But the long-term East Maitland local has never looked back; and now has a magnificent French Provincial mansion to show for her efforts. 

“I've always had a passion for interior design,” she said. “The opportunity to custom design the floorplan, hand-pick the fittings and style the finished home was a dream come true".

The property spans three acres, within an exclusive blue ribbon enclave to the south of East Maitland. From its chandeliers to its ornate cornices, the home has been built to Ms Anderson-Turner’s exacting standards and designed to create an atmosphere of luxury and opulence. 

"We created a classic, timeless look by using neutral tones, high ceilings and quality fittings,” she said.

The five bedrooms are king-sized, while the master comes with a large dressing room and fitted wardrobes. 

The kitchen boasts Caesarstone benches, travertine stone splashback, a gastop cooker and a butler's pantry.

A glass-wrapped dining area and a large outdoor deck have been designed to optimise the leafy bushland outlook. 

“One of the unique things about the property is that you have the natural outlook and privacy of a rural estate, yet you’re in walking distance of Green Hills shopping centre and a few minutes drive from schools and the expressway,” Ms Anderson-Turner said.

"It really is the best of both worlds." 

House of the week 

5 bedrooms 3 bathrooms 3 garage

East Maitland 

18 Mount Vincent Road 

$1.389 million 

Agent: PRDnationwide Hunter Valley 

Contact: Rhonda Nyquist 0419 341 999 or Shantala Bemrose  0448 148 422