‘A place of reunion’: Beloved Griffith home for sale after three decades 

If the walls of 4 Stokes Street in Griffith could talk, they’d tell the tale of more than 30 years of family birthdays, anniversaries, and gatherings. 

The home, which has just come on the market after almost three decades, was lovingly cared for by the previous owners, and the care and maintenance that was undertaken both inside and out are evident.

It features expansive and private gardens, Tasmanian oak flooring, an architect-designed chef’s kitchen and a large main bedroom suite. 

Outside, summers can be spent splashing in the in-ground saltwater pool or enjoying the shady patio at the rear of the home. 

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Those were just some of the memories that the daughter of the sellers Catherine Ingram-Silver said her parents created during their own time on the property.

“The home was a staple in my parents’ almost 70-year marriage – it allowed them to live a long and fulfilling life together,” Ingram-Silver said. 

“They were married a long time and loved this home so much. It gave them a sense of containment and it’s where their love blossomed in retirement.”

The flourishing and leafy gardens were the result of hours of care from her parents, Catherine said. 

“They nurtured the garden like it was their masterpiece. They worked very hard there, but it was also a joy,” she said. 

As well as spending time outside, Ingram-Silver’s father – who spent many years as an ambassador – enjoyed working in the sunlit office of the home, which boasts built-in timber cabinetry and bookshelves.  

For the diplomat family, the home was a place where – no matter the corners of the globe they travelled to – they could always meet again and spend time together. 

“We celebrated birthdays and anniversaries there, and my parents had one grandchild living in Canberra, so they spent a lot of time there with her,” Ingram-Silver said. 

“We all live in different parts of the world, so it was a place of reunion and a place of coming together.” 

And where better to meet than in one of Canberra’s most sought-after suburbs? Located in Griffith’s heritage area of Blandfordia, the home is less than 200 metres from Manuka shops and close to schools and ovals.

Selling agent Shane Killalea of Hayman Partners said the home was a solid build on a large piece of land. 

“It’s got a very large lounge room, great formal dining, and a kitchen area that looks out onto the rear garden,” Killalea said. “It’s a huge block, and has a very private garden full of established trees and shrubs.”

Now, the home is ready for a new family to create memories and Killalea said he expects it would be in high demand.

“It just needs a good polish to bring it back to its original state,” he said. “They don’t build homes like this anymore!”