The latest John Aiken property to hit the market is a stunning Hunter Valley weekender. The Married At First Sight expert has officially sold his stylish wine-country retreat.
Owned with his interior designer wife Kelly Swanson-Roe, the house was listed for about $1.6 million.
The couple purchased the four-bedroom, three-bathroom Pokolbin home within The Vintage estate in 2023 for $1.52 million. They have since transformed the interiors with stylish updates.
They have also turned the property into a short-term rental, with guests able to stay from $430 a night.
The Hunter Valley home
In the listing, agents highlight the home’s position along The Vintage’s 15th fairway, with sweeping views across the course and nearby water features. They say the property caters to buyers seeking weekends that feel social, effortless and a little indulgent.
At the heart of the home is a simple idea: bringing people together. The open-plan living space is bright, airy and effortlessly connected, with soaring ceilings, a fireplace for cosy winter nights, and seamless access to the terrace. It’s the kind of place where a casual catch-up can easily turn into a full house, yet no one ever feels crowded. Relaxed, welcoming and completely move-in ready, the home makes easy living and effortless entertaining its priority.
“The kitchen is built for that same energy — long, social, and part of the room rather than tucked away. You’re cooking, pouring a drink, talking — all at once.”
Why Kelly Swanson-Roe’s styling makes this home feel like a luxury retreat
While the home enjoys an enviable position overlooking The Vintage estate’s 15th fairway, it’s the interiors that elevate it from a golf-course property to a resort-inspired retreat.
Since purchasing the home in 2023, John Aiken and partner Kelly Swanson-Roe have refreshed the interiors with a calming palette of warm neutrals, natural textures and contemporary furnishings that evoke the relaxed sophistication of a boutique hotel.
Rather than chasing trends, the couple have embraced a timeless design approach. Soft furnishings in earthy tones, layered textiles and understated décor create a sense of ease throughout the open-plan living spaces, while large windows ensure the surrounding landscape remains the star of the show. The result is a home that feels equally suited to weekend escapes and everyday living.
For homeowners looking to recreate the look, the formula is surprisingly simple: stick to a restrained colour palette, introduce tactile materials such as linen, timber and stone, and prioritise furniture arrangements that encourage connection and conversation. It’s a styling approach that proves luxury isn’t always about excess – often, it’s about creating spaces that feel calm, welcoming and effortlessly liveable.
Why owners are turning Hunter Valley homes into luxury holiday rentals
John and Kelly’s decision to transform the property into a short-term holiday rental reflects a broader trend unfolding across the Hunter Valley. As travellers increasingly seek premium regional escapes, many owners are finding that lifestyle properties can serve a dual purpose: a personal retreat and an income-generating asset.
The region’s renowned wineries, acclaimed restaurants and picturesque scenery continue to attract visitors year-round, while golf-course communities such as The Vintage offer an added layer of appeal for holidaymakers seeking a resort-style experience. Properties that combine modern comforts with access to leisure facilities are particularly attractive to groups, families and couples looking for a luxury weekend away from the city.
With guests able to book stays from $430 per night, homes like this demonstrate the growing demand for high-end accommodation outside Australia’s capital cities. As flexible work arrangements and domestic travel trends continue to reshape the market, regional destinations such as the Hunter Valley are increasingly becoming sought-after lifestyle investments for buyers wanting the best of both worlds.
The evolution of John and Kelly’s ‘Relaxed Luxury’ style
John and his wife had recently paid $5.1 million in Middle Cove after they sold their Willoughby East property for $6 million.
The home, dubbed as “Tuscan-inspired” boasts six-bedrooms, three-bathrooms with a study.
At the time, the couple quietly bought the three-level home off-market through Richardson & Wrench agents Chris Downie and Mark O’Brien last November for $1,766,000.
The property features a resort-style 12-metre saltwater pool across its 800sqm block, while an adjacent pergola shelters an alfresco entertaining area beneath a grapevine-covered terrace. Inside, a 336-bottle wine cellar adds another layer of luxury for wine lovers and entertainers alike.
The North Sydney gold mine
John Aiken put his 19th-century Sydney home on the market with a $5.8 million price guide before securing a $6 million sale.
Built in 1880, the Victorian estate in Sydney’s north shore suburb of Willoughby retains many of its original period features. The elegant property, known as Tyneside, showcases an iconic sandstone façade, soaring ceilings, wrought-iron lacework and ornate ceiling mouldings on the upper level. A prominent balcony, decorative balustrades and a tiled patio further define the home’s striking exterior.
Inside, the home balances its period character with modern comforts and contemporary finishes. Luxury embellishments abound, including French oak floors, imported chandeliers, and New York marble counter tops.
The property boasts five bedrooms and two bathrooms, plus an additional self-contained guest studio. Multiple living and dining areas exist inside and out, including a formal dining room (complete with a bar), an upper-level rumpus room and an attic.
Who is John Aiken?
John Aiken is a former cricketer, and trained psychologist. In 2015, he became the primary psychologist and expert on Married At First Sight Australia. He and his partner, Kelly Swanson-Roe, bought the Tyneside property in 2019 for $2.93 million. The couple celebrated their 19th anniversary on January 21, 2026.
Aiken, 55, has appeared on every season of MAFS Australia. The most recent season (season 13) premiered on February 2, 2026, and is airing on Channel 7. He and his wife have had a keen interest in real estate, and John Aiken’s properties have attracted attention for their stylish design, relaxed luxury and sought-after locations.
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