A SPRAWLING property described by agents as a "compound of relaxation and enjoyment" with a full-size tennis court, spa and inground pool has been listed for auction at Macquarie Hills.
Set on a huge 2,828 square metre block, the home at 145 Macquarie Road was built in 1993 and offers resort-style living on a grand scale with five bedrooms, four bathrooms, a double garage with wine cellar and storage, and a separate three-bay garage.
"It's a huge block and it's very well landscaped, and it has a very esteemed "estate" feel," said listing agent Sam Taylor from TaylorHedley Property.
"As you drive in through the private gates, you have an abundance of garaging, a wrap-around driveway like you would see in a Beverly Hills-style home and then you have this low-maintenance home that captures an abundance of light.
"It has a gymnasium, an inground pool and a spa. It is literally a compound of relaxation and enjoyment.
"It has everything that you would want at a resort so you can pretty much holiday at home."
Set behind a grand entrance, which bears the property's name 'Le Chene', the tree-lined circular driveway leads up to the house.
The home is staged across two levels and features a variety of living zones, five bedrooms (including a king-size master suite), three bathrooms, a large home office and a modern kitchen with bi-fold servery windows, all surrounded by a series of alfresco decks and an adjoining gymnasium and fourth bathroom.
Other features include louvre and full-length windows, high and curved ceilings, and ducted air conditioning.
"The house is really tucked away. Once you get up there, it is really private," he said.
"It's an amazing home that has been very well thought out in terms of layout and would be perfect for a family that wants a rural-style escape that is close to town."
The property was built in 1993 by the Stievenard family who bought the vacant block of land and brought their dream home to life.
They added the tennis court four years after building the home when they purchased a parcel of land from the neighbouring property.
Owner Judi Stievenard said the tennis court has served as a popular spot for social gatherings with family and friends over the years who are up for a game.
"We all played tennis at some level so we made it a full-size court and we have a pavilion at the back which is the viewing area," she said.
"We have hosted many tournaments with friends. At Christmas we would have lunch and then go out onto the court having healthy family rivalry on the court no matter what the skills were."
She enjoys the elevated position of the property which provides absolute privacy from the road and the landscaped gardens are another favourite element.
In fact, the French name 'La Chene' of the house translates to 'The Oak' in reference to the tree they planted in the middle of the circular driveaway.
"It was only about a metre high when we planted it and now it's ginormous," she said.
"The garden is a landscaper's dream. We originally had a landscaping business here so we ran that and this was kind of a showpiece for that business.
"Originally we just had the driveway going up to the house but then we added the sandstone pillars out the front and a circular drive.
"We put the oak tree in the middle and the hedges. We love the trees and it attracts lots of birdlife."
Judi is selling the much-loved property in order to downsize.
"There are lots of mixed emotions from having built it and so many wonderful memories over the year," she said.
"I have been here on my own for the last 10 years and I feel that it's time to let somebody else enjoy this home."
The property goes to auction on November 20.
"At this stage, inspections are by appointment and a price guide is expected to be published in the next two weeks," Mr Taylor said.
"We want to gain feedback from the market first because it is such a unique property."
The current suburb record for Macquarie Hills is $2.5 million paid in 2017 for a five-bedroom home on 7,289 square metres at 33 Blaxland Road.
