Top 4 open homes to inspect in Canberra and NSW surrounding regions this weekend

They say “practice what you preach” and that couldn’t ring more true as I embark on my own property buying journey while producing the Allhomes magazine each week.

Perusing gorgeous listings every day to curate a collection of the very best and new homes on the Canberra market is certainly a perk of the job, and it was only a matter of time before I felt the itch to look for myself – “one for you, and one for me” I’d joke after each click of the mouse.

I’ve come to realise that no two property journeys are the same, and this time around I’m looking through a lens that’s seeking lifestyle over functionality – I’d say it’s the influence of falling in love with the grand homes of the Inner South that we feature often.

But it’s not all fancy fittings and modern marvels; in this role I’m also deep in the reporting of market movements and right now it’s running hot.

So, let’s take a deep breath together and go forth into a weekend of fantastic open homes.

Bungendore

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Affectionately named Werriwa, 866 Tarago Road will set your imagination on fire.

Nestled among a cluster of established trees on over 81 hectares, this Victorian-era homestead has aged gracefully with its kept green surroundings. Where the historic limestone facade meets vast climbers is particularly magical.

Inside the main home, an extensive and corrective restoration simultaneously transports you back to the late 19^th century, while offering the creature comforts of modern day. It’s easy to imagine the lady of the house once sipping tea by the fire or reading in the window seat, while also determining where your sofa and TV will reside.

There are six bedrooms, a formal living and dining to seat 14 guests, and a large family room, with a slow combustion wood heater, which overlooks one of three lovely courtyards.

A self-contained guest suite, known as Willis Suite, comprises a bedroom, bathroom, living room and large eat-in kitchen. Two additional cottages also reside on the property.

Price guide: $3.8 million-$4.2 million

Private sale

Agent: Ray White Bungendore, Elspeth Merriman 0402 117 877

Yarralumla

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This magnificent, architect-designed residence stretches across a generous 1060-square-metre parcel of land in one of Canberra’s most exclusive suburbs.

Impressive in scale and workmanship, it offers split-level open-plan living, and dining and entertaining areas embraced by extensive use of glass.

The kitchen boasts an expansive Caesarstone benchtop for the grazing table of your dreams and if you want to entertain outdoors, the outdoor kitchen with views towards Telstra Tower and the National Arboretum will be a treat for family and friends.

Our favourite space is the master bedroom with easy access to the verandah and views of the glistening pool and spa, thanks to the glass-to-ceiling windows.

Other features of the home include a custom-built library, a triple garage and there’s definitely no shortage of storage space.

Price guide: $3.8 million +

Auction: 5.30pm, May 20

Agent: Maria Selleck Properties, Maria Selleck 0417 258 803

Springrange

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Offering the best of both worlds, this property, named Jounama, is the epitome of quiet country living, but is conveniently located just 30 minutes from the heart of Canberra.

This secluded home is tucked away on a quiet lane in Springrange, on a manageable 24.28 hectares.

Careful design and planning have been invested over the past 40 years into the gardens, which host more than 40 fruit and nut trees, plus vegetable patches, and are a home for birds and bees.

While the gardens can be enjoyed from numerous vantage points outside, the ultimate view is from the sunroom, which glows in natural light.

A highlight inside is the stonework surrounding the slow-combustion heater – a decorative focal point in the large living room.

Price guide: $1.7 million

Auction: 1pm, May 16

Agent: Ray White Rural Canberra/Yass, George Southwell 0429 838 345

Forrest

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This stylish home is perfect for those who appreciate the finer things in life.

Its expansive proportions will make you feel as though you’re living in a freestanding home, but it offers the lifestyle benefits of luxury apartment living.

The opulent bathrooms feature Italian herringbone marble and underfloor heating.

The open-plan living and kitchen area was made with the entertainer in mind. The oversized kitchen boasts quality fixtures and fittings with views of the lush garden outdoors thanks to the full-height sliding stacker doors.

The apartment also has a secure fully temperature-controlled wine cellar for 60 bottles for the wine aficionado.

Price guide: $1.679 million

Private sale

Agent: Addval Developments, Charles Crowther 1300 981 369