Top 4 homes to inspect in Canberra and The Ridgeway this weekend

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

Ainslie

With Rosalie Iannelli

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There’s a reason Hollywood’s representation of the perfect middle-class suburban life involves a weatherboard home with a white picket fence. It’s idealism at its finest.

But when that same home looks like it’s been plucked from your cinema screen and placed in front of you for the taking, it’s hard not to want in.

This is exactly the kind of home on offer at 46 Hawdon Street, Ainslie. It’s a classic Inner North cottage, exuding the charm and character of a bygone era through its iconic red bricks and cheerful, baby-blue weatherboard facade.

Inside, the home flaunts vintage beauty, and you just know there are countless stories held within its walls. These days, it boasts an updated, light and bright interior, with finishes that offer a more modern take on old country style.

But one of the 711-square-metre property’s most impressive features is the second home – a new granny flat with a living area, bedroom, bathroom and kitchen that offers the possibility of a secondary rental income or a fully equipped home office.

On the other side is a large covered outdoor entertaining area, equipped with a television. In summer, this is a brilliant secondary living space, with enough space to host Christmas lunch one day and watch the Boxing Day Test the next.

Kids will find pleasure frolicking across the back lawns, which are perfect for a swing set, trampoline, cubby house, sandbox or all of the above – there’s certainly enough space.

So, I guess a white picket fence isn’t just the American dream, but the Aussie one too.

Price guide: $1.4 million+

Auction: 9am, August 12

Agent: Luton Properties Manuka, Sophie Luton 0410 750 413

Campbell

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Sit back and watch the seasons change from the expansive deck of this Campbell home, which offers views to Black Mountain over the adjacent bushland, or stroll down the paved pathways of the manicured garden to see its array of plants – from Chinese elm and Camellias to olive, lime and mandarin trees – up close. 

In the cooler months, you can retreat inside to the warmth of the wood-burning fireplace in the open-plan living and dining space, or cook up a storm in the adjoining kitchen, which comes complete with Smeg appliances and a generous Caesarstone island bench with space for the whole family to gather around. 

Sustainably sourced Sydney blue gum flooring features throughout the home, with golden Tasmanian oak framing the doors and windows.

Price guide: 2.5 million+

Private sale

Agent: Blackshaw Manuka, Debbie Maddigan 0413 621 131

Ainslie

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From its concrete brick exterior and burnt-timber garage door to its green Brazilian quartzite benchtop and rangehood, this new five-bedroom home with a self-contained studio is a unique addition to Ainslie.

Price guide: 2.7 million+

Auction: 11.30am, August 19

Agent: Belle Property Canberra, Alexander Smout 0421 148 706

The Ridgeway

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This 1.9-hectare property exudes charm, with stained-glass windows, a slow-combustion wood fireplace, ceiling roses and a forest-green clawfoot bath, while a tennis court and swimming pool offer recreation aplenty.

Price guide: $1.7 million+ 

Auction: 3.30pm, August 19

Agent: The Property Collective, Lauren Laing 0423 349 566