Home of the week: From modest Forrest cottage to a grand abode

It’s hard to believe that this grand Forrest home began its life as a modest cottage.

The facade of the original house remains, but the rest of the home was a no-expense-spared knockdown rebuild, completed about 20 years ago.

“When it was rebuilt it was designed by Willemsen, a prominent local architect and property developer, and it started life as his own personal home,” Peter Blackshaw Manuka agent Mario Sanfrancesco says.

“The architecture, the quality of the finishes throughout the property, of course complemented by the established and manicured gardens – it’s the complete Forrest package.”

Set on a beautiful tree-lined street, the property’s remarkable attention to detail is apparent before you even walk through the front door.

A parterre-style front garden makes a striking first impression on your way to the porch and marble-tiled entry.

From the foyer you’ll catch your first glimpse of the 20-metre in-ground lap pool at the rear of the property, surrounded by camellias and roses.

Formal spaces flow from the entry; a music room with coffered ceilings to the right lends itself to multiple purposes. A classic study to the left is complete with a custom bookcase and open fireplace.

Living spaces at the rear of the home include a formal lounge and dining room with views onto the garden and pool area.

Casual dining and the family room extend from the large kitchen with a marble-topped island bench. A two-way gas fireplace segregates the space.

The main suite and the guest bedroom are both positioned on the ground floor. Both have en suite bathrooms and the main bedroom features a walk-in wardrobe and dressing room.

Two large bedrooms on the upper floor share a two-way bathroom.

Other features include a triple garage with workshop, wine cellar and a self-contained garden studio with kitchenette and en suite.

The stunning package sits on a 1543-square-metre block close to Canberra’s top schools and the Parliamentary Triangle.

Auction: Saturday, July 22, at noon, onsite. Agent: Mario Sanfrancesco, Peter Blackshaw Manuka 0412 488 027.

We love: The property evokes a sense of timeless grandeur with multiple fireplaces, coffered ceilings and beautiful formal gardens.

Need to know: The highest recorded sale in the past 12 months was $3.64 million for 42 National Circuit, in March. Recent sales:  $3.6 million for 49 Melbourne Avenue, in January; $3.5 million for18 Tennyson Crescent, in June, and $3.4 million for 20 Tennyson Crescent, in January.

Surrounding area: Forrest is one of Canberra’s blue-chip suburbs in the prestigious inner south. It is close to the Parliamentary Triangle, Kingston and Manuka and within easy reach of some of the city’s best public and private schools. Forrest enjoys the best of both worlds, just a short drive from the CBD with Red Hill Nature Reserve at its fringe.