After $4,529,000 was paid for number 247 in September, nine mostly out-of-area bidders registered for a 20-acre block (pictured main) at number 180.

The sale price has not been disclosed, but is believed to have been well over $2 million, and indeed its $1.8 million guide.

A Sydney couple bought the home and intend to renovate the cottage and plant vines and olive trees.

They are considering building a second house on the property in the future.

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"It was 20 acres with an original four-bed, one-bath country home on it," Belle Property Cessnock's Ben Justin said.

"There was very strong interest knowing there's not a lot of properties around like that."

September's $4,529,000 sale smashed Lovedale's previous residential record by more than $1 million.

Early feedback suggests bidding will start around $1.3 million for a one-hectare block in Barnsley.

The six-bedroom, four-bathroom home at 15 Taylor Avenue (pictured bottom right) will go to auction on December 16.

It has a self-contained granny flat and a freestanding studio.

Ray White Newcastle and Lake Macquarie's Shaun Elms said the property suited blended families or those needing space for vehicles, boats or caravans.

"It's really interesting the breakdown of buyers, most of them are local buyers looking to upsize and remain around that area," Mr Elms said.

"It's a nice unique property - it's two and a half acres which is enough for some people to have a hobby farm.

"It feels a little niche."

According to CoreLogic, the five-bedroom home at 2 Goverment Road is Barnsley's sole $1 million property to date.

It sold for $1,251,000 in April.

A guide of $800,000 has been set for a "storybook" New Lambton Heights home that has been in the same family for 63 years.

Built and owned by a German family, the 955 square metre block at 79 Grandview Road must sell at auction on Saturday.

Ray White Newcastle and Lake Macquarie's Teresa Heighington said the home (pictured top right) had a 'Hansel and Gretel' feel.

"It's needing lots of work, but it's on New Lambton Heights so it's a beautiful location," Ms Heighington said.

"It's mainly [attracting] young couples and young families wanting to buy something in a great area.

"It's a triple block with a little creek at the bottom of it ... they used to go and collect yabbies down there.

"It's got a really lovely family feel and [it would suit] someone who is happy to do the work."

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