It might not feel like it but summer is on the way.
La Nina is set to stick around for yet another year, but let's forget that for a moment and look toward the arrival of the next season with a sense of optimism.
With that in mind, here are five properties in the Newcastle and Hunter region currently on the market with spectacular pools.
New Lambton Heights
Set on 2.8 acres in a secluded bushland environment at 15 Fernleigh Place, New Lambton Heights, this spectacular home's pool would not be out of place at a boutique resort.
Grand in size and presentation, the resort-style pool is fringed by limestone pavers (also a feature of the steps and terraces leading up to the house), with plenty of space for sun lounges and an outdoor dining area.
The pool area backs onto bushland and is surrounded by an expansive lawn.
And inside? The five-bedroom, three-bathroom home features a contemporary granite and gas-fitted kitchen complete with a cocktail bar, two-zone ducted air-conditioning, winter gas fire, full security system and a double garage plus carport.
The property is listed for auction with a guide of $3 million through PRD Presence's Chasse Ede.
The Hill
Set across from Newcastle's King Edward Park at 38 Terrace Street, The Hill and offering unobstructed ocean views, this 1880s Victorian residence is the epitome of grandeur.
Inside the five-bedroom, four-bathroom home is 12 foot ceilings, marble fireplaces and stunning timber work which is complimented outside with French parterre gardens and a fishpond.
The backyard evokes a little slice of Europe, with a travertine paved terrace and saltwater pool that would no doubt be the ultimate place for a summertime cocktail soiree.
A price guide has not been disclosed for the home, however, it appears certain to fetch a significant price both for street and suburb.
It sits 150 metres closer to the ocean than a comparable home at number 20, which sold for a street record $4.08 million a year ago.
The property is for sale with PRD Presence.
Brandy Hill
Set on one hectare and boasting vistas across green pastures, this property at 2B Carramar Close, Brandy Hill is one of the most picturesque offerings with a pool on the market at the moment.
The large saltwater pool offers serene views across the landscape, with retracting bi-fold doors leading out from the open-plan living space to the paved pool area.
Located 20 minutes from Maitland CBD, the home also features a home theatre and games room, with five bedrooms, three bathrooms, multiple living areas and a home office.
Listed with Harcourts, the price guide is available on request, but the property is expected to sell upwards of $2.5 million. Expressions of interest close November 11.
Merewether
It's easy to picture yourself poolside at this home at 38 Watkins Street, Merewether.
The solar heated pool is positioned directly off the three-bedroom home's kitchen with stacking glass doors to create a seamless connection between indoors and outdoors.
There is an outdoor dining area with a built-in barbecue and bar fridge, and a retractable roof over the poolside alfresco means entertaining is easy all year round.
Other features include a 336-bottle wine cabinet and a gourmet kitchen with a 4.2 metre island bench, Miele induction cooktop, steam oven, plate warmer and butler's pantry.
The property, which is located a short walk from Merewether Beach and Dixon Park Beach, also boasts a master bedroom with an ensuite featuring a freestanding oval bath and twin shower.
The property goes to auction with PRD Presence on October 26 (price guide available on request).
Lovedale
Here is one for those seeking a lifestyle change.
Positioned in the heart of Hunter Valley wine country, Manzanilla Ridge at 442 Talga Road, Lovedale is a versatile luxury lifestyle investment opportunity including a main residence and four owner-operated short-stay tourist cottages.
Sitting on an elevated position on 52 acres, one of the highlights of the property is the heated in-ground lap pool which looks out across the Brokenback and Watagan Mountain Ranges.
Each cottage has exposed Oregon beams, cathedral ceilings, a heated outdoor spa, a wood combustion heater and a covered entertaining deck.
The main residence has six bedrooms, four bathrooms, a family room, open-plan living and dining which transitions to the outdoor living space with built-in pizza oven.
Manzanilla Ridge is listed for sale by negotiation with Jurds Real Estate.
