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00:01From its barren beauty to lush landscapes.
00:08The Australian countryside is as beautiful as it is breathtaking.
00:14Many Australians are discovering rural life and making the move.
00:20So I'm on the hunt to help everyday Australians find their perfect country house.
00:31Welcome to Armidale and the New England region.
00:34I used to visit here as a child when I would watch my brother play footy here.
00:38Cut to today and I'm visiting friends children who are at uni here.
00:43This is a wonderful community and that's what draws today's buyers here.
00:48They are teachers, they are gardeners, they are creative spirits.
00:53And the three homes I'm about to show them will appeal to all of those three different things.
00:57Let's go meet our buyers.
01:07Hello there.
01:09Hello.
01:09So it's Emma.
01:11Yes.
01:11And Chris.
01:11And you're an art teacher.
01:13Yes.
01:14And are you teaching as well or you're involved with schools?
01:18I work at primary schools and a secondary school in gardening.
01:21So I'm a garden groundsman.
01:22Right.
01:22Okay.
01:23You're a surgeon.
01:24For horticulture.
01:25Yeah.
01:26Love it.
01:26Love it.
01:28I'm from Ireland originally, yep.
01:30I had met Chris's brother.
01:32Chris turned up on my doorstep in Newcastle to go to a concert that he had prepared to go
01:37to with his brother who couldn't go.
01:39So I attended this concert with Chris who I hadn't met.
01:43We drove to Sydney.
01:45It was my father's birthday.
01:47He came along and said happy birthday to my dad even though we'd only known each other
01:51for about three hours I think at the time.
01:53That was 2009.
01:56If somebody had have said to me, look, you'll end up in the country and marry a country man
02:01and have three children, I would have gone, no, probably not.
02:04But I haven't looked back.
02:08We've got Audrey who is 13, Charlie who's 11 and Frida who is 10.
02:14We absolutely love where we live but I think it would be lovely to have more land around
02:20our house.
02:22To come to Armadale which is not far away.
02:24There's something about living here that for bringing up children, it's, you can't ask
02:30for anything better.
02:32I would love to have a place with an art studio that I can continue that.
02:36Having a garden, like I think that's still super important for us.
02:39Yeah.
02:40We curse the winter because it is a bit cold but the four seasons, like summers are good here.
02:45To see what Armadale has out there would be fantastic and exciting for the kids who have
02:51always only ever lived in the one space so I think to see what else is available would be wonderful.
02:57Tucked into the Northern Tablelands, Armadale sits around about halfway between Sydney and Brisbane.
03:04With its strong sense of community, vibrant cultural scene and fantastic schooling options,
03:10it proudly lives up to its name as the Education City.
03:14For Emma and Chris, Armadale may just be the fresh star that they are looking for.
03:19I know that you wouldn't mind either an investment, a reno or something that's moving ready.
03:25But could you please give me an idea of your budget?
03:28Maybe up to around the two million dollar budget.
03:30Around two.
03:31I'm going to show you three houses that are quite different but all have something that
03:36meets a little bit of your wish list.
03:38But you are going to love this first house because it's on eight acres and the garden is in development
03:43in a sense.
03:44I think you could really whip it into shape but I think you'll love the fact that the current owner
03:49is an artist.
03:51This home is infused with art.
03:54Follow me.
04:08Come on through to the heart of the home.
04:14Tell me how you really feel.
04:16Love it.
04:17You're already wowing.
04:18Yeah.
04:18What a great space.
04:19I mean being an art teacher, you must be loving the colour, the light.
04:24It's the second living area just there.
04:27It is like an art gallery.
04:28I think it's just the space.
04:31Walking in, having a great big space with this amazing view out there.
04:36There are five bedrooms.
04:38Wow.
04:39That's good.
04:40And in the garden, there's an artist studio.
04:44Tick.
04:44Big tick.
04:45Sign the check right now.
04:47Let me tell you also.
04:48This area, you've got the kitchen around here looking straight out on the view.
04:53This goes all the way around to that beautiful dining space and second living area.
04:58There's sort of multiple rooms and I think for a family with five of us that could just potentially work
05:04really well.
05:04And I love that the art varies.
05:06There's some really colourful pieces and then there's some that are more monochromatic.
05:10But it's just wonderful to see actual art.
05:13It's real art.
05:14It's not just prints.
05:16So it's fantastic.
05:18The main bedroom is at the end of the hall.
05:21When you're ready, I'll meet you on the veranda and have a chat about the price.
05:25All right, take it to me.
05:26I'll see you soon.
05:34Wow.
05:35Oh, wow.
05:35Fantastic.
05:37Walk-in wardrobe.
05:38That's perfect.
05:39I've actually never had a walk-in robe before.
05:42That's brilliant.
05:42I always think you don't live in your bedroom.
05:44So I don't need a really large bedroom, but this to me was a really comfortable size.
05:50And the fact that you've got your own ensuite and walk-in robe, it's everything at one end.
05:55So I think it's really comfortable.
05:58I know this is house number one, but I could see ourselves somewhere like this.
06:03Yep.
06:03Definitely.
06:03Let's see how much this place is.
06:11Wow.
06:12Wow, what a deck.
06:13Come and join me.
06:14Everything seems to have a view.
06:16Yeah, that's fantastic.
06:16Everything looks out onto this gorgeous garden.
06:19And I'm not sure if you noticed, but we have a study here amongst all those different bedrooms.
06:25Be a refreshing change from doing homework at our kitchen bench.
06:28Yes.
06:29I think we're in love with this place.
06:31Oh my God, thank you.
06:33This house number was.
06:34We could do that.
06:36Sorry.
06:37What are you loving?
06:38I should ask.
06:38What are you loving?
06:39I love the open garden.
06:41Eight acres.
06:41Eight acres.
06:42Yeah, it's just inviting.
06:43It's warm.
06:44It's, you know, every window's got a view.
06:46Okay.
06:47Well, we've definitely peaked too early.
06:50How much do you think it's on the market for?
06:53Oh, maybe 1.9?
06:581.850.
07:091.850.
07:09How much do you think it's on the market for?
07:11Oh, maybe 1.9?
07:151.850.
07:17It's actually 1.7.
07:19Oh wow.
07:202.1.9.
07:21Open to offers.
07:23Yeah.
07:24It's a stretch.
07:25I think it's achievable.
07:27You get a lot of house and a lot of garden and a lot of land.
07:30Like the package overall, I think it's certainly a fair price.
07:35I think it would be nice to see the other two houses as well and see what they have to
07:39offer.
07:39The first home that I showed Emma and Chris made a really strong impression, but there are still more options
07:45to see.
07:47So next up, I'm showing them a home that is a little closer to town with some really lovely heritage
07:52features that might just charm its way into their hearts.
07:56Come on through into the heart of town.
08:01The current owner has been here for over 60 years.
08:05So when you talk about homes with a soul, beautiful energy, we are literally white picket fence fairytale stuff here.
08:12Yeah, it's quaint.
08:13Like it's very well done.
08:15We're so close to town and I just thought maybe you could almost by now rent out, have it as
08:21a future place like where you could retire to because it's just walking distance to everything.
08:27I like the idea of being close to town.
08:30Our current home, we're on a large block.
08:32Yes.
08:33The neighbours is a little new to us, like having close neighbours.
08:36Come and have a look at the house and just think of it as this could be a future investment
08:40possibility.
08:41Perfect.
08:42Come on through.
08:52Come on into the sunken lounge room.
08:55What do you think of this space?
08:56I think it's really sweet.
08:58I do too.
08:59It's really light.
09:00And I know it's a 70s thing maybe, is it?
09:03But I love it.
09:04The sunken lounge room.
09:05But I do too.
09:06Yeah.
09:07I've never lived in a house with a sunken lounge before.
09:09I have visited houses with them.
09:11In this instance, it was done really tastefully.
09:14The combustion fire.
09:15I think it's been done so well that it didn't have a dated feel.
09:19I suppose I should ask how would your children handle a place like this?
09:24From where we're coming from to something like this, they would probably notice the limitations of less space around.
09:31Yeah.
09:31I think it presents really well.
09:33There's garden, there's lots of natural light, lots of windows.
09:36I think you could put your own touch if you were renting a space like this.
09:40Absolutely.
09:41Well, I tell you what, have a look around the house.
09:43And I'm going to go and check out what that garden's like.
09:45And when you're ready, I'll meet you out amongst the hedges.
09:48Excellent.
09:48Perfect.
09:48Lovely.
09:49See you soon.
09:54This just reminds me of going to my grandma's as a kid.
09:58Yeah.
09:59There's something really nice about it.
10:01It's fantastic.
10:01I was actually surprised because it's not as dated as I thought it would be.
10:06Color wise, like it's...
10:08The palette's very good.
10:09Yeah, she's...
10:10Accentuating the blue and the whites, it was certainly not offensive.
10:14The way I was going with the property demand and stuff, I think you wouldn't lose out on it.
10:18And it's so close.
10:19Yep.
10:20Literally so close to town.
10:22I'm sure this has got to be well under what we're...
10:25I imagine.
10:25...our budget is.
10:26Okay.
10:27Let's go.
10:32Come and join me out in this lovely garden.
10:36I love these colours, just gorgeous.
10:39Yeah.
10:39What you don't see from the street is all the hedging carried through.
10:42But it just keeps going.
10:44You've got another shed here in the corner and it's just, yeah, it's great.
10:48Could you envision alterations that you might make into the future?
10:52I think so, yeah.
10:53It's got some potential, I think, yeah.
10:55But I can feel in your voice...
10:57Oh, look, it is small.
10:59I knew this would happen.
11:00That first place.
11:02Yeah, it is.
11:02That really bowled you away, didn't it?
11:04It did, yeah.
11:05I don't think it's something that we would move into with our kids.
11:08No.
11:08So, yes, it's small, but it's down the track possibly just for two people.
11:12Right.
11:12So what do you think it is?
11:15I'm at 595.
11:18I'm going to go 580.
11:20It's going to auction, so I'm letting you have a little look pre-auction.
11:25And it's around 6 to 650 at this point.
11:28Okay.
11:28It's going to auction for a four-bedroom house in the heart of Armadale on such a wonderful
11:34land size with this beautiful garden.
11:36And I reckon that's pretty good.
11:37Yeah.
11:38Yeah.
11:38I think to establish an investment in the market in town at that price is fair.
11:44We would probably look into maybe knocking out a wall or two and just...
11:48Giving it a little bit more elbow room.
11:50Yeah.
11:50Okay.
11:51On that note, I have one more house to show you.
11:53Let's go.
11:54All right.
11:54Let's go.
12:04Well, house number two didn't quite measure up for their whole family.
12:08Emma and Chris could see the potential as a future retreat for just the two of them.
12:13But not to worry, I've saved something really special for last.
12:16A spacious home on two acres with beautifully tendered grounds and more than enough room
12:22for everyone to stretch out and settle in.
12:25Well, I don't know about you, but I'm so glad I wore my summer dress and sandals.
12:29Have to dress for all seasons here.
12:31And as gardeners, this is beautiful as well.
12:34Yeah.
12:34So I'm not knocking it.
12:36And where I brought you to is over two acres of already established gardens.
12:41I suppose that'll be just my life then, won't it?
12:44Well, this place does fit the bill in regards to your wish list.
12:47We have five bedrooms, two bathrooms here, beautiful established gardens
12:51and a house that is move-in ready.
12:53Shall we head in out of the rain?
12:55Yes.
12:55Let me take you inside.
12:56The house plants here are amazing.
13:06Come on through to the first of many living areas.
13:10It's not often that I say this, but I'm in awe of the house plants.
13:14Yeah.
13:14You love your greenery.
13:15You love your garden space is what I'm thinking.
13:18The garden's coming inside.
13:19Well done.
13:20How do you feel about the house itself?
13:25It's pretty unique.
13:26It's funny seeing the kitchen where it was, in the front foyer.
13:30I suppose it makes sense now with the wings that it's still central.
13:33So it still becomes the hub of the home.
13:35Yeah.
13:35And it's silent.
13:38It's so peaceful, so quiet, and yet maybe two, three minutes from town.
13:43The main bedroom is off in that direction.
13:46Would you like to have a wander down there?
13:47Certainly.
13:48Have a look and when you're ready, I'll see you outside in the garden.
13:51Okay.
13:59Wow.
14:01It's just like a living artwork, isn't it?
14:03Every window has got a different part of the garden.
14:05I am so surprised by the extent of garden that you see.
14:11It just keeps going.
14:12And so many different little garden rooms that just are really spectacular.
14:16I really enjoyed being able to walk down from that kitchen area and see that parents retreat.
14:21So I really like that idea of having two separate living spaces without having to live in your bedroom or
14:28anything.
14:29I think that was a really nice part.
14:31Do you want to have a look outside?
14:32Absolutely.
14:33Let's go.
14:44Come and join me by the pond.
14:47Apparently only a handful of years ago, this two acres was a bare paddock.
14:52Credit where credit's due.
14:53Whoever's doing the gardens here.
14:55It's full on.
14:57I'm in awe.
14:58Fire pit as a barbecue area.
15:00The veggie patch up the side.
15:02There's play areas.
15:03There's pond.
15:05There's so much to explore.
15:07And again, really close to town.
15:10So definitely a surprise.
15:12I didn't expect to see this here.
15:14I think a lot of it's just maintaining.
15:16It's not ripping things out and trying to plant new things.
15:19It's just maintaining what's there.
15:20So we've shown you three very different houses.
15:23What do you think this one is on the market for?
15:26Oh, look.
15:27Go first.
15:28Oh, look.
15:29I'd say, yeah, 1.8.
15:32Coming.
15:33Yeah, I would have said probably similar.
15:36Maybe slightly more.
15:39It's actually under.
15:40Okay.
15:40It's actually under.
15:41It's around 1.5.
15:43Oh.
15:43Yeah, okay.
15:44Pretty nice spot for your two mil budget.
15:48Yeah.
15:48I thought the price would have been higher than it is.
15:51So that's a pleasant surprise.
15:52That's a pleasant surprise.
15:54Yep.
15:54To us, I think this is definitely just a move straight in house and it's just maintaining
15:59what there already is.
16:00I certainly don't think there's any need to rush in or do it.
16:03Get a few more Indale plants to fill up the voids.
16:06It's going to be tough to work out which way we'll go.
16:10And when you're ready, I've got a really lovely spot for us to catch up and have a chat
16:15and let me know what you'd like to do.
16:17Perfect.
16:17Excellent.
16:18Let's take a wander through this garden once again, though.
16:32All three houses are now on the table.
16:35And while Emma and Chris take a little moment to picture their future, I am off to explore
16:39something truly special, the New England Regional Art Museum.
16:44And today I'm getting a peek into their latest exhibition.
16:48I feel bad saying, I just had no idea about the creative force of Armandale, but it's such
16:55a hub, isn't it?
16:56Absolutely.
16:57I think culture is one of the fundamental things that make Armandale a really special
17:01place to live and to visit.
17:03I mean, if you can't find something cultural to do here, you're not trying at all.
17:08Tell me a little bit about Mr. Hinton.
17:11Howard Hinton, he was Sydney based.
17:14He was always a great collector and a great lover of art.
17:17At one point after he retired, he was looking to donate some work.
17:21And because he had a good relationship with the then Minister for Education, he asked whether
17:26or not there was an educational institution that might benefit from having access to these amazing artworks.
17:33The Armandale Teachers College was just finished its construction.
17:37So it was the new shiny educational institution.
17:40And so they said maybe you could send some artwork here.
17:43So he sent an initial consignment of a few dozen works, which were greatly received.
17:48And later when Hinton visited the Teachers College and saw the expanse of empty walls, he essentially dedicated the rest
17:55of his life to building this collection for Armandale.
17:58It's not necessarily a well-known story, but for those of us who do know it, it is so unique
18:04and so amazing.
18:06And it has had a huge impact on the entire region.
18:09It was seeing this collection and the opportunity to work with the artworks here that made me go,
18:15Yeah, of course I can move to Armandale. I can move to a regional town.
18:18It's a fantastic place to live. It's the first time I've lived in a regional place.
18:22There is so much to do here. There's such a fantastic cultural creative community.
18:26That's, you know, what I'm all about.
18:29I love my job here at Miriam working with this collection, but then also with local and regional artists, getting
18:34in touring exhibitions,
18:36go see some music at NECOM, go catch a film.
18:40All you need to do is find one good cafe, one good bar, a cool rental to stay in.
18:46And once you've got those things, you know, that's all you need to have a great life here.
18:51Surrounded by brushstrokes of inspiration and stories on every wall,
18:56I thought what better place for Emma and Chris to reveal their decision.
18:59So I've invited them here to find out which home they've chosen to potentially turn into their own masterpiece.
19:07May I join you for a cheeky shardy?
19:10Absolutely.
19:11I'm really grateful that you opened me up to this other side of your beloved region.
19:18Before I was more of the agricultural and sort of sporting side, but geez, it's beautiful, isn't it?
19:23Oh, it really is.
19:24So let's have a chat about the three homes that we saw.
19:27I thought all of them were beautiful.
19:29Number one, you just walked straight in the front door and went, I love it.
19:33Yeah.
19:34And I love the separation because I think to just have the kitchen just there,
19:39it's still within reach, but just a separate space.
19:41It's an entertainer's house.
19:43Like, you know, you can have friends around and you've got multiple places to sit,
19:46whether it's outside or, you know, in the formal part
19:49or just around the table in the front.
19:51Like it's, yeah.
19:52Yeah.
19:53I think number two would be a rule out for us.
19:58Why plan for what's going to happen in the future when we can just live in the now and enjoy
20:04what the other two houses are.
20:06Because the kids are only young for a certain period of time.
20:09That's true.
20:09So, you know, I think we embrace the meaning together and why they got them and yeah.
20:15Maybe when you have the hip replacements, you could have this further down the track.
20:18It's all one level.
20:19But I could tell your energy was, I'm not sure.
20:23I'm not sure about this one.
20:25The third house that we had a look at, that one had the garden completely set up, bang on with
20:31the budget.
20:32Two acres.
20:33How did you feel about number three?
20:36Oh, why?
20:37Plus, I think the garden's probably more the favourite than the house.
20:41I think the house is unique.
20:42It's so hard because number three really was amazing.
20:46I know.
20:47And you don't want to be rude, do you?
20:48No.
20:48Definitely not.
20:49Disrespectful.
20:50But, let's face it, you just were really in love with the first place that we showed you.
20:55Yep.
20:56It was house number one.
20:57Yep.
20:58From the get-go.
21:01Yeah, the studio.
21:02The office.
21:03The office.
21:04Oh, and the office.
21:05Because normally an office is in a dead-end part of the house, but you've got the view of just
21:08the same as everyone else.
21:10And I liked the privacy from the street.
21:13Yes.
21:13I think it's, I don't know, there's just a feeling that I got there.
21:17Straight away.
21:17Yeah.
21:17So close to town, but you feel like you're miles away.
21:20Yeah.
21:21Yeah.
21:21I'm so excited for you.
21:23What do you think you'll do?
21:24Definitely going to have another look at number one.
21:26Okay.
21:27And see where that goes.
21:29Have a conversation.
21:30Yeah.
21:30Well, that is absolutely wonderful.
21:32And I wish you all the very best of luck.
21:34And I'd really like to sneak some garden tips as well.
21:38Although house number one was the clear favorite on the day, Emma and Chris have decided to
21:43not move forward on this one and continue their search.
21:46With a clearer vision of what they're after and a town like Armadale to call home, I have absolutely
21:52no doubt that they will find their perfect country home for their next chapter right here.
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