Top 4 open homes to inspect in Canberra this weekend

After months of inspections and building up quite the repertoire of property listing brochures in the boot of my car, my home buying journey has led me to an apartment in Turner.

Finally, a place where the chrome tapware doesn’t fill me with rage – personally, it’s not my vibe.

When I first moved to the capital, it was quickly touted that Turner was where you want to be and be seen – close to thriving Braddon, which was only emerging at the time.

A decade ago, the Inner North hadn’t yet had a taste of the world-class developments that line its streets today. It was a “hood” that I – as a fresh-faced uni student – could only dream of living in one day.

The thought of it being an affordable taxi ride home after a night out, before Uber was a thing, really sealed the deal.

As you get older, your liveability preferences change simultaneously with the evolution of Canberra’s residential landscape. But, for me, this suburb remained the North Star.

So, as I embark on all the joy that comes post-exchange of contracts, amid a hot property market where buyers feel like they can’t seem to catch a break, my advice to you is ‘hang in there’ and I hope you find what you’re looking for in this week’s top picks.

Campbell

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Standing tall and proud behind carefully landscaped hedges, this residence combines an impressive street presence with ultimate privacy. A sense of warmth reveals itself as you enter while the interiors showcase impressive proportions.

Two of the bedrooms and the rumpus can be found on the ground floor and act as a completely segregated living space if needed, with the convenience of a fully equipped kitchen and access to the second garage and one of the bathrooms.

The open-plan kitchen is located at the heart of the home, opening onto the expansive alfresco entertaining area with a fenced-in plunge pool.

A curved staircase ascends to the main bedroom retreat sprawling over 83 square metres. A study space leads into the bedroom, which features a full wall of built-in wardrobes.

There is an additional room on this level, which could serve as a beautiful library.

Price guide: $2.5 million +

Auction: 11am, August 7

Agent: Blackshaw Manuka, Debbi Maddigan 0413 621 131

Coombs

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If only my life could be as lit up and as well laid out the home at 31 Annabelle View.

Built to enormous proportions with the utmost sophistication and luxury, there’s something to admire through every one of the 425 square metres of contemporary living space.

The stylish herringbone flooring, the concealed blinds and sheer curtains, the panel feature walls, the countless windows that draw in the spectacular vistas … it has it all, and it has it in abundance.

The kitchen and bathrooms exude glamour with feature brass fittings, moody finishes and underfloor heating. I’d go so far as to say they would rival those featured in the luxe LA real estate show Selling Sunset. Even the main suite’s walk-in wardrobe would be suitable for an A-list celebrity.

A sunken lounge room with a custom, built-in jade lounge is an impressively subtle detail. Even more impressive is the elaborate, purpose-built theatre room.

Of course, a home of such grandeur goes hand-in-hand with a spectacular outdoor entertaining area, equipped with a concrete pool and inbuilt kitchen and barbeque.

Price guide: $3.2 million-$3.6 million

Auction: 11.30am, August 1

Agent: Illustrated Properties, Frank Rasouli 0413 301 721

Campbell

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Set within a boutique development of just 19 residences, this townhouse was designed by Stewart Architects and is exceptional in every respect.

The thoughtfully designed floor plan is perfectly proportioned over four levels and offers formal and informal living options. These spaces are drenched in natural light thanks to the floor to ceiling windows with views of the Inner North.

The stylish kitchen comes complete with top-of-the-line European appliances. From here, the open dining and living area spills out to a private street-level courtyard.

For those working from home, a built-in study nook is located on the third floor and if you need more room, the fourth floor can be used as a home office or an additional living room.

Other features of the property include double glazed windows throughout promising year-round comfort and a private lift access to all the levels.

Price guide: $2 million

Auction: 4pm, July 31

Agent: The Property Collective, Will Honey 0407 245 177

Theodore

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A fabulous emphasis on indoor-outdoor flow is immediately apparent throughout this family home on a spacious 1256-square-metre block.

Equally big on entertaining, the home has a welcoming lounge with an adjacent balcony. Daily life will revolve around the open plan kitchen and dining area, made for the aspiring chef.

Outside, artificial grass offers low-maintenance living and the billabong pool with a stone waterfall feature will leave guests with a lasting impression.

A greenhouse is also located in the backyard with vegetable garden beds, for any green thumbs out there.

The property is positioned on an elevated block with picturesque views of the Tuggeranong region and is within a short stroll to Theodore Primary.

Price guide: $1.2 million – $1.3 million

Auction: 1.30pm, August 7

Agent: Solely Properties, Ben James 0448 445 841