It’s been a strange week to step into my role as the new Allhomes editor.
Starting a new job in lockdown is a peculiar experience for anyone, but the repercussions of lockdown on the market have made this job, in particular, especially interesting.
As agents and buyers have been adjusting to changes like online auctions and virtual inspections, I’ve been adjusting to my newfound role. But just as lockdown presents challenges, it also has brought opportunities.
Like many, I have a renewed appreciation for home. Having moved to a new home pre-lockdown, I’m grateful for the comfort found within the walls of my apartment.
On the other hand, I find myself furtively gazing over my new neighbours’ hedges, their sun-dappled gardens casting me an especially envious shade of green.
While physically limited to the streets of my own neighbourhood, Allhomes has allowed me to journey beyond my geographic constraints.
Whether enjoying a virtual tour of an online listing or escaping between the pages of the magazine, I’ve found refuge in the experience of immersing myself in a new place (virtually), exploring homes across Canberra and beyond.
I hope that this week’s top four picks of properties brings you that same sense of escape from life in lockdown.
This large family home has enough room for everyone, even in lockdown. Divided over two levels, the home offers four bedrooms and two living areas.
The first floor is split level, with the living and dining transitioning up and into the open-plan family room and luxurious kitchen.
The tiles featured in the floors flow up onto the island, creating a space that’s both functional and striking. You’ll also find a butlers pantry, stone benchtops and a five-burner gas cooktop.
Upstairs is the main bedroom suite, complete with a large bedroom, walk-in wardrobe and en suite. Venture outside to discover a covered al fresco area and landscaped gardens perfect for basking in the spring sunshine.
Price guide: $1.25 million +
Auction: 10am, October 2
Agent: Carter and Co Agents, James Carter 0413 974 912
Backing onto the serene Sullivan’s Creek, yet only minutes from the city, this surprisingly spacious one bedroom loft apartment is located in a boutique development of nine homes.
The living area features double-story floor-to-ceiling windows that bathe the home in light and lead out to the courtyard, shaded by a leafy canopy.
The ground floor also includes a kitchen, powder room, and separate study.
There’s ample storage in the attic, a cupboard under the stairs, a linen cupboard and a walk-in wardrobe in the upstairs bedroom overlooking the loft void.
Price guide: $529,000 +
Auction: 5pm, September 23
Agent: Bastion Property Group, Theo Koutsikamanis 0431 543 649
Nestled within the C5 precinct but with sought-after access to parkland, this fully renovated duplex offers comfortable family living.
The open-plan living area is anchored by the modern kitchen and leads out onto a picturesque deck overlooking a lush established garden.
Upstairs are the main bedroom and en suite as well as a second bedroom.
The first floor houses a generous study or third bedroom with plenty of storage and views out to the garden, and a formal lounge leading to the private courtyard.
Price guide: $1. 6 million +
Private Sale
Agent: Homefinders Real Estate, Julie Castrission 0419 212 044
The house at 27 Piddington Street boasts eccentricity and character in abundance. A classic mid-century design, with tasteful updates throughout, this house is as homely as they come.
What it lacks in length it certainly makes up for in height, with high, raked ceilings throughout and a cathedral ceiling in the living area.
The home’s appeal is enhanced by timber features, such as an exposed wooden beam, Tasmanian Oak timber flooring and bamboo joinery in the kitchen.
Natural light, double-glazed windows and a slow-combustion fireplace ensure the home feels as warm as it looks in photos.
A large veggie garden, chook pen, berry bushes and an abundance of fruit trees offer a level of sustainable, self-sufficient living and are supported by a large rainwater tank and a grey-water system.
Price guide: $1.2 million +
Auction: 1pm, September 25
Agent: Luton Properties Dickson, Aniko and Peter Carey 0429 487 939