Growing Up In Blackwood Park For The Bentleys

Blackwood Park is close to Janita Bentley’s heart – it’s been her home for more than 14 years.

Originally living with her parents Marie and Bernie, who were among Blackwood Park’s first residents, Janita and husband Aaron moved in to their own home in the area 10 years ago, and are now building a new family home with Dechellis Homes in the Fisher Precinct. 

“We love the area and that’s what has kept us coming back to Blackwood Park. When we married, we even had our wedding photographs taken beside the beautiful lake, which is right near my parents’ house,” Janita enthuses.

“Now that we have two daughters, Brooklyn (4) and Kaydah (20 months), we knew that this was the place where we wanted to bring up our family.”

The family is currently living with Janita’s parents while their home is under construction, and Janita says she and Aaron have already met a few of their soon-to-be neighbours.

“In our new street, there are several young families with children around the same age as ours. We’re fortunate to have a beautiful park across the road from our new block, which will be a great place for all the kids to run around and play.

“There’s a really lovely community feel in Blackwood Park. Everyone looks out for each other here.”

Janita says that the family has enjoyed a successful working relationship with Dechellis Homes.

“We previously lived in a small courtyard home, and we’re really excited about moving in to our new place, which is about three times bigger than what we had. We’ll have two bathrooms, three bedrooms, a playroom and family room, and an outdoor deck for entertaining with great views,” she says.

“Our new home has been designed with a lot of glass windows and natural light to take in the stunning lush scenery of nearby reserves and wildlife with koalas, birdlife and kangaroos a regular feature around the area.

“The block is on a slope, but we’ve worked closely with Dechellis to use that to our advantage with pathways and cubbies for our girls in the backyard.

“We’re both interested in permaculture, and in

planning our garden we’re considering using indigenous plants that are native to the area to remember the Craigburn Farm’s history.”

“We’ve put a lot of work and planning in to this, and we’re looking forward to reaping the rewards when we move in later in the year.”