Top 4 homes in Canberra to inspect this weekend

If you’re one of the many new arrivals to Canberra and are yet to experience our autumn, you’re in for a treat. There’s something about this time of year that is extra special.

Maybe it’s the dramatic change of scenery on our streets, parks, and nature reserves. Perhaps it’s the fresh bite of cold in the air.

Personally – and it may be an unpopular opinion – I relish the cooler months. Nights curled up on the couch by the fire and frosty, foggy mornings with a cup of steaming coffee in hand is my version of heaven.

Spring may be celebrated as a peak season for real estate, but I think that the feeling of change in the air, coupled with our proclivity for hibernation, makes it the perfect time to update your existing home (there’s no shortage of inspiration in this week’s top picks) or to search for a new one.

Plus, let’s be frank, there’s no better litmus test for the liveability of a home than whether it can withstand a Canberra winter.

Kingston

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This expansive three-bedroom apartment has views that extend from the Kingston Foreshore harbour to the Jerrabomberra Wetlands and Lake Burley Griffin.

The practical floor plan is enhanced by a wraparound terrace accessible from all three bedrooms, providing an additional 165 square metres of living space.

There’s plenty of room to entertain friends or simply relax and soak up the breathtaking sunrises over the sparkling waters.

The single-level design has an open-plan living, kitchen and dining area with floorboards and floor to ceiling windows.

Price guide: $1.5 million +

Auction: 6pm, April 7

Agent: Belle Property Canberra, Dan McAlpine 0401 005 282

Yarralumla

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On a quiet, leafy street just a stone’s throw from Parliament House, this two-storey townhouse has an industrial feel, with a floating timber staircase and concrete exterior.

The generous entertaining deck has a built-in barbecue, and the lower floor offers two living areas connected by the modern kitchen.

The bedrooms not only offer space in spades but a wealth of light thanks to the expansive windows, with roller blinds for those who like shadier rooms.

Its prime location, opposite a family-friendly park, means one can enjoy some sun in the morning then head to the Southern Cross Yacht Club for a seafood basket in the afternoon.

Price guide: $1.25 million +

Auction: 10.30am, April 23

Agent: HIVE Property, Bree Prince 0450 566 150

Harrison

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This three-bedroom home is designed for family living.

Three of the four bedrooms have walk-in wardrobes, while the formal lounge room provides the perfect spot to gather by the fireplace.

The open-plan kitchen, dining and lounge connect to the timber deck and low-maintenance landscaped garden.

Other features include ducted reverse cycle heating and cooling for year-round comfort, an additional fireplace in the master bedroom and a location that could be described as convenient, near popular schools, Marketplace Gungalin and major roadways and public transport.

Price guide: $1.6 million +

Private sale

Agent: Bastion Property Group, Theo Koutsikamanis 0441 543 649

Duffy

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When you walk through the front door of 9 Dixon Drive and are hit with a view straight through to the pool, it’s clear this home is made for entertainers. 

The layout demands gatherings, both large and small. Massive stacking doors span the width of the wall connecting the kitchen and living area to the covered entertaining deck.

The crystal-blue swimming pool has access to the back cabana with a serving window that doubles as a bar. Enjoy breakfast here on a summer’s morning and a spritz in the afternoons, followed by a barbecue on the deck in the evenings. 

The already beautiful and newly renovated kitchen and living area is filled with natural light thanks to three huge skylights – one of which can open on demand if you need some extra fresh air. Not to worry in case you forget about it because, at the first sign of rain,  it’ll close automatically. 

The extended main suite offers a substantial walk-in wardrobe with LED lighting (if you ever wanted to feel like an A-list celebrity) and is accessible to the pool area via french doors.

Price guide: $1.4 million +

Auction: 12:30pm, April 9

Agent: Carter and Co Agents, Emma Barclay (02) 6176 3443