Tropical charms win big

RAY Murphy from RE/MAX Real Estate Services Cairns sold 24/87 Macilwraith St, Manoora, for $245,000. The comfortable and private three-bedroom villa is in the Hill Side Village gated complex, which features a tropical inground pool surrounded by manicured gardens. The villa has spacious bedrooms, good-size kitchen, airconditioned living areas and a private rear courtyard. CAIRNS is known for its laidback lifestyle and often labelled a “great place to raise the kids”, so it is no surprise the region also boasts some of the best family homes.

Cairns agent Debbie North said sprawling homes on large blocks, most with a pool and some properties with separate living quarters all contributed to the ultimate in family living.

“Most families want separate living areas, especially as kids get older,” Ms North said. “Families want to be in a good neighbourhood with good access to good schools and room for visitors.”

Ms North recently listed a fivebedroom Queenslander on Behan St in Stratford, which was built with the modern family in mind.

“This is a great family home be- cause it has five bedrooms which would obviously accommodate three or four children with space for visitors,” she said.

“It also has a beautiful family lounge and dining area opening to the deck plus a separate area upstairs where children can have their own separate space.

“The layout with the fourth bedroom and another bathroom downstairs makes it ideal for visiting older relatives or could be a parents’ retreat.

“Also, Stratford, itself, is a wonderful family village-style neighbourhood to bring kids up with close access to excellent schools, parks, library and other great facilities.”

For those in the market looking for their “forever home”, Ms North said buyers should reflect on their potential needs in decades to come.

“People should consider if they are going to have more children and what a family needs as children get older.

“For example, a separate living area so they can have their friends over, bedrooms large enough so they can have a desk to study, suitable guest accommodation as granny gets older, an area where the family and friends can be together to eat or entertain.”

Real estate agent Nicole Bragg is also selling a home on Edmonds Close in Bentley Park, which she said brings her back to her childhood.

“My favourite childhood memories were days of playing backyard cricket, running through the sprinklers, playing with my dog in the yard,” Ms Bragg said.

“This property allows your children to have their very own childhood memories of playing in their backyard.

“The location of this allotment is truly unique and allows your kids to have space to play outdoors.”

Secure fencing, proximity to a public park, a large alfresco area and space to plant a vegetable garden are also desirable features for a family home, the agent said.

“It is important to have enough rooms but also flexibility to convert these spaces into a games room or study potentially.

“Know what your priorities are and stick to them,” Ms Bragg said.