Fit for a diplomat: historic home for sale in Canberra's prestige suburb

Style never goes out of fashion, and this classic Forrest home has plenty of it – and even more to spare.

That story begins on a rolling 2474-square-metre block on Tennyson Crescent, arguably one of Forrest’s most exclusive streets.

And this stately residence more than earns its place behind high-clipped hedging and elegant wrought-iron gates. It’s set perfectly amid highly manicured formal gardens.

This home whispers “old Canberra” through an understated but emphatic architectural expression that combines art deco influences with the country-manor style more often found in the Southern Highlands.

If it were a drink, it would be a Scottish single malt, no ice, no water, with a hand-rolled cigar to go with it.

This is a classic that absolutely oozes historic grace – a step back in time to an era of elegance and refinement.

But it hasn’t been left behind. This home has been cared for and brought along through the ages.

It retains its character and ambience through period features such as high ceilings, French windows and doors, polished hardwood floorboards, plantation shutters and open fireplaces.

But there is no doubt that it has moved seamlessly into the 21st century through extensive renovations that have delivered the best in contemporary living.

Mario Sanfrancesco of Blackshaw Manuka says the home offers charm and a welcoming feel.

“You can absolutely sense it, but the appeal is in how well the home has adapted to modern needs while still retaining its old-world charm,” he says.

“This has everything that today’s family needs and spaces that can be reimagined.”

The floor plan has many parts that, at first glance, look like the playing surface of the classic Cluedo “whodunit” board game.

But it works wonderfully in providing options for families to come together while allowing parents and children to find their own private retreats.

Simply put, there’s a living and bedroom level, two lower levels that provide further options, and the same is true in a very generous loft area.

The main living level offers a charming dining room with an open fireplace, a library – oh, the joy of such a place, shelves groaning with books – and its own cosy fireplace, too.

There’s an elegant sunken lounge room that flows seamlessly onto an outdoor entertaining area overlooking a sparkling in-ground pool.

But the indoor story isn’t finished. The gleaming white kitchen with a coffered ceiling emphasises the home’s modern credentials through marble stone bench tops and splashback, custom joinery and Miele appliances.

Those modern lines continue in the bathrooms, all with marble finishes and underfloor heating. There are four spacious bedrooms with the bright and airy main suite offering a walk-in wardrobe and en suite – and those pool and garden views.

The lower levels offer the potential for a guest room or home office as well as a media room. A large loft area also sits above the double garage and storage.

Sanfrancesco says these big spaces offer multipurpose options that could be converted to a wide range of uses.

“A billiards room wouldn’t be out of character, but more modern options might include a fitness room, hobby room, games room or home theatre,” says.

“For such a well-established home, there are still plenty of opportunities to shape the space to meet the needs of a new family.”

They would likely be very happy not to change the existing outdoor area that is completed by a pool house with a sauna and an elegant garden rotunda.

And if things couldn’t get any better – this grand dame is only a short walk from both of Canberra’s prestigious grammar schools.

Auction 22/03/25

18 Tennyson Crescent, Forrest ACT 2603

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