Grand European-style estate worth $5.5m for sale in South Canberra

Shakespeare undoubtedly had a level of fascination with the Italian city of Verona, setting or citing it in three of his plays: Romeo and Juliet, The Taming of the Shrew, and The Two Gentlemen of Verona.

In the Bard’s era, Italy was considered quite exotic and a land associated with wild emotions, making it the perfect setting for high drama.

The truth or not of that is lost in the mists of time.

However, what is perhaps more certain is that the same allure and those same grand passions may well have influenced the design of this latter-day Verona in Solander Place, Yarralumla.

It’s certainly a villa of grand proportions that’s perfectly set on a substantial block of 1600 square metres. And, as befitting a good Shakespearean drama, it reveals itself slowly, captivatingly drawing you in.

That sense is reinforced by the entry through an ivy-fringed courtyard with a pond, and the five-metre-high vaulted foyer beyond.

The Mediterranean-influenced house offers about 600 square metres of living space and boasts an abundance of character features.

These include ceiling beams, blackbutt timber, parquetry and tiled floors, oversized skirtings, and hand-plastered and exposed-brick walls.

Sweeping arches, solid cedar doors and window frames, louvres and more than the odd column add to the grandeur.

Listing agent Bill Lyristakis of Berkely Residential says the original southern European architecture has been complemented by a renovation that incorporates French provincial influences.

“This is a serious, custom-built home with great thought invested into its design and finishes,” Lyristakis says.

“Potential buyers have loved its spaciousness and super-high-quality inclusions and craftsmanship.”

In terms of the floor plan, it would be great to refer back to Shakespeare and say it’s a three-act play, but there’s a bit more going on than that.

Parents will love their own wing with its study, giant walk-in wardrobe, and en suite with floor-to-ceiling tiles and a bath.

In the other direction is the kitchen-dining-living hub.

The kitchen offers rustic-country vibes but with marble benchtops and brand-name appliances. It is served by a large butler’s pantry, storeroom and wine cellar.

The hub flows into another wing with a large games room, home theatre, fitness room, second study, bedroom and bathroom. There’s little doubt this wing will become the indoor entertainment hangout.

Part of the ground-floor comfort is provided by in-slab heating throughout.

Upstairs are a further three bedrooms, one with a walk-in wardrobe and en suite, and a family bathroom. All of the bedrooms have Juliet balconies.

Lyristakis says the home, which has a price guide circa $5.5 million, really delivers on lifestyle and entertainment.

“It’s a place the kids can enjoy and grow into as teenagers with enough options to have their own private spaces,” he says. “They can have friends over without bothering anyone else.”

The truth of that is not only in the number of spaces inside the home. Outside, there’s an undercover area with a built-in barbecue, plus other entertaining locations, one with a pizza oven.

For the energetic, there’s a court for basketball and another for pickle ball. There’s even a children’s treehouse lookout.

There’s no doubt the outdoor star is the large, solar-heated pool surrounded by loungers. Imagine the summer fun.

Finally, for the practically minded, there’s a triple garage with a workbench, sink and extra storage.

And that’s just about the complete story. There’s a lot to take in with this modern interpretation of European style.

But one certainty is that the emotions are likely to be stirred as much as they would be in any great story or play well told.

By negotiation

12 Solander Place, Yarralumla ACT 2600

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