Former MP Joe Hockey's exceptional ACT home with 'hidden bunker' hits the market

New to market is the Canberra home where former treasurer-turned-diplomat, Joe Hockey, lived with his family before taking a posting in Washington DC as Australia’s Ambassador to the United States.

The superb heritage estate in Forrest – one of Canberra’s blue chip locations – has won an impressive 11 Housing Industry Association national and regional housing awards. Set on a large 1317sqm parcel, it’s listed with a guide of $4.95 to $5.25 million.

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Architect Paul Tilse, interior designer Vanessa Hawes and Preferred Builders craftsman Paul Kerr restored and transformed the 1930s heritage property into a prestige dream home.

And while it’s technically listed as single level, the creative trio installed a trap door leading to a “hidden bunker” underneath the house, where you’ll find both a gym and wine cellar.

Originally a three-bed cottage, the now five-bed, four-bath abode with separate studio is brimming with exceptional fixtures, finishes and features.

“Detail as far as the eye can see, showing exactly what a lifestyle here would be like,” the listing says. “Sunrises through the Chinese Elms in the morning, or curled up next to the fire with a bottle from the private cellar.”

European Oak hardwood parquet floors run throughout the property and there is a gorgeous floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace in the living.

In the gourmet kitchen, a stunning pitched roofline provides wow factor, along with custom joinery by Braithwaite Innovate Joinery, butler’s pantry and chef-grade appliances such as a Subzero fridge and freezer, and combination steam oven and Wolf oven/cooktop.

The home is flooded with natural light thanks to skylights, with additional Louis Poulsen and Gubi lighting throughout. All windows are double glazed, there’s in-floor heating to the bathrooms, a drying room for clothes with in-slab heating, as well as automated blinds, curtains and audiovisual system.

The landscaped alfresco area receives the same high-end climate-controlled treatment, with in-slab heating and a louvre roof system making it possible to enjoy year-round.

You get the picture – this home isn’t your typical build. Listing agent Josh Morrissey of Hive says this exceptionally designed property is “a once in a generation collaboration.”

For the full listing, click here.