The first stage of Johnson Property Group’s Earlwood Estate in Kitchener sold out within a matter of weeks.

Grahame and Belinda Chamberlain were among the first people to snap up a lot.

The couple has lived on a 10-acre property in Kitchener for 25 years.

They will build an investment property on the new block, with a view to moving in later in life.

“It’s a bet both ways,” Mr Chamberlain said.

“We might decide later on that we’ll move in and rent our place.

“Our place is great, but 10 acres might be a bit too much for us 10 or 15 years from now.”

Mr Chamberlain said the larger blocks were part of the appeal, along with the quiet-yet-convenient location.

“You won’t see a thousand little boxes on the hillside,” he said.

“You can hear the birds, not the traffic.”

Johnson Property Group’s managing director Keith Johnson said the large majority of the buyers at Earlwood were local residents and young families who were familiar with the rural lifestyle on offer in Kitchener.

“Buyers have been attracted to the estate’s rural quality, peaceful lifestyle offering and stunning views of the surrounding rolling hills,” Mr Johnson said.

“Earlwood is one of the most pristine locations in the Hunter Valley.

“The estate is brimming with natural beauty with an abundance of wildlife, located right on the edge of the Aberdare State Forest.”

The boutique, master-planned development spans just over 20 hectares, and will comprise 59 lots.

“We’ve spent a lot of time designing a premium community that will feature wide, tree-lined streets, quiet cul-de-sacs, an abundance of greenery and affordable land prices,” Mr Johnson said.

Earlwood Estate’s second stage has recently been released.

The 59 lots at Kitchener are among thousands of lots in the Cessnock local government area that are earmarked for future residential development.

One hundred lots are proposed for Millfield and a further 42 at Paxton.

Huntlee (7500 lots), Bellbird North (3500) and Avery’s Village (1200) are among the larger developments.