Ainslie: This character-rich 'burb attracts people from all walks of life

If this Inner-North suburb is indeed “The People’s Republic of Ainslie”, then perhaps it’s fair to say its benevolent dictator is Manuel Xyrakis, proprietor of the IGA supermarket.

In 1963, his parents bought the Paragon supermarket and milk bar, and a young Xyrakis dreamed of owning a bigger supermarket just like the Coles a few doors up.

Eventually, the family achieved that dream, expanding the premises and joining the IGA stable in 1993.

His supermarket is now renowned across the nation’s capital.

But it was always about more than that: providing a service to the community of Ainslie that went well beyond what was on the shelves.

“Ainslie has always been an amazing suburb,” says Xyrakis, 61 years on from when the store first opened.

“It’s about the people, about making lifelong friendships, about the customers and the community.”

Nestled between the foothills of Mount Ainslie and the city, Ainslie is a much sought-after area, offering heritage-listed houses as well as opportunities for knockdown-rebuilds.

But there are also options for first-home buyers, alongside public housing.

It’s this mix that gives the suburb its eclectic feel.

“There are people from all walks of life in Ainslie,” he says. “Young or established families and a range of diverse cultures, which makes it an interesting place to live.”

Xyrakis is proud the shops are a central hub in Ainslie.

As well as his supermarket – and its famed cheese wall – you’ll find Canberra’s only two-hatted restaurant, Pilot; Edgar’s Inn, which is a real “local” pub; Breizh Cafe, which specialises in crepes and pastries; Mama Dough pizzeria; and a recently refurbished bakery and takeaway.

There are the essentials such as a chemist and doctor, laundromat and newsagent.

With its tree-lined streets (and occasional kangaroo), Ainslie feels like it’s in the bush but well within walking distance of Civic. There’s an inside joke that you could live here and never have to travel too far to survive.

In Ainslie’s case, that’s fairly accurate.

My local

with Mark Larmer Suburbia

Suburb highlight
I love the proximity to the running and biking trails around Mount Ainslie. It’s great fun and suitable for people of all fitness levels.

Best eats
Edgars Inn, on the corner at the shops, is great for casual drinks or a meal to feed the whole family. There is often live music on the weekends, too.

Market insight
Ainslie has an interesting mix of housing, from knockdown-rebuilds to heritage-listed cottages and everything in between. The tree-lined streets curve and connect in unique ways, giving it the character that’s lacking in new subdivisions.

Homes for sale in Ainslie

This architecturally designed, two-storey house features five bedrooms alongside multifunctional living spaces to suit all stages of the ever-changing family life cycle.

Three bedrooms are downstairs; the upstairs ones have their own en suites. Situated on a corner block, the mature garden is a highlight with large trees and entertaining areas.

Offers over $2,000,000

24 Officer Crescent, Ainslie ACT 2602

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4

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This rare offering of two properties on a single block is peak Ainslie.

At the front is The Cottage, a heritage-listed two-bedroom gem with old-world charm and modern style.

Then there’s The Studio, a one-bedroom retreat with plenty of character. The options are endless; use it for an extra income stream, a home office, or a bonus space for family or guests.

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