House of the week: Putt putt, pool and ponds in rural paradise

The mini golf course at 28 Galbraith Rd, Virginia. Picture: Supplied

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A rural wonderland with mini golf course, barra pond and magical gardens has hit the Top End property market and it even comes with pool, granny flat and huge shed.

The 2ha property at 28 Galbraith Rd, Virginia, has a four-bedroom home, a separate two-bedroom self-contained unit and shed with workshop and carport.

There is also a swimming pool, fish ponds, a chook pen and multiple outdoor entertaining spaces on the big block.

The main home sits surrounded by established gardens, veggies patches and lawns while native bush provides privacy around the perimeter of the property.

Owners Vicki and Paul Godden bought the home in 2017 and transformed the block.

“The property had a quiet a lot of gamba grass and other weeds, there were hardly any gardens and there was no wildlife,” Mrs Godden said.

The couple tackled the weeds first and then set out to create a low-maintenance garden oasis.

“We didn’t want to be slaves to the property, we wanted to enjoy it,” Mrs Godden said.

The property at 28 Galbraith Rd, Virginia. Picture: Supplied

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The house is semi-elevated with a tropical vibe. Picture: Supplied

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They created themed garden “rooms” on the block, including a purple patch, where everything is purple, an Australiana “room” with a water feature made from an old spa and a space dedicated to a dear friend.

“A friend passed away while were clearing one section and that’s now Sandy’s Garden,” Mrs Godden said.

“Sandy and I always talked about having a maid so we could spend all our time in the garden so my husband created Rosie from the Jetsons for the garden.”

There are also veggies patches, with a portion enclosed to keep out marauding possums, and a large chook pen to ensure fresh eggs.

“In terms of wildlife, we now have so much on our property,” Mrs Godden said.

“We have resident wallabies that come feed on the back lawn, two set of Burdekin ducks that have their babies here, magpie geese that come every year, many, many possums and bandicoots as well.”

The Goddens also created a Balinese-inspired oasis complete with mini golf course, pond, fairy lights and outdoor cooking zone.

“We were supposed to go to Bali for my husband’s birthday but Covid hit,” Mrs Godden said.

“So, he got out there and decided to make Bali in our backyard.

“The mini golf was a spin off from that so we could spent our evenings and weekends out there relaxing, having pizzas or satays or kebabs on the barbie and having a hit around on the golf course.

“People love coming out to our place, especially in the dry season – we’ve got reticulation and an excellent bore so everything is nice and green.”

The home has timber floors and louvres throughout. Picture: Supplied

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The pool area has a tropical outlook. Picture: Supplied

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Mrs Godden said their little slice of paradise where bush meets tropical oasis became a sanctuary in truth during the pandemic.

“We could go in, shut the gate behind us and know we were safe and it was peaceful,” she said.

And last year the couple welcomed Top Enders to their sanctuary as part of the Open Garden scheme.

“It was very popular,” Mrs Godden said.

“People said the garden was absolutely beautiful, it was a tranquil space and it was a haven.

“There was lots of positive feedback on plants used and the way it’s been structured.”

While the grounds of the Virginia property steal the show, the home is a tropical beauty in its own right.

The semi-elevated home has timber floors, louvres and garden views throughout.

The main bedroom is tucked away in its own wing with a walk-in robe, ensuite, study and private deck.

Two more bedrooms sit in a second wing with a bathroom and toilet in between while a guest room with ensuite and separate living area sit in the third wing.

The mini golf course is a hit with guests. Picture: Supplied

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The home looks out to the beautiful grounds. Picture: Supplied

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The open plan living, dining and kitchen area is in the centre of the home and opens to the covered patio with bar, which overlooks the pool and ponds.

The two-bedroom granny flat includes a bathroom, living space with kitchenette and a deck.

Mrs Godden said the big shed was well set up for multi-use with fans and areas that could be sectioned off for different uses.

“My husband had a golf simulator set up in the shed and at one point I had a treadmill and gym equipment set up in there as well,” she said.

“Attached to the shed is the toy shed where the tractor, quad bike and mower can be parked up out of the weather but easily accessed.”

PROPERTY DETAILS

Address: 28 Galbraith Road, Virginia

Bedrooms: 6

Bathrooms: 4

Carparks: 4

Price: $1.395m

Agent: Daniel Harris, 0430 350 631, Real Estate Central

Inspect:

Features: Rural block, low maintenance landscaping, pool, mini golf course, ponds, veggie patches, big shed, chook pen, semi-elevated house, granny flat