Life in Reid home stretches evolution of Canberra from paddocks to Anzac Parade

You’d struggle to find a more central, inner north address than Booroondara Street. On one end you’ll find Anzac Parade, at the other end Glebe Park, and the new Campbell 5 precinct is being built is just across Anzac Park.

The lake and the city are also within an easy stroll, but when this red brick duplex was built in 1953 it enjoyed a very different landscape.

Jerry and Dorothy Simek bought the home 64 years ago when Anzac Parade was just a paddock and Lake Burley Griffin was 10 years away from completion.

The oak tree canopy that now cloaks the street was little more than saplings.

Jerry and Dorothy had four children and their son Gary has fond memories of growing up in Reid.

“It was a lot of fun, there were a lot of kids in the area and there was a lot to do,” Gary says.

“We’d climb Mount Ainslie, play around the War Memorial. When I was young there was no lake, but we had the Molonglo River and we went down there a lot.”

The four-bedroom home has been extended and features multiple living areas and a master bedroom with an en suite and walk-in wardrobe on the lower level.

Three bedrooms and the family bathroom are on the upper floor and all include walk-in wardrobes.

It has been well maintained over the years, but it is in largely original condition and as it is not subject heritage restrictions, there is scope for the next owners to inject their own personality into the home.

Reid

7 BOOROONDARA STREET

PRICE GUIDE: $950,000+ EER: 0

AGENTS: Richard and Sophie Luton, Luton Properties Manuka, 0418 697 844 or 0410 750 413

AUCTION: Saturday, August 26 at 10am, onsite

INSPECT: Saturday, 11-11.45am and Tuesday, noon-12.30pm