Disillusioned by too many years spent in the city or the suburbs? Ready to fast-track those plans to retire to the country? Yearning for a slower pace of life, the call of the surf or the freedom of the great outdoors?

Retiring baby-boomers may be leading the charge, but everyone from young couples to growing families and recent empty-nesters are packing up and seeking the proverbial sea-change or tree-change. 

Many have enjoyed escaping to the country or the coast at weekends and now want to make the lifestyle permanent. Others have simply had enough of the rat race and are redefining their work-life balance as they explore new horizons. 

WA offers a smorgasbord of regional destinations, all with that magic mix of lifestyle, opportunity and community.

A gourmet heaven, the South West is the go-to for many. Wine and fresh produce abound, along with magnificent forests and rolling vineyards, a decades-old surf culture, local artisans and kilometres of pristine coastline.

Further south, the dramatic, unspoilt coastline of the Great Southern has long been a big drawcard. Ancient forests and mountains, idyllic seaside towns, national parks, museums, galleries, epic hikes and a feast of good food mean no two days will ever be the same.

Then there’s the Mid-West, an area of intriguing contrasts with its great beaches, cliffs and gorges, its maritime history, windsurfing, abundance of fresh seafood, mining history and pioneer settlements.Closest to Perth, the Avon Valley is a favourite with day-trippers escaping to the open air. Famed for its national park, annual white-water rafting spectacular and hot air ballooning, it also delivers historic towns, craft shops and museums, bushwalks and some of the best local produce around.

New beginnings?

A move to the country represents a welcome lifestyle change for many of our clients, especially those in search of something new, fresh and more meaningful. How good would it be to swap the freeway commute for a new venture and the chance to be your own boss? Or the opportunity to live more sustainably, in a sensitively designed home with minimal impact on the environment? Or maybe it’s the chance to slow down and reassess life’s priorities that draws you to one of WA’s welcoming rural towns?

Space to spare

Acreage is freely available and so much more affordable than on the edge of the city, giving you space to spread out. Your nearest neighbours could be the horses in the paddock or the chooks scratching around in the backyard. 

Sports and social clubs help keep everyone connected and with a busy calendar of markets, festivals and community events there are always plenty of opportunities to meet new faces. 

A strong sense of community is another reason many of our clients decide to build a new rural life for themselves, whether they’re raising a family or settling into an active retirement.

Of course, building a new rural home gives you lots of design freedom too as you make the most of all that open space, the magnificent views and that lovely fresh country air.

Here are a few ideas you might want to put on your design wish-list:

Somewhere to relax. Really relax. A room just for you, whether it’s a music room (yes, they’re tipped to make a comeback), a reading room, a sewing room or a I-just-want-to-enjoy-some-time-by-myself room.  

Space for all the family: If the adult kids haven’t flown the nest yet or their grandparents have relocated to the country with you, then you’ll probably be looking for a multi-generational home design. And don’t forget the friends who no doubt want to descend on you for their weekend escapes. A traditional granny flat is a great option, providing space and separation, while an apartment-style living and bedroom space, or a dedicated guest suite with that all-important third bathroom are also great ideas. 

Intentional design: With the average house size in Australia reportedly the largest in the world, your new rural retreat could be an opportunity to decide what best use of space means to you. 

Work station: If flexible work-from-home arrangements mean you’re realising your country dream without having to change jobs, then you may well need a quiet work space in your new country home. Picture a classic study with giant timber desk and the quiet chirp of birds outside the window. Or maybe something less formal if all you need is somewhere to quickly connect to the home wi-fi and send a report or two? 

Connection to nature: With so much natural beauty outside why not bring a little more of it inside? Incorporating a ledge beneath a high or raking ceiling invites you to create a cascade of greenery tumbling down the wall. On-trend, stylish and natural.

Browse our range of home designs to add more ideas to your wish-list.