Barton home previously owned by honoured philanthropist on the market for the first time in over 45 years

A two-bedroom home in the heart of Barton is on the market for the first time in more than 45 years, offering buyers a rare opportunity to own a residence packed with history and old-world charm.

Originally built in 1923 and meticulously maintained over the years, 7 Gipps Street is a home where time has stood still, nestled on the leafy streets of Barton and tucked behind mature gardens.

According to listing agent Shane Killalea, of Hayman Partners, this is only the third time it has listed on the market in its lifetime. Nathalie and Marcus Quinlivan, OAM, bought the residence in 1972. 

Mr Quinlivan died in 2019, leaving the home to his wife.

“We lived every day as it came,” Mrs Quinlivan said.

“What I liked best about living in that home was Barton’s streetscape. When we moved in, nearly 50 years ago, the trees were coming into their prime and created a closed canopy. It was just gorgeous.”

At 90 years old, Mrs Quinlivan is as sharp as a tack as she reflects back on her time in the capital living in the home with her husband.

Mr Quinlivan was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for his service to the welfare of veterans through the Returned and Services League of Australia.

“He was a strong advocate for returned servicemen, and dedicated 13 years of life, after he retired, to support their cause. He represented them in court and fought to get some help from the government.  I’d say he won most of his cases,” Mrs Quinlivan said.

“In the last few years of his life, he was also a big supporter of Pegasus Riding for the Disabled ACT and Glaucoma Australia.”

In 2006, Mr Quinlivan established the William A Quinlivan Glaucoma Australia Research and Scholarship Fund in honour of his late father. The fund helped finance glaucoma scholarships and research.

When he died, the fund had generated more than $1.8 million in assets.

Pegasus Riding for the Disabled ACT also established a Marcus Quinlivan Developing Abilities Fund for people with disabilities for programs to develop confidence, self-esteem and improve physical wellbeing through horsemanship and therapy.

“Marcus was a highly respected member of the Canberra community and a benefactor to a lot of local charities, he was quite the philanthropist,” said Mr Killalea.

Today, Mrs Quinlivan is ready to turn the page on Canberra and start fresh back in her home town, Narromine, near Dubbo,” Mr Killalea said.

Under their ownership, they extended the kitchen and living areas and added another bedroom.

With polished hardwood floors, freshly painted interiors and generous living spaces and bedrooms, this property is ready for new buyers to call it their home, sweet home.

“The house is still in good structural condition,” Mr Killalea said.

“It’s on a large parcel of land, which is hard to come across in Barton, and lends itself beautifully to renovating or extending.”

It’s a bittersweet farewell for Mrs Quinlivan who said she’ll miss her neighbours the most.

“I couldn’t have asked for better neighbours, it’s really a lovely street and suburb to live in,” Mrs Quinlivan said.

“My husband and I created some beautiful memories in this home but life changes. I’ve closed one chapter of the book and am excited to create some new memories.”

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