'It’s like stepping into yesteryear': The hallmarks of a charming home

Older homes definitely seem to have the edge when it comes to the charm stakes.

Jonathan Charles of Independent Woden, who lists this week’s Reid feature property, says the Euree Street residence has it in abundance.

“This grand home is heritage listed, about a century old and packed with features that you rarely see anymore,” he says. “And that’s a big part of the charm – for example, it has two library rooms [and] you just don’t see that type of inclusion these days.”

Charles says buyers are also drawn to its wider raft of character features, including stained-glass windows, French doors, high ceilings, picture rails and deep skirtings.

“And it’s a home that sits neatly into the Reid heritage neighbourhood – it’s like stepping into yesteryear,” he says.

Matthew Skillman of Graeme Welsh Real Estate, who lists this week’s Goulburn Or Try These property, says older homes often reflect building skills that have been lost or have become much more expensive to include.

“These older homes represent something different with all the character features that are packed into them,” he says. “But new, architect-designed homes also express character through bespoke treatments – like an emphasis on natural materials, exposed beams … and indoor-outdoor connections.”

Skillman says these modern classics are likely to become the character homes of tomorrow.

History
Homes with history usually have a head start when it comes to charm. They benefit from periods when builders took more time, and a different aesthetic drove fixtures and fittings.

Appeal
There’s not one particular feature that gives a home charm – it’s a combination that builds from a theme that begins with the garden and facade and continues throughout the home.

Favourites
Popular features include stonework, high ceilings, exposed timber beams, fireplaces, polished boards, deep skirtings, picture rails, timber-framed doors and sash windows.

Our pick of charming homes for sale:

Reid

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This absolute winner in the charm stakes is still going strong after a century, reimagined to the highest standards of contemporary living.

This four-bedroom Reid classic is steeped in Canberra history, but totally at home in the 21st century, with room aplenty for the modern family – and guests.

So much has been fitted on the beautiful, tree-lined block just shy of 1250 square metres among historic neighbouring homes.

A deep porch forms the entry into a foyer that provides the home’s central axis. There’s a bedroom zone to the left and living to the right.

The separate living room is absolutely huge with timber floors, a central fireplace for enjoying those cooler nights, and big garden views.

Adjoining it are a reading room and separate dining room – ideal for entertaining – that flows into the substantial kitchen and meals area. The kitchen features a large island, a chunky Bosch six-burner stovetop and an LG dishwasher. There’s also a huge walk-in butler’s pantry with plenty of bench and fridge space.

Buyers will love the bedroom wing that’s highlighted by two adjoining library rooms. The minor bedrooms are generously sized and serviced by a bathroom with original stained-glass windows.

Parents will relish the main bedroom with an en suite, giant walk-in wardrobe and French doors to a central patio that connects with the living area. Outside are two detached studios, a shed and a garage.

Price guide: $2.5 million-$3 million

Auction: 10.30am, August 19

Agent: Independent Woden, Jonathan Charles 0413 909 158

Narrabundah

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Price guide: $1.29 million+

Agent: VERV Property, James Scott 0448 632 473

Tilba Tilba

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Price guide: $4.25 million

Agent: LJ Hooker Narooma, Steven Hutcheson 0407 226 603

Goulburn

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Price guide: $1.1 million

Agent: Graeme Welsh Real Estate, Matthew Skillman 0418 284 982