Hughes: The family-friendly Canberra suburb with homes ripe for reinvention

If you had to pinpoint a Canberra suburb that provides access to everywhere, is family-friendly and as close to the Inner South as you can get … well, it’s probably Hughes.

Alec Brown of Ray White Canberra, who lists this week’s Hughes feature property, says the epic transformation of that Bamford Street residence is symbolic of the suburb’s appeal.

“This home started off in the 1960s as a relatively humble dwelling, but it now offers some 314 square metres of contemporary living,” he says.

“That’s the potential Hughes offers – homes can date back 60 years but give buyers enticing opportunities to reinvent them.”

Brown says another big plus for the area is its fortuitous position.

“It’s literally on the other side of Red Hill – you couldn’t get much closer to the Inner South, but it offers much greater value,” he says.

Tim Burke of Luton Properties says Hughes is a family-friendly suburb for a variety of reasons.

“It certainly attracts families because of its proximity to a range of quality schools,” he says. “And it neighbours a range of recreational options – big playing fields and amenities – [and] access to bush settings like the Red Hill Nature Reserve.”

Burke says Hughes provides plenty of good buys and has many dual occupancies popular with downsizers.

“It gives people low-maintenance, high-quality options where they can downsize in their community or into one that is close to everything,” he says.

Views on Hughes

Mid-century mecca

Residential building began in Hughes in 1963, a time now associated with the high watermark of mid-century design. Examples of original and renovated gems can be found throughout the suburb.

Variety

Hughes has a dwelling type and price range to suit most demographics and strongly appeals to family buyers through its proximity to quality schools. Low-maintenance options attract downsizers.

Lifestyle

It’s a peaceful and leafy suburb with a central location in the Woden Valley. It offers easy access to local amenities and public transport, and is a short drive from the Canberra CBD.

Hughes feature property

They say you should never ask a lady her age, but in the case of this reimagined Hughes home, no one would ever guess its original bones date back 60 years.

This immaculately presented residence has since enjoyed a truly transformational renovation and any potential buyer could be forgiven for taking it all in and thinking, “Contemporary turnkey option.”

Located on a quiet loop street with a sought-after northerly aspect, this five-bedroom, two-storey, split-level home sits on 744 square metres.

Inside, it delivers about 315 square metres of living space, highlighted by soaring vaulted ceilings and Blackbutt hardwood timber floors, all bathed in an abundance of natural light.

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The lower level offers four bedrooms – perhaps one repurposed as a study – two living areas and a central kitchen and dining area.

The kitchen provides abundant storage, stone benchtops, a large centre island, a walk-in pantry, a dishwasher and a plumbed fridge space.

Upstairs, the parent’s retreat has both built-in and walk-in wardrobes, a spa en suite and a huge sitting or games room – or another use. It’s your choice.

Comfort is delivered through ducted gas heating with evaporative cooling upstairs.

The tiled outdoor entertaining area offers a landscaped, low-maintenance garden with in-ground sprinklers and spectacular views across Woden Valley to the Brindabellas.

There’s an under-roofline double carport, plus additional driveway parking.

The home backs onto the Hughes Garran Woodland and is close to shops, schools, a hospital, transport and recreational options.

Also for sale in Hughes

9 Jensen Street

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75 Carroll Street

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187 Kent Street

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