Families, particularly younger ones, look for space when seeking a new home. In metropolitan areas and larger regional cities you can see these larger homes everywhere in the new developments.
However, as large as the homes are, the blocks on which they are built are correspondingly small and, it seems, getting smaller by the day as land development costs increase.
Developers and State Governments say they are conscious of such things and so require the development of open urban space to make up for the shortfall. That is all very well but they can become “no go” zones in some communities.
In regional towns and cities such as Hamilton people seeking space have, generally, moved to developments on the edges giving them room for a home with separate areas so the family can live in harmony with some semblance of privacy when sought.
Sadly these developments, as do those in the city and larger regionals take up prime land that has served so well for primary production.
These development also have the disadvantage of being a little isolated from many of the services family and children need, particularly in those formative years, so requiring a regular family shuttle service.
Rising land costs have meant it is rare to find larger homes on family friendly blocks in close and convenient locations, however this week we have one to feature for you very close in to the centre of town and all services.
Pope Street is the short connector between Thompson Street and Coleraine Road and most people would not recognise the name.
On the other hand when I say number 12 Pope Street is the large elevated brick home adjacent to the Market Place Shire Offices it will immediately spring to people’s minds.
The home sits behind an attractive and secure brick and cast fence and has a commanding presence overlooking the front garden and the street.
In addition to a foot gate there are two remote controlled sliding gates to access the curved driveway leading to the vast underground garage and workshop space.
The ease and safety with which one can exit and enter the street is commendable.
The front garden of this home is particularly easy care with raised and landscaped beds well mulched and lightly planted.
On the east side of the garden there are more established trees separating the home from the commercial activities to that side.
On the west side there is a well kept lawn sloping from the back to front after a large level area perfect for outdoor living.
The front steps lead into a welcoming tiled entry and on this level there are two rooms, one a formal dining room with large corner windows overlooking the front garden and the other a spacious living room with northern warmth and light but also overlooking the front.
The living area has a brick feature wall and separate gas heater to complement the ducted heating/cooling system servicing the whole property.
A short two steps up from the front entry there is a galley style kitchen overlooking the large casual family living which features a superb soaring timber ceiling.
The kitchen is well equipped for entertaining and the floor coverings have been done in a clever fashion allowing the high traffic areas, particularly from the outside, to be tiled.
Adjacent to the kitchen is very attractive office, study or studio overlooking the rear lawn and outdoor living.
Another door off the family room leads downstairs to a huge rumpus room, man cave, billiard room or whatever you would want it to be.
It is serviced by a bar in the corner, an inset wood heater and a tiled acoustic ceiling throughout. This connects to the garage and workshop space under the home. The garage is large enough for 5 to 6 vehicles to be accommodated here and still permit a good sized workshop area.
A short hallway off the family room leads through to the 4 bedrooms, all at the rear of this property. Three of the bedrooms are in close proximity to the separate toilet and tiled family bathroom with vanity, shower and bath.
The main bedroom is larger than the three remaining doubles and has a walk in wardrobe and updated en suite.
The three family bedrooms all have ceiling fans, built in wardrobes and built in desk/dressing table areas. The 4th bedroom has a separate shower and vanity. There is also a large tiled family laundry.
Externally and at the rear of this property is wonderful roofed over paved area that could be developed with an outdoor kitchen or used as a sheltered and passive play area for many activities.
The roof of this building can be raised and, as it is only open on the one side, is well sheltered for use at most times of the year.
This home is on large 1600 square metre block, is particularly solid throughout and very competitively priced given the size and quality of the property.
If you are looking for the convenience of space, both inside and out, and seek to live close to schools, sporting activities and the central area of an attractive regional city, it is well worth a look.
12 Pope Street, Hamilton. Price $849,000.00. Contact Jo Frost at Elders Real Estate, Cnr Gray and Thompson Streets, Hamilton on 0428 585434
