Castle Hill - Townsville

[Guest Ktee]

My Slice of Paradise: IT'S Townsville's most expensive postcode but that doesn't mean Castle Hill residents are not some of the friendliest people around according to homeowners Betty and John Stokes.

"I suppose it is an exclusive address because not everyone can afford to live here and I feel extremely privileged every day to live in such a lovely neighbourhood," Mrs Stokes said.

"In the mornings, I walk Ellie, our four-year-old terrier, and everyone is very friendly, greeting us along the way."

The couple, who are in their early 60s and part-own anaesthetics practice Townsville Critical Care Associates, built here 11 years ago after a close friend who regularly walked the hillside stumbled across vacant blocks of land for sale on Braemer Cres.

"We were sold immediately because it was just the most wonderful view overlooking Magnetic and Palm Islands, Rowes Bay and the Pallarenda coastline," Mrs Stokes said.

"It's a beautiful sight to behold everyday and there's something different to look at all the time with all the activity out on the water - like the kite surfers, outrigger canoes and yachts."

"At night, the moon shines on the ocean and it is just stunning plus you get these wonderful sea breezes so you often don't even need air-conditioning."

Mr Stokes said the location by the open sea in Cleveland Bay and close to cycling trails out to Pallarenda also inspired them to stay healthy and active.

"We are members of the Townsville Yacht Club and part of a social cycling team so it's amazing to be able to look out the window each day to see if it's good weather to set sail or go for a bike ride," he said.