Renewed interest in established Campbell driven by new development

Campbell is enjoying a renaissance of popularity as the Campbell 5 development begins to make an impact with more people voting on the precinct’s future as a lifestyle location.

The inner north suburb was gazetted in 1928 and was named after Robert Campbell, the owner of Duntroon station on which it is located.

It’s always enjoyed a strong link to the military with the Australian War Memorial and the Australian Defence Force Academy both calling the suburb home.

That heritage is reflected in many street names having a military connection such as Blamey, Vasey and Jacka crescents.

And homes in the suburb chart many building trends through the decades with a strong emphasis on family homes and bigger blocks.

Agent Holly Komorowski, of home.byholly, says many Campbell homes were privately built and a home’s status was once determined by how many garages it had.

“Kids used to discuss the number their parents had to gauge where they were in the social order,” she says.

“Campbell has always been an aspirational suburb and nothing has changed.”

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Komorowski says C5 offers long-time residents something that’s denied to many other Canberrans.

“They now have the options to downsize and stay within their community,” she says.

“I certainly have many sellers who are doing just that. They’ve now reached that time of life when they want to reduce home and block maintenance and C5 offers plenty of options to enjoy quality living and stay in a community they enjoy.”

Komorowski says family homes in Campbell generally range in price between $1 million and $2 million-plus while two-bed apartments and above range between $750,000 and $1.5 million-plus.

Peter Blackshaw Manuka agent Debbie Maddigan recently received the RateMyAgent 2017 Campbell agent of the year award.

She’s been selling homes in Campbell for 12 years and has seen the market jump ahead “in leaps and bounds” since C5 began to develop.

“It’s always been a good market, but C5 has just added to the options and it’s also bringing in different types of buyers – downsizers and professionals,” she says.

“Campbell is one of those rare suburbs that generally holds its price even when the market takes a dip.

“One of the reasons is its location close to everything and a selection of fabulous schools.”

And that position is a key part of Campbell 5’s success.

Apartments in the Greenwich, Saint Germain and Koben residential and mixed-use developments have been selling fast and the next offering, Siena, is now being released.

JWLand marketing head, Kate Hulm, says it draws inspiration from the Tuscan city of the same name.

“Siena has been designed to complement its natural surrounds,” she says.

“It offers a contemporary take on a traditional Tuscan villa with a Mediterranean-style cobblestone courtyard sitting at the heart of the building.”

Hulm says each stage of C5 has attracted slightly different segments of the Canberra market.

“Residents of Saint Germain are mostly downsizers who want lower maintenance living with greater amenity,” she says.

“Buyers in Greenwich Park and Koben are a mix of young professionals, couples and downsizers.

“Residents of Campbell will have everything they need when the first commercial spaces in Greenwich Park open later this year and add to new favourites like The Pedlar and Teddy Picker’s.”

Style and space

Chris and Kelly Brightwell, above, of Kambah, found themselves looking for a different kind of lifestyle as their children reached adulthood.

A downsize into a more flexible lifestyle became the new priority and the couple’s interest turned towards the C5 development in Campbell.

“It came onto our radar very early, really soon after it was first announced as a potential development,” Chris says.

“We did our research and we were at the opening of the sales gallery. That was on a Friday and the next day we signed up.”

The Brightwells bought a three-bedroom, two bathroom, two-car bay apartment in the Greenwich complex, which draws its design inspiration from the famous lower Manhattan neighbourhood.

“We like the style and the space of the apartment, but we also like the amount of green space around the complex and the community feel that’s going to develop with shops, cafes and restaurants,” Chris says.

“And the Campbell location is so close to everything, the city, lake, southside, the airport and more.”

Cover property

A brand new, modernist-inspired town residence in a leafy, elevated location in Campbell provides a great option for those looking for contemporary single level living with a low maintenance block.

Paul Tilse Architects have delivered a home characterised by light, space and attention to detail that’s set on a unit title of 461 square metres,

The residence features multiple living areas, highlighted by high ceilings, timber floors and picture windows with double glazing.

A luxe designer kitchen fuses stunning marble and stainless steel surfaces with Miele appliances and a large walk-in pantry.

The spacious ground floor master suite offers walk in robes, ensuite bathroom and a Japanese courtyard aspect. There’s also a separate study, powder room and laundry.

Upstairs are two further bedrooms with study nook and main bathroom.

Landscaped courtyards surround the residence and there is double car accommodation with internal access.

Other features include reverse cycle air conditioning, a security system, electronic gate and an intercom. Landscaping is serviced by a drip irrigation system.

Expressions of interest closing at 5pm, on Tuesday, July 11. Inspect: Saturday, June 24, 1pm-1.45pm, Wednesday, June 28, 5pm-5.30pm. Agent: Bill Lyristakis, Berkely Residential, 0418 626 593