Charming unit in Canberra's first apartment building hits the market

Let’s cast our minds back 90 years, to when Canberra was still taking shape as the country’s capital and renowned architect Kenneth Oliphant had just finished designing the city’s first apartment building – Barton Court.

Oliphant is widely recognised as the father of Canberra architecture, having been the first to practise architecture privately here, with a particular interest in residential work. Many of Oliphant’s designs can still be seen in the Inner South’s historic homes.

A rare opportunity to secure a treasured piece of Canberra’s history has now presented itself with the listing of a Barton Court apartment – 1/11 Bourke Street, Barton. 

The charming two-bedroom apartment features a generously sized living room with its original open fireplace and recessed bookshelves, high ceilings and plenty of natural light.

“How many apartments have a fireplace of their own now?” asks selling agent Shane Killalea of Hayman Partners. “Back then, Canberra had only one form of heating and that was through wood fireplaces so every apartment in this complex has its own fireplace.”

Past and present walk hand-in-hand at this apartment, with the sellers retaining the polished hardwood floorboards, a deep cast-iron bath, and the original doors and door handles.

But they also added their own touch by renovating the bathroom and the kitchen, which now boasts Bosch appliances, granite benchtops and soft-close drawers.

The Tudor-style complex has mature gardens that date back 90 years, featuring Manchurian pears, crab apples and oak trees.

Just as in 1934, this property reaps the rewards of an ideal location. It’s just a wander away from Manuka and Kingston’s popular eateries and only a short drive to Canberra’s iconic landmarks, including Parliament House.

“They don’t make them like this anymore,” Killalea says. “There’s nothing like this on the market. It’s withstood the test of time and has been brought to modern standards. All there is to do is move right in.”

Barton

View property

Price guide: $800,000

Auction: 9.15am, March 19

Agent: Hayman Partners, Shane Killalea 0412 152 607