6 necessities when designing a rural home

Many families move away from the city and into rural areas in an effort to escape the hustle and bustle of urban life. The ideal, modern rural home design perfectly complements this slower, spacious, comfortable lifestyle without compromising on design. To help out with choosing the best design for your new rural home, here’s six popular features every country home should highlight.

For sale: 236 Mountain View Road, Maleny, QLD

1. Space, space and more space.

One of the luxuries of living in the country is that you have a lot more space to work with and you can create a home with ample room for each member of the family. Splurge on spaciousness with designs that include a large open kitchen and living space, high ceilings, sweeping staircases, swimming pools, tennis courts, roomy bedrooms, and other indoor extras city slickers can only dream of. Like a library, a dedicated study, billiards room, home cinema, his and hers dressing rooms and a butler’s pantry.

For sale: Cattai, NSW

2. Complete comfort.

When you have a lot of space to build on your options for adding comfortable extras and luxury features are almost limitless. When designing your home consider adding items that will make the home easier and more enjoyable to live in day to day. This may include a wide entry foyer, fireplaces in living areas, a kitchen island bench with soft close storage, a ducted vacuuming system, a butler’s pantry where appliances can be tucked neatly out of sight when not in use, and a hotel style master bedroom with ensuite.

For sale: 40 Charlber Lane, St Andrews, VIC

3. A large veranda.

A highlight of many rural homes is a full length wrap around veranda in the front of the home from which you can sit back and enjoy the serenity and surrounding views. This classic farmhouse feature has been popular for many years and for good reason; it reflects a true Australian outdoor lifestyle by encouraging a seamless flow between the indoors and outdoors.

For sale: 36 Sagars Road, Dural, NSW

4. Alfresco rooms.

Many modern homes feature an alfresco area which can be easily accessed from the kitchen and living areas. This outdoor extension of the home can be used as an outdoor dining area, an alfresco living area, barbeque space or all of the above, and is usually designed and decorated as beautifully as the rest of the home. A large alfresco space is the ideal area for entertaining guests during the warmer seasons, or to relax and enjoy the balmy summer nights and surrounds after a long day.

For sale: 17 Kyrenia Court, Warrandyte, VIC

5. Sustainable design.

Many people who live in rural areas are keenly aware of their impact on the environment and choose to incorporate sustainable features and eco-friendly products into the design of their homes. Most modern eco–friendly products, such as solar panels, grey water systems and water efficient appliances, are installed to effortlessly and comfortably integrate with the home’s design and functionality.

For sale: 355 Centennial Road, Bowral, NSW

6. Rooms with a view.

Rural homes are often situated in beautiful natural surroundings and the design of your home should encourage you to enjoy this with as little effort as possible. Features like large windows and sliding bi-fold or French doors in areas such as the living room and main bedrooms, or a balcony on a second storey, invite the natural light and the outside in, and enable you to appreciate the garden view without leaving the comfort of your home.

For sale: Maleny, QLD

If you’re considering an escape to greener pastures and fresh air of the countryside, these are the six necessities not to forget when looking for or designing a rural residence.