THE Hurfords have lived at their country retreat for 18 years and believe they have the best of both worlds.
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Their sprawling property, which houses not only their home but also large cattle yards and sheds, is only 10 minutes from Orange.
Donna and Graham Hurford moved to the 53-acre property when their three sons Jake, Mitch and Sam were very young.
According to Donna it proved the "perfect place to raise boys,".
"There's been plenty of games of cricket and football played there," she said.
However, despite the wide expanse outside, the 1940s three-bedroom house soon proved too small for the family so a large extension was added, including an open family room, additional bathroom and master bedroom.
The additional space, with nine-foot ceilings, was fitted with large windows, each one designed to showcase the amazing views.
A large veranda was also added giving the house an authentic country aesthetic, with large trees surrounding the house providing both shade and privacy.
"There are so many areas where you can sit outside in the sun when it's winter, and be cool in summer," Donna said.
"It's beautiful."
Mount Canobolas can be seen from the front of the house while Mullion ranges dominates the view from the rear.
Upgrades were also made to the rest of the house, including the installation of a large kitchen with travertine tiles on the floor and walls.
"The kitchen is the heart of the home," she said.
Donna lists the living room as her favourite area of the house.
"It's where we all relax as a family," she said.
The large swimming pool and pool room with a bar and fridge has also proved a popular place for entertaining.
"It's nice to come home and just jump in the pool to cool off. We also entertain a lot of family and friends so it's had a lot of use," she said.
Donna said she'd always wanted a house that was "open and airy with a country feel and a few modern touches".
While initially Donna had used some bold colours on the walls, the colour scheme has been toned down to neutral with a few injections of colour from the furnishings.
Most of the living area of the house has floorboards, complemented by a mix of mostly wooden furniture.
Donna says she always wanted the house to have a "lived in" feeling.
"We've never worried about making people take their shoes off ... this is a home."