The growing appeal of eclectic Ainslie

Few suburbs encapsulate Canberra’s history quite like Ainslie does.

From its early workers’ cottages to modern, architectural masterpieces, the streets of Ainslie illustrate the city’s evolution.

Nestled under a leafy canopy between unspoiled bushland and city conveniences, Ainslie residents enjoy the best of both worlds. It’s easy to see why homes in the suburb are tightly held.

Ainslie’s first residents were workers and public servants who moved to Canberra before the Old Parliament House was constructed.

Holly Komorowski of home.byholly describes Duffy Street, the street that frames the suburb’s east, as the “architectural timeline of Canberra”.

The two-kilometre stretch tracks the city’s progression from tiny cottages, to mid-century modern designs to modern entertainers.

“They were built for different purposes at different times,” Komorowski says. The lifestyles the different houses offer is so telling on how Canberra has evolved as a city.”

LJ Hooker Dickson principal Stephen Bunday says the suburb’s diversity is one of its drawcards. It attracts residents as eclectic as its architecture, according to Bunday.

High-end homes sit alongside modest cottages, housing a harmonious cross-section of the Canberra community.

“One of my favourite quotes about Ainslie is that there’s a BMW in one driveway and a goat in the next,” Bunday says.

“It’s an interesting suburb.”

A surge in house prices reflects Ainslie’s gentrification, in line with its inner-north neighbours.

While a sprinkling of sales north of the million-dollar mark have been recorded over the past 10 years, in 2015 a seven-figure price tag became the norm.

When a suburb record of $1.33 million was achieved in March 2015 for the sale of 17 Higgins Crescent, a string of million-dollar sales followed.

Just five months later, that record was smashed by almost $500,000 with the sale of 53 Duffy Street for $1.8 million.

Komorowski, who sold both the properties, said the strong results gave more buyers the confidence to buy in the suburb or invest in substantial renovations.

“There’s now evidence in the market of a new price point in the suburb and that’s happening all across the inner north,” Komorowski says.

McGrath Dickson principal Chris Dixon says the suburb’s mix of move-in ready and renovation opportunities adds to the suburb’s widespread appeal.

“Increasingly we’re seeing the strongest demand from families and professional couples looking for a renovation or knock-down opportunity, with larger than average blocks, mature gardens/trees and a northerly orientation scoring very highly,” Dixon says.

Ainslie’s cottages with their period appeal, high ceilings, ornate cornices and timber sash windows tick the “must haves” for many.

“We are now see an evolving market for high-end property, with Ainslie now competing with the likes of O’Connor, Braddon and Campbell for buyers seeking property upwards of $1.3 million.”

What sets Ainslie apart from some of its neighbours is that it’s largely protected from significant development, according to Bunday.

While knockdown rebuilds and renovations are commonplace, buyers are comforted by the knowledge they won’t be “built out”.

With the exception of a few low-rise townhouses near the shopping centre, the suburb is zoned RZ1.

And whatever kind of home you’re drawn to, the suburb’s lifestyle benefits remain the same.

“To have a suburb that’s framed by bush on one side and city on the other is unbelievable,” Komorowski says.

“There wouldn’t be many cities where you could have a suburb like Ainslie.”

Why people love Ainslie

• Mount Ainslie: This Canberra landmark is one of the Ainslie’s major attractions and a destination for bushwalkers, bike riders and nature lovers. The view from the top is definitely worth the hike.
• The shops: Restaurants, specialty shops and an excellent IGA makes this suburban shopping centre one of Canberra’s best.
• ​The schools: Ainslie offers easy access to a mix of quality public and private schools, making it a hit with families.

Idyllic home

Helen McFarlane and Peter Liehne’s home epitomises the character of Ainslie.

It’s a beautiful blend of old and new with an original facade and cottage gardens that give way to a modern extension.

The couple, pictured,  moved from Watson to Ainslie with son Michael 17 years ago. The home’s central position, good schools and sense of community has provided the perfect environment for the family.

Designed by Allan Spira and built by Goldings, the home’s 2004 renovation received an ACT Institute of Architects and a Master Builders Australia award.

The result is an idyllic family home with four bedrooms, a gourmet kitchen and flexible living areas set among gorgeous greenery.

The couple are off to Adelaide and while they’re looking forward to the next adventure, it’s with mixed feelings that they say goodbye to Ainslie.

“The quality of the house and lifestyle here will be tough to replicate,” Peter says.

26 Hoddle Gardens is open Saturday, 9.45-10.30am and Wednesday, 5.15-5.45pm. Phone home.byholly agent Holly Komorowski on 0434 973 987.

Fits in beautifully

The owners of this architect-designed house built a home befitting of its magnificent Duffy Street location.

Designed by Geoff Lovie, it sits beautifully within the landscape backing Mount Ainslie Nature Reserve.

From the 15-metre waterfall edge swimming pool you can look out across the bushland, where kangaroos and birdlife are your neighbours.

Inside, the residence has been finished to the highest standard with double-glazed windows, polished concrete floors and 340 square metres of living space.

The kitchen forms the hub of the home, overlooking the dining room on one side and the family room on the other.

It features two island benches, Miele appliances and a large butler’s pantry.

The living room adjoins a garden room – an indoor/outdoor room that can be enclosed and heated.

A formal lounge room, rumpus room, four bathrooms and four bedrooms with walk-in wardrobes provide plenty of space for the family.

Other features include a wine cellar, double garage with internal access and hydronic in-slab heating.