Queensland families are pursuing a new Australian dream, moving away from traditional houses in favour of luxury villas with all the trimmings.

Parklands at Sherwood project manager Nicholas Hinton said an increasing number of families were realising the benefits of modern living, with sales of villas and apartments remaining strong in 2010.

“Villas at Parklands at Sherwood are proving extremely popular among families at the moment, as they realise they are able enjoy the spaciousness of a traditional house, while having access to facilities including a swimming pool, entertainment room and fully equipped gymnasium,” Mr Hinton said.

“Moving into a residential community doesn’t mean you have to compromise the good old Aussie backyard either. “For example, at Parklands at Sherwood the 8.5-hectare community is 80 per cent green space, so there is plenty of room to kick a football around.

“Best of all residents don’t have to spend their weekends mowing the lawns or cleaning the pool, which is proving to be a major draw card.”

High school student Marcus Howell moved to Parklands at Sherwood with his parents earlier this year and said he had little trouble adjusting to life in a residential community.

“If I get bored I can go for a swim in the pool or go to the entertainment room, which has a huge projector screen, and watch a movie there with my friends,” Marcus said.

Parklands at Sherwood consists of 17 villas, 11 executive manors and a selection of 82 one-, two and three-bedroom apartments.

Apartment prices start at $389,000, with three-bedroom villas from $699,000.