What makes a character home? Canberra agents weigh in

Character homes are always in demand, but what exactly defines one of these sought-after properties?

A shoot-from-the-lip response might be, “Something interesting or unusual.” That’s great, but hardly definitive. Can we do better?  Local agents are happy to weigh in on what captures the essence of a character home.

Peta Barrett of Belle Property Canberra says the journey to character can be a long one.

“Character is found in the detail of the home, and that is usually designed into the original build,” Barrett says.

“There’s a big difference between a home that is merely old and one that has that magical essence interpreted as character.”

High ceilings, picture rails, ceiling roses, leadlight windows and polished floorboards are features most often connected with character. 

Barrett says while more examples of character homes can be found in the older, established Inner South and Inner North suburbs, there are plenty throughout Canberra.

Kostya Logvinov of Carter and Co says character homes are usually sought by buyers because they are different.

“Character homes hold their value, even command a premium, because they are relatively rare,” he says.

“But the character market isn’t necessarily solely confined to homes with age. There are contemporary homes being built that push the design envelope. They may well be the character homes of tomorrow.”

Logvinov says contemporary farmhouse and Hamptons-style homes that can be found in newer suburbs could be prized in years to come.

“Authenticity is definitely a key ingredient in revealing character,” he says.

• Unique: How do you define a character home? A safe starting point might be to agree there’s something unusual or unique about it. Initial clues on first sighting raise expectations of the interior.
• Detail: There’s a big difference between an old home and a character home, and that’s usually revealed in the detail. It could include high ceilings, ceiling roses, picture rails, cornices and architraves.
• Ageless: A character home isn’t always necessarily an old home. New homes or extended and renovated old ones can all be enhanced by features that deliver classic character – or a fresh twist.

Check out our top pick of homes with character:

O’Connor

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Character can be said to begin at home and that’s certainly the case with this renovated and extended O’Connor classic from the 1950s.

And it’s off to a flyer with a great location in one of the best streets in the Inner North, right across the road from the local nature reserve.

Kerbside, it appeals with classic lines in dove grey with white window trims on a 626-square-metre block.

Inside the full brick, four-bedroom residence, the story gets even better with original high ceilings drawing in the light and enhancing a sense of space. 

Soaring cathedral ceilings highlight the living areas that add to the original home design. 

The updated central kitchen features plenty of storage, quality appliances, stone benchtops and an integrated dishwasher. 

There is a dining area off the kitchen that takes advantage of a gorgeous bay window onto the backyard.

The three bedrooms in the main residence are generously sized with built-ins. The main bedroom charms with a cosy fireplace. 

There is also a detached studio, or fourth bedroom, with a second bathroom. The design is ideal for teenager privacy or elderly relatives – or use as a home office.

The single-car garage is being used as a home gym, but can easily be returned to its primary purpose.

Outdoors, well-maintained gardens provide space for pets and children. There’s a big fig tree and a veggie patch.

Price guide: $1.9 million +

Auction: 9.30am, April 9

Agent: Belle Property Canberra, Peta Barrett 0499 044 028

Or try these:

Queanbeyan

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Pruce guide: $1.1 million-$1.2 million

Auction: 6pm, April 5

Agent: Estaterealty, Ben Stevenson 0467 046 637

Deakin

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Price guide: $2 million +

Auction: 12:30pm, April 2

Agent: Belle Property Canberra, Louise Harget 0412 997 894

Lyneham

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Price guide: $1.5 million +

Auction: 3:30pm, April 9

Agent: Carter and Co Agents, Kostya Logvinov 0421 485 758