Heritage home in Reid paints a picture of Greek family's life in Canberra

54 Booroondara Street, Reid
$1.2-$1.5 million
4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 car spaces

The evolution of this charming heritage home in Reid reflects the changing lives of its long-time owners.

Emmanuel Makas’ aunt and uncle migrated from Greece to Canberra in the 1960s when they snapped up the circa-1926 house.

The couple never left.

“My uncle got into the restaurant game,” Makas says.

“He had one of the first licensed restaurants in Canberra, Petros. Back then Canberra was a small place.”

Unlike the main residence, the property’s studio flat has seen many residents come through its doors.

Makas’ uncle housed other Greek immigrants as they found their feet in the nation’s capital.

“Family and friends would come from Greece and he would put them up in there for a while or rent it out for a while,” Emmanuel says.

“One of the couples who moved to Australia was my [other] uncle … That’s how my father ultimately met my mother.”

The new owners of the inner-north property won’t be short on light-filled space.

Makas says his uncle was forever chasing the afternoon sun.

The house has been gracefully renovated over the years with orientation front of mind. It still retains its period charm and the extensions flow seamlessly.

“Instead of moving, he thought, ‘I’m going to make this house the way I want it to be,” Makas says.

Multiple living areas, a spacious kitchen, parquetry floors, and a large, covered alfresco area are among the features.

Auction: Saturday, June 17, at 3pm, on site. Inspect: Saturday, June 3, 11am-11.30am. Agents: Justin Taylor and Mick Barlow, McGrath Estate Agents Gungahlin, 0414 701 465 or 0409 560 539. 

10 Steele Street, Hackett
$1.1 million-plus
3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 4 car spaces

Light-filled living and a touch of Scandinavia have made a Hackett house a home for owner Andrea Kunca.

Andrea has been living in Steele Street house for three years and says her favourite part of the property is the kitchen and family area.

“It’s just so sunny,” she says. “It’s still my favourite room in the house. The home almost feels Scandinavian even though it is a mid-century home.”

The three-bedroom house features timber floors, a renovated kitchen and bathrooms, and a separate studio.

Changing circumstances mean Andrea and her partner are moving to an 18-hectare rural property.

Andrea says they will miss living on Steele Street, which has housed Christmas parties and street cricket matches. “Everyone’s really friendly,” she says. “All the blocks around us as well, it’s very community-focused. I’m really excited about moving but really sad to be leaving Hackett; we’ve loved living there.”

Agent: Peter Campbell-Wood, McIntyre Property, 0458 726 579