Broaden your horizons with a fabulous view at home

If you ask a Canberra home owner about the highlights of their property there’s a good chance they’ll mention something that sits beyond the front door or even the backyard.

Those panoramic mountain views, lakes and bushland surrounds provide a postcard-worthy backdrop for many homes in the nation’s capital, and a scenic outlook is on the must-have list for many Canberra buyers.

Take, for example, our cover home in Conder. LJ Hooker Dickson agent Michael Rabey says that most of the visitors at open homes have mentioned the spectacular mountain views.

“There is no doubt that a good view will add value to a property,” Rabey says.

“With a view like the one available at 79 Charterisville in Conder, coupled with the fact that the home backs right onto a reserve, an extra $40,000 to $50,000 may be added to the price.

“In the end the figure is always in the eye of the beholder, which is why in this case the owners have chosen to offer the property for sale by auction and seek that expression of interest from potential buyers.”

Of course, the property’s standout views are just one of its stunning features. The design has been cleverly considered to take advantage of the outlook and it is a beautiful home in its own right.

The experts say it’s a mix that is often overlooked.

Andy Verri of Light House Architecture & Science (formerly Jigsaw Housing) says views are always taken into consideration when designing a home, but they should be the “icing on the cake”.

“External views, although popular, should not be a home’s focus,” Verri says.

“Rather like icing on cake, if the cake is bad, the icing can’t save it.”

While many homes in Canberra are lucky enough to have a spectacular position, Verri says it’s not essential for a picturesque view.

“Although we are lucky with our landscape that nature is all around us, I think the best view should be in our backyard and facing north where possible,” Verri says.

Street vistas and backyard views are protected by ACT planning laws, according to Verri. He suggests reviewing the site and being flexible.

“Canberra’s skies, treetops and parks are other views to take advantage of,” Verri says.

“However, consider privacy and ensure you can have your cake and eat it too by designing private spaces that are not overlooked as they are looking toward a view.”

Residents on the ACT’s rural fringe enjoy the benefits of privacy alongside spectacular views. Elders Belconnen agent Mark Johnstone suggests looking further afield for some of the district’s panoramic views.

“There are many beautiful rural hobby farms which have views to die for,” Johnstone says.

“Take a drive around the Hall region, particularly along the Murrumbidgee catchment area on the western side of the Barton Highway.”

Johnstone agrees that properties with an outstanding view will command a higher price. For those who are selling, he suggests that vendors speak to their agent about the home’s changing views.

“There may be different vantage points on the property including specific rooms, which may capture something special such as snow-capped mountains in winter or some magnificent sunsets in summer,” Johnstone says.

“For rural it could be the view of a vineyard that is green in summer, the tall grasses looking like snow under a summer full moon or in spring the hills looking like the green dales in England.”

Whether your view is of Lake Burley Griffin or a lovely backyard, ensure the windows are sparkling and the foreground is clear of clutter or garbage bins, Johnstone says.

“If a property has good views, it is definitely a feature we highlight to potential buyers, as so many really do enjoy and appreciate a good view.”

Canberra’s best views

• The lakes: Thanks to artificial lakes, Canberra boasts water views from most of its town centres.
  From Gungahlin in the north to Tuggeranong in the south, developers are taking note of home buyers’ love of water views, and these are a key feature in many of Canberra’s new apartment buildings.
  Waterside living has been a major drawcard for buyers at the Kingston Foreshore.
• The Brindabellas: The mountain range to the west has blessed many Canberrans with sweeping views off into the horizon.
  Tuggeranong, in particular, is well placed to capture these views and the southernmost suburbs have uninterrupted views towards the snow-capped mountains in winter.
• Black Mountain Tower: This iconic landmark can be seen from across the city and Andy Verri describes it as “the quintessential Canberra view”.
  “Although it is just a telecommunications tower it lets you know where you are,” Verri says.
• City: Developments in the city centre and around its fringes showcase the CBD’s views from their apartments’ balconies.
  NewActon’s high-rise buildings offer some of Canberra’s best views capturing the city, the mountains and Lake Burley Griffin.
• Rural: You don’t have to venture far from the city to experience a completely different view.
  The rolling rural landscapes framed by the surrounding mountain ranges offer serene vistas that feel a million miles from the centre of town.

Year-round comfort

Open spaces embraced by a large entertaining deck beautifully enhance the views from this Gordon property.

Christa and Rudolf Moritz, pictured, have lived here for more than 20 years and have enjoyed the views across the Lanyon Valley throughout all seasons.

On the warmer days, the couple loves to sit out on the deck in the morning and evening, while a wood fireplace in the living area provides the perfect ambience for curling up behind the expanse of windows during the cooler months.

The views and the position of the home on the block were of particular importance  when they built the home in 1994. Mrs Moritz says the home’s north-facing aspect provides year-round comfort.

The five-bedroom ensuite home is now too big for the downsizing couple but it provides plenty of space for a large family.

The kitchen has been renovated and includes plenty of cupboard and bench space. It is well-equipped for catering and the entertainer’s deck offers the perfect setting for family gatherings.

Situated on a 827 square metre block, the property includes a child and pet friendly backyard.

Easy-care gardens, a double garage and basement storage complete the package.

Number 159 Knoke Avenue, Gordon will be auctioned on Saturday, April 9, at 11am, onsite. Phone Peter Blackshaw Tuggeranong agent Luke Evans on 0402 378 655. EER: 6. Inspect: Saturday 10-10.30am, 2.15-3pm and Sunday, 12.30-1pm.

A home with vision

79 Charterisville Avenue, Conder
$900,000-plus

The spectacular vistas from this Conder property are among the home’s many standout features.

Entertaining areas have been positioned to showcase the outlook, which includes sweeping views towards the mountains.

LJ Hooker Dickson agent Michael Rabey says the views have been one of the most popular features at open homes.

“The views from the home are amazing and can be enjoyed from the front balcony or from the pavilion at the top of the block,” Mr Rabey says.

“Most of those who have inspected the home have made comments regarding the views.”

The property features open-plan living with a family room that opens onto a rear paved entertaining area.

There are four bedrooms and space for an office or home theatre downstairs. The kitchen is superbly appointed, has an efficient design and includes Miele appliances, a walk-in pantry and stone benchtops.

The grounds have been landscaped and a covered pavilion at the top of the backyard provides the perfect setting for intimate gatherings.

The owners have beautifully finished the home with quality fixtures and finishes. Red cedar features on the front door, balcony, gates and gazebo.

Other features include built-in speakers in the living areas, Luxaflex energy-saving blinds, a wine cellar and a back-to-base alarm system.

No. 79 Charterisville Avenue, Conder, will be auctioned on Wednesday at 6pm at LJ Hooker Canberra City. Phone LJ Hooker Dickson agent Michael Rabey on 0411 367 700. EER: 3.5. Inspect: Saturday, 1pm-1.30pm.