WITH its serene semirural lifestyle, there is little wonder why there are only ever a small number of listings in Glenorie. It offers a mix of residential properties and acreages, conveniently located within a comfortable 20 minute drive from both Castle Hill and Hornsby.

Most importantly, residents enjoy a sense of community.

For many years it was more affordable than nearby Galston or Round Corner, but that is no longer the case, according to agent Sandy Ward from Ray White Dural.

“Because of affordability, it is not such a secret anymore and prices have risen over the last couple of years,’’ she said.

It is still possible to buy a three-bedroom residential home for under $1m, however entry price for acreages typically start from $2m.

Latest figures from CoreLogic RP Data show there were 39 sales in the suburb in the 12 months ending in December. The suburb now has a median house price of $1.45m.

Ms Ward said the recently upgraded Glenorie Village _ with its well-known bakery_ has become a hub of the suburb and is why it is so tightly held. The suburb is also drawing buyers from Windsor and Richmond looking to move closer in to the city.

“People like the lifestyle — it is not hassled or pressured and there isn’t as much traffic here,’’ Ms Ward said.

Georgie Brown once tried to leave Glenorie for suburbia but she was back just 18 months later.

The mother of three missed the relaxed pace of life of the semirural community and its scenic outlook.

“I just had to be back here to the space, the greenery, the cottage type environment up at the shops and country environment,’’ she said.

“It is just so friendly everybody knows everybody.’’

A real estate agent told her about a new listing that was outside her price range, but could be ideal.

Once Ms Brown walked onto the property it didn’t matter — she had fallen in love.

“Even though it was a little barren at the time there was great potential and its had a solid house,’’ she said.

Located in a cul-de-sac location on a prime 1,813sqm parcel of land, the property also offered space to run, train and keep horses.

Ms Brown has since added an Olympic sized arena, fenced paddocks, day stables and additional groom’s quarters which are surrounded by low maintenance gardens.

The main north-facing residence offers both formal and casual living, an indoor/outdoor area and large hobby room.

There is also an additional cottage which could provide a rental opportunity or additional accommodation. It has one bedroom, a lounge/dining area, kitchen and bathroom.

It was the land that attracted Ms Brown to the property and its aspect.

“It is so picturesque and leafy,’’ she said.

“The living room and the outdoor area is really my thing — the views are quite expansive — 180 degrees — with beautiful sunsets and sunrises.’’

Ms Brown, who also breeds dogs, is now ready to finally say farewell Glenorie and is heading to Tamworth.

“I am very excited about the future — I am just that sort of person,’’ she said,

The property at 8 Campbell Crescent has been listed with a price of $2.298m through Ray White Dural. For more information contact on (02) 9651 4611.