Residential land to the west of Cessnock is in high demand, with 85 percent of the lots at a new estate at Millfield snapped up within nine months.
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The 100-lot estate was released in four stages from May 2017, with just 15 lots remaining.
Richard and Anne Gedz were the first residents to move in on January 23, one day before their across-the-road neighbours.
Mr and Mrs Gedz moved from Greenacre in Sydney’s south-west, where they lived for almost exactly 35 years (having moved in on Australia Day 1983).
They were drawn to the Hunter Valley for its peace and quite, relaxed lifestyle and proximity to the wineries, which they have been visiting for many years.
“We’ve always wanted to get out of Sydney for a bit more land, and the Hunter provided that,” Mr Gedz said.
“There’s a bit of distance between the neighbours – it’s not just a sea of roofs.”
Mrs Gedz said they’ve received a warm welcome, with friendly faces everywhere they go.
The couple had been thinking about moving for about two years, and planned to look at three homes one weekend in November.
But after stopping in at Rosehill first, it was love at first sight – and they bought their home practically on the spot.
“We’ve got exactly what we were looking for here,” Mrs Gedz said.
Hardie Pacific development manager Jamie Boswell says Rosehill Estate offers ample space and tranquil surroundings, with facilities, schools and transport nearby.
“The community is taking shape with over 80 percent of the estate now sold, and more residents looking forward to moving in soon with plenty of housing under construction,” he said.
“Developments are happening all over the Hunter Valley, with the lifestyle of this famous food and wine region now highly sought after, but boutique rural estates like Rosehill Estate are hard to find.”
The developer has contributed about $1 million in section 94 contributions for local field improvements and road works.
The development wasn’t without controversy – more than 500 residents signed a petition against it – but the rezoning was eventually approved in 2014.
Rosehill Estate is part of a predicted housing boom for the western villages of the Cessnock local government area.
More than 3000 homes are proposed to be constructed in Bellbird North; a further 222 blocks are earmarked for development off Mount View Road, Millfield, and 42 lots are also planned for Paxton.
The Cessnock local government area had a 17 percent rise in dwelling approvals in 2017, with 513 new homes approved.
