Regional homes with outdoor entertaining spaces that guarantee a lifestyle upgrade

Wide decks with stunning views, pergola-shaded patios, magnesium pools and open-air kitchens - outdoor spaces are often the defining feature of how regional Australians live, and what they're willing to pay for.

With affordability pressures unlikely to abate in the major cities, buyers are increasingly looking to the regions for homes that combine that magic mix of lifestyle and value.

Read: We want more for our money.

Even in regional markets with higher median dwelling values, you're still getting better bang for buck, which translates to more space and a lifestyle upgrade - and generous outdoor entertainment zones with room to live, play and gather are high on the list.

These are some regional homes across Victoria, NSW and Queensland, where laidback outdoor living is easy and encouraged.

Kiels Mountain, Sunshine Coast, QLD

A two-acre Sunshine Coast hinterland escape with resort-style amenities to rival a boutique hotel? Yes, please.

Set amid rolling lawns and framed by pristine, leafy surrounds just north of Buderim, 1 Ellem Court, Kiels Mountain, not only enjoys a serene outlook from its private, elevated position, but also boasts a collection of seriously impressive outdoor features.

We're talking the likes of a saltwater inground pool, a fire pit, a Mega Slam half basketball court, a putting green and sun-drenched entertaining terraces.

Not too shabby.

Coolum Beach, Sunshine Coast, QLD

This north-facing multi-level family home is just a six-minute walk to Coolum Beach, but you may not make it off the property.

The outdoor living space makes the most of the Sunshine Coast's golden weather with a private haven featuring a sparkling saltwater pebble-crete pool and a four-person spa with a heat pump.

For entertaining, it has a covered outdoor kitchen with barbecue, pizza oven and a plumbed fridge.

There's also a raised herb garden, a fern house and Arizona-inspired pool lighting, plus a separate workshop, a storage shed, and a bike shed for all the toys.

Mount Lofty, Toowoomba, QLD

The five-bed, three-bath,fully-renovated 'Alford House' at 66 Alford Street, Mount Lofty, is listed for $1.675 million and is a perfect entertainer.

Design is focused on organic textures, curves and arched windows, with three-metre-high ceilings and an open-plan kitchen, dining and living area.

The Mediterranean-inspired outdoor entertaining area comes complete with a heated magnesium pool and a luxe outdoor kitchen with a built-in gas barbecue.

There's also an external fireplace with natural gas for cosy winter nights, and of course, the all-important Bluetooth sound system.

Currumbin Valley, Gold Coast, QLD

The gorgeous Mediterranean-meets-Mid-Century pad of influencer and businesswoman Ellie Watson is on the market, and has a lush backyard situation perfect for anyone seeking relaxation and a fabulous place to entertain.

The interiors are obviously stunning, but outdoors, the Valle Casa becomes a resort-inspired escape.

Mediterranean-style landscaping frames a checker-detailed pool; there's also a fire pit, a freestanding outdoor shower, and an alfresco terrace with a built-in barbecue, sink, and drinks fridge.

The gardens have been planted with natives and wildflowers alongside tropical birch trees, bowling-green lawns, and sandstone boulders.

A giant swing from the property's feature tree adds a whimsical touch, and there's even a creek and rainforest boardwalk at the boundary.

Yarra Valley, VIC

Commanding vast views of the Yarra Valley, this craftsman-built four-bedroom, plus study, country pad has been designed with the highest luxury in mind, featuring soaring pitched ceilings and Passivhaus-inspired thermal design.

Outside, the property delivers sweeping Yarra Valley views.

A wraparound deck under remote-controlled louvre roofing and a heated pool make for perfect afternoon parties, set to the pristine backdrop of the entire gorgeous Valley.

There's also a secluded fire pit with comfy lounge seating.

The property boasts back-gate access to Brock Spur Track, which connects through to Kinglake, so you can mountain bike ride or hike in the serenity of the bush.

Some 30,000 acres of crown land are at your doorstep to explore.

Another Yarra Ranges stunner, Patanga Lodge, is a Hamptons-inspired luxury mansion set on 10 acres with exclusive frontage to Patanga Lake, offering a true and total lifestyle upgrade.

Inside, the five-bed home is an exercise in quality, with features like French oak herringbone flooring and bespoke shaker-profile kitchen cabinetry.

The property's outdoor spaces are designed for luxurious entertaining and relaxation, starting with wraparound timber-lined verandas with Queenslander balustrading.

A travertine entertainment deck with glass balustrades overlooks a 12-metre inground pool and eight-person spa.

Beside it, a Croatian harbourstone-paved alfresco area with a remote-controlled awning creates an ideal spot for year-round gatherings.

Beyond the pool, the landscaped grounds cater to a range of lifestyles, from horse lovers to nature lovers.

There's a floodlit, hedged Olympic-sized show-jumping arena, a semi-detached greenhouse, and 120 metres of lake frontage with two acres of private water.

The lake is home to native birdlife, including pelicans, black swans and eagles, as well as trout, redfin, eels and turtles.

Far Meadow, Shoalhaven, NSW

'Whispering Pines', located on NSW's South Coast, is a gorgeous country estate of rare beauty, set across 20 lush acres and divided into four manageable paddocks.

The homestead strikes the perfect balance between a rural escape and a refined country retreat, featuring a stylish outdoor entertaining area that adds a resort-style touch.

Think soaring vaulted ceilings, a dramatic open fireplace with a lounge area and outdoor TV, and a barbecue kitchen for all-season entertaining set the scene.

The area overlooks the glistening pool and horse round yard just beyond - the perfect place to enjoy the sunset with family and friends.