Renovated Ainslie home expected to fetch more than $2m

What is it that makes a house a home?

The location? Maybe the architectural design? Is it the furnishings?

Perhaps it’s all of those – or maybe it’s something else entirely.

Walk into any home and you’ll most definitely get a feeling that architects call genius loci – the spirit of a place.

Some homes can make you feel a little uncomfortable for no apparent reason while another may feel, as Goldilocks would say, “Just right.”

Again, you might not be able to pick exactly why, but there’s likely to be a big chance that a professional designer was involved in the one that feels good because cultivating that feel of genius loci is like a holy grail of design excellence.

All of which is a roundabout way of introducing this five-bedroom Ainslie home on popular Officer Crescent that has surely evoked that elusive spirit.

Ainslie as a suburb, in Canberra terms, has been around a long time. It’s got history, as they say.

That’s not to suggest there hasn’t been renewal of suburb housing stock over that timeline, but there’s certainly a sense that a home needs to add to the local character.

And there’s no doubt that this architect-designed residence is right at home on its very manageable 737-square-metre corner block.

The two-storey home was built in 2004, but you wouldn’t know it through a thoughtful modernisation of its 266 square metres of living space.

There’s an invitingly wide porch area with a solid timber door that is framed by glazing and provides a sense of welcome and openness. “Come on in,” it says.

Inside to the left and right are two of the living options: a formal lounge (with cosy fireplace) and a rumpus room.

They are followed by the axis of the home where family or friends come together in living and dining spaces and the kitchen.

The spacious kitchen is locked and loaded with brand appliances, backed up by deep storage. There are two wine fridges, a breakfast bar, a five-burner gas cooktop and a plumbed double fridge/-reezer.

Mark Larmer of Suburbia says the size of the home and the multiple living areas have struck a chord with potential buyers.

“It’s certainly got a feeling of spaciousness and the different living areas offer up plenty of options,” he says.

“That sense of space is enhanced by the light that flows into the home, aided by design features like clerestory windows in the kitchen-dining-living area.”

Behind the family hub are three minor bedrooms with built-in wardrobes that share a study area and a two-way bathroom with a bath. A timber staircase leads up to a parents’ retreat and guest room, both with en suites.

Home comfort is provided by air-conditioning.

The outside living options include two timber decks and an additional, sail-covered entertaining area amid established gardens.

There’s plenty of room for accumulated mechanical toys, with an oversized double garage with drive-through rear yard access. Add to that a bespoke carport, plus side access for a boat, caravan or trailer.

“The owners have certainly made good use of the block and increased its flexibility in suiting a wide range of needs,” Larmer says.

The home is a short stroll from the Mount Ainslie Nature Reserve and the North Ainslie Primary School, and the highly popular Ainslie shops are handy for all immediate needs.

Larmer says the area is another big factor in the home’s appeal.

“It’s a suburb with a lot of history and it offers very convenient living, close to the CBD and Braddon, with easy access to anywhere in Canberra,” he says.

Offers over $2,000,000

24 Officer Crescent, Ainslie ACT 2602

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