The top 4 homes to inspect in Canberra this weekend

Make an appointment to explore our list of must-inspect properties this week across Canberra.

City

With Rosalie Iannelli

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Nishi is one of Canberra’s most iconic residential buildings. It elevated the city’s landscape when it was erected in 2012 – a visible symbol of Canberra’s edgy and stylish side, helping to separate our city from the political humdrum that is the “Canberra bubble”.

More than a decade later, its Japanese-style architecture is just as intriguing and impressive to look at. The award-winning building was a collaboration between developer Molonglo Group and designers Fender Katsalidis, Suppose Design Office and Arup.

Currently up for grabs is apartment 1512, a magnificent maisonette positioned on the top two floors, levels 15 and 16. Its design, titled FRED, is one that heroes an Escher-like staircase that cascades in three directions in the centre of the home. While it provides a huge wow factor, the intelligent design of the home goes so much further.

When it comes to sustainability, this building is writing the how-to book. Factors like the optimal use of thermal mass, hydronic heating, double-glazing, cross ventilation, energy-saving appliances and a winter garden at the building’s entrance all contribute to high energy-efficiency ratings and a small energy footprint.

Sitting at the West Basin of Lake Burley Griffin, its sweeping vistas lead to views of the Brindabella Range and across to Parliament House.

The balcony is your space for enjoying a cup of drip-brewed coffee before venturing out to enjoy all that Canberra has to offer.

There’s no better starting point than Nishi.

Price guide: $928,888

Private sale

Agent: Boris Property, Boris Teodorowych 0402 907 182

Forrest

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Apartment living is sometimes viewed as a compromise, but life in this lavish Inner South residence is anything but.

Situated in sought-after Forrest, this sub-penthouse designed by Collins Pennington Architects boasts views of Parliament House from its open-plan living space and large, north-facing corner balcony.

The kitchen sits at the heart of the home, with an Italian marble splashback, Caesarstone island bench and a suite of Gaggenau appliances.

Timber accents and a neutral palette create a calming feel throughout the home, while a free-standing bath in the main bedroom’s en suite is an inviting place for winding down after a long day.

The sense of luxury continues underfoot, with European oak floorboards throughout and pure New Zealand wool carpets in the four bedrooms.

Price guide: $2.689 million

Private sale

Agent: Carter and Co Agents, James Carter 0413 974 912

Weston

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This modern home in Weston makes an impression from the get-go, with five-metre-high ceilings allowing the entry to be flooded with natural light.

A self-contained studio on the ground floor could serve as a guest retreat or home-office space.

Price guide: $1.749 million+

Private sale

Agent: Hive Property, Bree Prince 0450 566 150

Griffith

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Concealed by hedges, the sunny front courtyard of this Paul Tilse-designed townhouse provides the perfect outdoor entertaining space as we head into spring.

Upstairs, the main bedroom comes complete with an en suite, walk-in wardrobe and study nook.

Price guide: $950,000+

Auction: 10.30am, September 9

Agent: Belle Property Canberra, Amy Wilson 0405 130 332