‘The end of an era’: Narrabundah family home up for sale for the first time in more than 60 years

When Lindy Reksten and her family moved into their Narrabundah home in 1960, the area was considered to be on the edge of Canberra. 

The family home at 10 Wylie Street had no garden and Red Hill Primary School was only partially built at the time, but 63 years of love and care has made the home what it is today. 

With a main house and two self-contained flats at the back of the 1082-square-metre property, the residence offers six bedrooms, expansive gardens and an architectural and authentic ’60s design that has been perfectly maintained throughout the years. 

“I loved that the house was tucked away in the block, and my parents soon established a garden, which today is a lush green haven with plenty of areas to sit and play in,” Reksten said. 

Reksten’s memories of her family home include a plethora of children from the surrounding neighbourhood. 

“Our street and those surrounding it were full of families with children, so we soon had a gang of friends … it was then, and still is now, an ideal location for families with children,” she said. 

“We loved the freedom that a quiet street and nearby parks offered us as children … and in the 1960s Canberra wasn’t the multicultural city it is today, so one of the real advantages was getting to know the children and families in the embassies that were around us.

“I thought it was fabulous to go to an embassy after school and ring a bell when we felt like afternoon tea, I wish I could have done that at home.”

Selling agent Leanne Palmer of Belle Property Canberra said the open homes have reflected the experience of Lindy and her family. 

“We have had family groups wanting a home in this location showing the most interest,” she said. 

“At our open homes, we have kids everywhere. It’s been a real pleasure to watch them running around the magical gardens and I’m sure the parents can see what I can see – a great opportunity for kids.

“I guess the length of time the home has been owned goes to show it has been much loved over many years by a single family, and that is appealing.”

Palmer said a portion of interest has also come from buyers who are looking to renovate or rebuild on the spacious block.

“I’ve also had investors looking too, as there is potential with the two self-contained flats at the rear of the property to have three properties rented out,” she said.  

At its core, Reksten will always see this property as a family home, having experienced 63 years worth of memories growing up in and around it.

“We are the only family from the 1960s still in Wylie Street, so it really is the end of an era,” she said. 

“The street was then and is now a street for families and it is a very friendly neighbourhood.

“Life moves on, and we are now hoping that a family with children will move in and enjoy living in this great location.”