Property royalty: 4 grand homes for sale on Canberra's Golden Mile

Canberra’s Golden Mile. The Mugga Way strip in Forrest and Red Hill. It’s the place where dreams are forged, fortunes are grown and records are broken.

One man who has seen it all and knows just how the rich and famous live is Mario Sanfrancesco of Peter Blackshaw Manuka. He’s the confidant of those who want a piece of the dress-circle lifestyle and those who are eventually ready to leave it.

Sanfrancesco says the appeal can be summed up in one word.

“It’s location. It’s simply unrivalled – and it comes with bigger than normal blocks of rare earth,” he says.

“You’re in the heart of the Canberra establishment. You have nature at your backdoor. Mugga Way is filled with gracious character homes and it’s close to everything, especially quality grammar schools.”

Sanfrancesco says Mugga Way holds the ACT residential private treaty records with two sales over $7 million.

“It also holds the residential auction record with $5.85 million for 30 Mugga Way. If a record is going to be broken then it’s likely to happen on the Golden Mile,” he says.

Sanfrancesco says privacy is another sought-after feature and that’s offered by the iconic tall hedges grown over decades that line Mugga Way.

“Many of these homes never come to market and are passed down family generations,” he says.

“I’ve been fortunate to be invited into some of these spectacular homes – there are some amazing stately homes that are just never seen.”

• Location. “The Golden Mile” is the nickname attributed to the strip of Mugga Way that travels through Forrest and Red Hill. It is characterised by stately, character homes on big blocks of land.
• Records. New records are likely to be first set on the Golden Mile. The strip holds the two top private treaty records over $7 million and the auction record at $5.85 million.
• Who’s who. There’s a lot of Canberra old money who guard their privacy behind many of the imposing hedges. A large number of embassies and diplomatic residences also call the Golden Mile home.

Allhomes’ top pick of Mugga Way homes for sale:

78 Mugga Way, Red Hill

Price guide: $3.5 million +

5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 3 car spaces

The Golden Mile in Red Hill is one of Canberra’s most desirable locations, and this leafy, inner-south suburb boasts many of the Capital’s most prestigious properties.

Number 78 Mugga Way, Red Hill is a brand-new home that sits on more than 1000 square metres of land at the base of the Red Hill nature reserve.

It offers more than 400 square metres of living with an emphasis on comfort. That’s partially delivered through thermally sealed and full-length floor-to-ceiling double-glazed windows throughout.

The formal living room and rumpus room on the lower level offer privacy and a cosy ambience with a modern two-way gas fireplace in the formal lounge.

The chef’s kitchen features a stone breakfast bar and benchtops, European appliances and a spacious butler’s pantry.

A sunny family and meals area also has an impressive two-way gas fireplace overlooking the resort-style swimming pool and entertaining area with its covered outdoor kitchen.

The main bedroom wing on the lower level has a remarkably large walk-in wardrobe with enough room for an ottoman. A designer en suite is highlighted by a free-standing bathtub, double vanity and floor-to-ceiling tiling.

The guest wing (or a study/home office), also on the ground floor, offers a king-sized bedroom, together with a stunning luxe bathroom. A generous family room upstairs is perfectly located for children or other guests.

The cherry on top (or grape, in this case) is a generous wine cellar.

Auction: 10am, February 22

Agent: Peter Blackshaw Manuka, Mario Sanfrancesco 0412 488 027 

Or try these:

91 Mugga Way, Red Hill

Price guide: $2.5 million +

5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 2 car spaces

9 Mugga Way, Forrest

Price guide: High $3 millions

5 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 car spaces

25 Mugga Way, Forrest

By negotiation

5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, 5 car spaces