NOT everyone wants (or can afford) a double-storey, five-bedroom, three-bathroom house.
For those with more modest aspirations and budgets The Stradbroke from Villa World, which has just won a Queensland Master Builders Award for a home up to $150,000, might well suit.
The house was designed with the narrower, deeper block of land in mind and is available as part of a house and land package at Villa World's estates at Carseldine, The Sanctuary at Redland Bay and Grace Court at Mango Hill.
According to Villa World, buyers tend to be couples with young families or downsizing empty-nesters.
The house is not huge but it is well designed with a nice flow. There are three bedrooms and a study which is large enough to be a made into a fourth bedroom or nursery if the need arose.
The main bedroom, which opens on to the patio, is a good size with a walk-in robe and shower ensuite. The other bathroom has a bath and shower with a separate, adjoining toilet.
All the living areas, including the formal sitting area and the more casual family living/dining space, open on to the covered courtyard towards the back of the house for privacy.
The open-plan kitchen has a wide island bench with the practical addition of drawers for extra storage. There are also lots of cupboards and under-counter drawers for kitchen paraphernalia.
There's nothing hugely innovative about the Stradbroke but it's a good, solid home that presents excellent value for money.
o The Stradbroke
Builders: Villa World
From: $347,000 (house and land)
Location: 59 Macaranga Cres, Carseldine
Open: 10-5pm daily
Phone: 3863 3422
o essentials
Square m: 206.4
Bedrooms: Three + study
Bathrooms: Two + separate toilet
Living areas: Formal living room, family/dining, patio

Home Magazine, 19 November 2005