tranquillity of a truly natural environment.
Unwind with a Laid-Back Lifestyle
If you're tired of fast-paced city living, why not buy acreage and immerse yourself in a laid-back and relaxed lifestyle? The clean, fresh air of the countryside and the absence of city noise and pollution can have a profound impact on your overall wellbeing.
Embrace the Great Outdoors
Acreage properties are all about enjoying and exploring the surrounding outdoor spaces. Whether you have a green thumb and want to plant a garden paradise, keep horses or other animals, or if you simply relish the idea of having room to roam, acreage offers endless possibilities for a new lifestyle in the great outdoors.
Enjoy Exciting Activities
With plenty of space in these natural surrounds, you can engage in a wide range of outdoor activities right on your doorstep. From trail biking to hiking, birdwatching, stargazing, riding dirt bikes, keeping animals and even growing your own fruit and veggies on a grand scale, the country gives you the freedom to embrace a more active and fulfilling lifestyle.
Space to Build Your Dream Home
Acreage blocks have ample space to build your dream home exactly as you envision it. Whether you desire a sprawling single-storey residence or a grand two-storey country manor, Brighton Homes has plenty of popular acreage home designs to turn your country-lifestyle dreams into a reality.
Pitfalls of Buying Rural Land
While a block of land out in the country offers numerous advantages, it’s just as important to think about the potential challenges of rural land ownership. Here are some factors to be aware of:
Ongoing Maintenance
Maintaining a larger property can be more time-consuming and expensive than caring for a regular home on a standard urban parcel of land. You may need to invest in equipment like lawnmowers, brush cutters and power tools for fencing, along with budgeting for ongoing expenses such as pool maintenance and pest control. It can get costly if you don’t plan ahead, so make sure to factor these changed living conditions into your home-building budget.
Distance from Amenities
Living on an acreage property often means being farther away from essential amenities such as grocery stores, schools and doctor’s offices. While that’s sometimes an advantage rather than a negative – especially if you want to escape from the hustle and bustle of major cities – it’s important to consider the extra travel time and logistics when planning your daily routines.
Bushfire Threats
In some regions, especially in Australia, bushfires can pose a significant threat to acreage properties. It’s important that you are aware of your property’s Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) rating, which assesses the risk of bushfire zones and dictates specific building requirements and safety measures.
Close Encounters with Local Wildlife
Living in a rural setting often means sharing your space with local wildlife. While this can be an exciting part of acreage living, it might also involve occasional encounters with snakes, spiders and other critters. Being prepared and informed about local wildlife is a must.
Things to Consider When Building on Acreage
If you're considering building your dream family home on an acreage property, there are several important factors to keep in mind:
- Access to services: Make sure that essential services such as water, sewage, electricity, gas and internet connectivity are available at your chosen site. The cost and feasibility of connecting to these services should also be considered.
- Orientation and views: Take advantage of the spacious surroundings by optimising the orientation of your home to capture stunning views and natural light. Properly designed outdoor spaces can enhance your lifestyle and bring sought-after peace and quiet.
- Zoning: Check the local council zoning regulations for your acreage property. These regulations may impact what you can do with your land, such as whether you can subdivide it or use it for specific purposes. You’ll also want to check the council rates for your new home.
- Water supply/utilities: Some acreage properties require specific water-supply solutions, such as rainwater tanks or boreholes.
- Use of space: Acreage blocks offer a wealth of space, so think about how you intend to use it. Do you want to establish new gardens, keep livestock or create recreational areas? A well-thought-out plan can make the most of your expansive property and house.
- Proximity to neighbours: While acreage living offers plenty of peace, quiet and privacy, you’ll want to factor in your proximity to neighbouring properties. Be mindful of local community dynamics and whether you value close-knit neighbourly relationships or prefer more seclusion.
Build the Ultimate Acreage Home with Brighton Homes
When it comes to building on acres of land, choosing an experienced acreage home builder like Brighton Homes is essential. We bring decades of industry experience to the table, making us your ideal partner in building the ultimate acreage new home. Our range of acreage home designs have been thoughtfully crafted to maximise the potential of your house – whether you are in the heart of the country or on the very outskirts of town.
We understand the importance of harmonising your home with its natural surrounds. So, whether you’ve envisioned a modern retreat, a classic estate or an oasis on Queensland’s central coast, our team is dedicated to bringing your dream acreage home to life.
Ready to embark on your acreage living journey with confidence? Contact your trusted Brighton Homes builders today to explore our acreage home designs and begin the exciting process of crafting your rural sanctuary.
Remember that certain acreage may have specific zoning, regulatory and environmental requirements. Make sure you conduct thorough research and do your due diligence when buying and building on rural land.
