This Spring, South Jerrabomberra will welcome two incredible new spaces – a stateof-the-art Town Park and the region’s biggest and best Dog Park.
Sales Suite open from Saturday 13th of September 11-3pm | 191 Googong Road, Googong
Talpa Estate combines elevated views, peaceful surrounds and outstanding connectivity to Googong, Queanbeyan and Canberra. Talpa’s thoughtfully designed blocks offer the flexibility to create a home that suits your lifestyle — whether upsizing, planning for multi-generational living or embracing the outdoors with space to grow.
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Ernest Cavanagh St, Gungahlin
Saturday & Sunday 11am-3pm
A ray of light in the thriving heart of Gungahlin. Minutes from the light rail and only moments from the town centre, Raya is the latest offering from one of Canberra’s most trusted developer/builders.
2 bed*, 1 bath, 1 car from $499,000
2 bed*, 2 bath, 1 car from $529,900
2 bed, 2 bath, 2 car from $665,000
3 bed, 2 bath, 2 car penthouses from $989,000
Note from the editor
If you’ve ever imagined living the country lifestyle on a large property, what would be on your wish list? All that space provides a veritable smorgasbord of options. Perhaps that’s how the owners of our Cover Story felt when given the opportunity to transform an old woolshed on 22 hectares. Today, the property offers an amazing line-up of amenities, turning the home into a destination in itself. More on page 12. Speaking of destinations, Canberra bursts into colour this weekend with the start of Floriade. We cover the full suite of activities on offer to keep you entertained during the month-long festival of flowers (p18). I’ll see you out there among the gorgeous displays of spring blooms.
New build with timeless detail
From the exterior, there’s no denying 31 Bloomfield Crescent in Taylor is a brand-new build. Sharp, clean lines pair with light and dark tones to present an entirely modern picture.
The interiors continue the aesthetic but with a level of timeless detail that is out of the ordinary. Built by Descon Developers, the design features wainscotting in the living room, enhanced by golden wall lights and a central chandelier.
Overhead are soaring three-metre coffered ceilings with LED backlighting. An electric fireplace offers a perfect lounging corner before the layout flows seamlessly onto the outdoor patio.
Agent Adrian Giampietro of Luton Properties Gungahlin says the accommodation is generous. Five of the bedrooms have built-in wardrobes, while the main bedroom includes a walk-in wardrobe and a luxe en suite.
“A breakout space, rumpus and separate lounge room provide flexible zones to relax, work or play,” Giampietro says. The private sale has a price guide of $1.48 million. Danielle Meddemmen
Editor Laura Valic
laura.valic@domain.com.au
Group picture editor Kylie Thomson
Senior designer Colleen Chin Quan
Graphic designer Emma Drake
Head of print & B2B content Sarah Millar
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President Jason Pellegrino
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Laura Valic
WHAT TO SEE THIS WEEKEND
Words by Danielle Meddemmen
Kambah 11 McGivern Crescent
$1.5 million+
4 2 2 EER 3
Auction: 10am, September 20
Agent: My Morris, Zac Morris 0432 141 648
This impressive South Canberra home has undergone a sleek renovation.
The two-toned kitchen features a stone-topped island, custom joinery and a butler’s pantry with a wine fridge. The living areas are segregated by a stunning two-way fireplace. Outside, a covered dining space, mineral pool and pizza oven ensure easy entertaining.
“This is a rare opportunity to settle into a home where every detail has already been perfected,” the agent says.
Phillip 104 Easty Street
$699,000+ 2 2 1 EER 6.1
Private sale
Agent: The Property Collective, Ben Wilson 0420 375 976
This brand-new, two-bedroom apartment in the landmark Woden Green development is in a tranquil yet central location. Blending functionality with contemporary design, the expansive interiors feature premium finishes, Electrolux appliances, soft-close cabinetry, and ducted reverse-cycle airconditioning. A segregated study is ideal for use as a home office. The building’s amenities include a gym, indoor 25-metre pool and a private dog park.
Source: Domain Group
Dr Nicola Powell Chief of research & economics
“Canberra’s spring market is taking shape amid fewer homes for sale, lifting clearance rates to 66 per cent by winter’s end –the strongest since mid-2023.”
Auction: 11.30am, September 20
Agent: Timothy Road, Tim McInnes 0401 097 568
This 2017 house has been crafted to elevate the modern family home. Centred on an expansive open-plan kitchen and living space, the interiors are bathed in natural light from the skyline windows. A spacious mainbedroom suite occupies its own corner of the home and includes a sleek, darktiled en suite and large walk-in wardrobe. The layout offers seamless integration to the covered al fresco dining area and pool spa.
Private sale
Agent: LJ Hooker Manuka, Samuel Thompson 0412 300 774
Set on a corner block, this home is made for modern family living. On the ground floor are multiple living zones and a stylish kitchen with matching marblelook benchtops and splashback, plus an island bench. The bathrooms are real standouts with floor-to-ceiling tiles and floating vanities – the main bathroom includes a bath. Ducted reverse-cycle heating and cooling ensure comfort year-round. Close to schools, shops and the city centre, it’s got it all.
Words by Ray Sparvell
SOnce a working woolshed, this property has been reimagined into a country retreat, complete with a golf simulator and motocross track.
Country roots meet resort luxury
hed living doesn’t sound like a step up the property ladder, but, then again, not many are fitted with a Full Swing golf simulator.
That’s just one of the reimaginings that have transformed this one-time pastoral landholding in Murrumbateman into a lifestyle-focused country retreat – less than 40 minutes from Canberra.
The vendors bought the 22.49-hectare property, including a working woolshed, nearly 25 years ago. Now, since its amazing metamorphosis, it’s one of the most outstanding properties that Jonny Warren of Jonny Warren Properties has ever represented.
“It’s got history in its bones and it’s now developed into a virtual private resort with every modern convenience and a full line-up of amazing amenities,” he says.
“You’ve got the best the countryside can offer in the wide open spaces, but the convenience of being so close to Canberra.”
The story began with a vision beyond the paddocks and shearing shed – a vision of a retreat that focused on welcoming family and friends, and delivering a wide range of entertainment both indoors and outdoors.
At the beginning, the woolshed, dating back about 70 years, was transformed into a four-bedroom home, but that was just the start.
In 2013, a studio was added that now houses the golf simulator, and there’s an outdoor driving range. The competition can continue over a pool table or by getting active in the commercial-grade home gym.
Over the years, the studio has hosted games nights, pool tournaments and karaoke sessions. For guests who don’t mind living next to a party, there’s a kitchenette, bedroom and bathroom.
Warren says the home has lived up to its promise of being a welcoming place for people to gather.
“There’s been yoga under the stars with 70 mats and it’s brought people together
“You’ve got the best the countryside can offer in the wide open spaces, but the convenience of being so close to Canberra.” Jonny Warren
for wedding receptions, birthdays and community fitness events,” he says. “Every corner has been designed to bring people together – there will be many with great memories of fun times at this property.”
The main indoor living zone comprises four bedrooms, a study, a living room, a big home theatre and a storage room.
The main-bedroom suite features a walk-in wardrobe and an en suite with a two-person sauna.
The stylish main bathroom features a black stone bath and Nero Brodware tapware, while two bedrooms draw in natural light through Velux solaroperated skylights.
The kitchen, fully renovated in 2021, brings together style and practicality with a Smeg six-burner cooktop, oven and rangehood, a Mitsubishi Electric inverter fridge, and a Fisher & Paykel dual-drawer dishwasher.
The theatre room delivers a complete cinematic experience with full acousticproofing and Klipsch surround sound.
But it doesn’t end there. Outside, a second screen next to the pool turns summer evenings into movie nights –or TV sports sessions – under the stars.
That’s if you can stay away from the pool deck with its swim spa and manually opening roof. There’s also a front deck (with motorised shutters) offering sweeping views of the Brindabellas.
The grounds feature a motocross track, offering even more fun for the kids and visitors.
There’s also a machinery shed, three double garages, three single garages and much, much more.
Warren says the property will appeal to a wide range of potential buyers.
“It’s got it all for a family when it comes to amenities,” he says, “and the extensive property infrastructure will have strong appeal for those with a wide variety of interests.”
This feature is part of an Allhomes Deluxe package.
Modern comforts: The kitchen was renovated in 2021 and includes a Smeg six-burner cooktop, oven and rangehood, and a Mitsubishi Electric inverter fridge.
Words by Kylie Dulhunty
Move-in-ready homes lead the way in spring
Well-presented, polished and ready-to-live-in homes are attracting strong interest from buyers as we enter the spring selling season.
Buyers house hunting in Canberra and the eastern suburbs of Sydney and Melbourne are searching for move-in ready homes this spring, and leading agents are advising that homes need to be in tip-top shape.
BresicWhitney agent Catherine Dixon says the need to present every property at its best has never been more important in Sydney’s inner east.
“If sellers are looking to put a property on the market that may be B to C grade, it’s wise to invest in improvements such as having the house styled, painted or bringing the gardens up to standard,” she says.
“Buyers are after homes that are movein ready. They’re considering all factors, and many of these can influence price. Sellers coming to market should invest in ensuring the house is ready and in the best condition possible.”
Sydney
Dixon says a two-tier market has emerged in Sydney’s inner east, with properties north of $8 million selling well, while homes in the $2 million to $4 million bracket have been more stagnant over winter.
She expects a similar scenario in the spring market, and notes the selling season started a little early this time around.
“People have come back earlier than they normally would,” Dixon says. “Usually the winter period goes right through until the beginning of September or even the second week of September, but this year the top end has taken off since the end of July.”
Dixon puts the top-end buoyancy down to buyers being priced out of the nearby Bellevue Hill and Rose Bay markets. “The inner city and inner east, where they have the bigger terraces, now seem like a really
Sydney: The spring selling season has started a little earlier than it usually does in the capital city.
good alternative to those buyers who have been priced out,” she says.
Canberra
AM Property Agency senior sales executive Luke Lindley says positive sentiment has returned to the Canberra market on the back of multiple interest rate cuts.
He says buyers who had been sitting on their hands are now purchasing, and he expects that to continue in spring.
“People now want to transact, irrespective of whether that’s buying or selling,” Lindley says.
He says he mostly lists and sells in the Tuggeranong area and western suburbs of Canberra, where solid family homes in the $750,000 to $1.5 million price bracket are proving popular.
“If you’re running an auction campaign, you have multiple registered bidders, you have multiple active bidders, and you are seeing the homes transact on auction day,” he says.
Lindley notes that attendance at open homes has risen dramatically in recent weeks, a trend he attributes to improved weather and renewed market confidence.
“If I look back a few weeks ago, I was opening 10 to 15 properties a weekend, and there were some I wasn’t getting anyone through,” he says.
“Now, I’ve had someone through every single open home – and I had a property in Monash where I had 38 groups through.”
Melbourne
Jellis Craig Mount Waverley director Calvin Huang says he anticipates a solid spring market in the Glen Waverley and Mount Waverley areas, with good buyer numbers evident.
He also highlights that buyers prefer well-presented homes.
“People now want to transact, irrespective of whether that’s buying or selling.” Luke Lindley
“We’re expecting a lot of buyers to enter the market, and we’ve already seen that towards the tail end of winter with some exceptional prices,” he says.
“There hasn’t been too much stock on the market, but anything that is move-in ready or an older house in a prime location, where it’s a knockdownrebuild situation, has been selling exceptionally well. I expect more of the same this spring.”
Huang says he doesn’t expect many investors to re-enter the market given the increased cost of being a landlord in Victoria, noting that they now make up just 5 to 10 per cent of buyers.
“There haven’t been many investors for the past two years,” he says.
“With the way interest rates were and the low yields investors are getting on properties, it’s just not worthwhile. Then
Canberra: Attendance at open homes across Canberra has risen dramatically in recent weeks.
you have to take into account all of the compliance and land tax costs, and it’s just not very attractive.”
Huang says prices have turned the corner this year, and he expects this to continue.
“Buyers are actively entering the market now with the view that they might be paying more in six to 12 months,” he says.
Gold Coast
On the Gold Coast, Coastal managing director Dane Atherton says the winter market performed strongly, with recordlow stock levels.
“We’re seeing a slight loosening of stock now as people prepare homes for the traditionally busy spring period, but there’s definitely enough buyer depth to absorb that,” he notes.
“We’re very fortunate here as the Gold Coast remains the darling of Australian real estate and it’s very much driven by huge amounts of local equity that’s been created through the past five or six years of growth.”
Atherton expects more buyers to upgrade this spring, with off-the-plan units remaining in hot demand.
“The luxury market is its own ecosystem,” he says. “There is no stock, and the other thing that is driving the luxury market is that there are hardly any new builds.
“Architects are [telling] us that what used to be an 80 to 90 per cent designto-build ratio has now gone to 50 to 60 per cent.
“As construction costs increase, people are just not moving because there’s not that ready supply of properties coming to the market. When there is one that comes on, it is very hotly contested and often sells for a record price.”
Atherton says there are many investors active in the Gold Coast market, and he expects that to continue throughout the rest of the year.
“I think they see that the market has all cylinders firing,” he says.
“We’ve got investors, we’ve got holiday units, we’ve got people wanting to downsize from big homes into off-theplan luxury units, and we’ve got people who want a second or third investment property here.
“We’ve got people who are moving here and then we’ve got people who are already here upgrading or downsizing. The confidence in the market is at an all-time high.”
ASHLEY
Words by Jil Hogan
From a basement theatre to poolside entertaining, 42 Wyndham Avenue in Denman Prospect is a home that unfolds in layers, each one designed for a different kind of family moment.
Set on an 801-square-metre block just steps from Ridgeline Park, the contemporary house makes the most of its multilevel design.
At its heart, the family living zone blends open-plan ease with thoughtful details such as heated tiled floors, builtin storage and a gas fireplace. It’s an impressive space where glass, stone and custom elements seamlessly intertwine.
The adjoining kitchen is equal parts style and function, with 60-millimetre stone benchtops and a butler’s pantry that goes all out with twin ovens, a microwave and a coffee machine.
It connects to a covered al fresco space that features a full outdoor kitchen alongside the sparkling pool – the ultimate hub for entertaining.
Inside, two more spaces add flexibility. A front rumpus room boasts a private balcony and study nook, while the basement is a destination in itself with a theatre and generous storage accompanying the double garage.
The accommodation is just as considered. Tucked privately at the front, the main-bedroom suite has a sprawling walk-in wardrobe and an en suite with a free-standing spa bath.
Each of the remaining four bedrooms connects to bathrooms finished with the same sense of indulgence. Two of the bedrooms sit privately on an upper level. When you add underfloor heating, six-zone air-conditioning, a solar-energy system and comprehensive security, this is family living with every conceivable layer considered.
Denman Prospect 42 Wyndham Avenue
$2.9 million+
5 5 2 EER 4
Auction: 12.30pm, September 20
Agent: New Door Properties, Malkiat Dhillon 0490 174 554
New Door Properties
“This remarkable residence blends modern sophistication with family practicality. Every detail has been thoughtfully considered to deliver comfort, style and an exceptional lifestyle.”
Layered luxury for family living
Denman Prospect is a desirable Molonglo Valley suburb prized for its elevated views, modern design and community feel. Locals enjoy coffee at Two Before Ten Denman, and easy access to parks and Stromlo Forest trails. What the agent says
Malkiat Dhillon
Words by Erin Cross
What’s blooming at Floriade 2025?
Spring has arrived, and that has a special meaning in Canberra as the annual festival of flowers gears up with a fresh theme and night activities.
Australia’s biggest celebration of spring is on its way as Floriade marks its 38th year in Canberra.
Bringing Commonwealth Park to life with more than a million blooms, the free festival of flowers kicks off on September 13 and runs until Sunday, October 12, transforming the park into a dynamic space of discovery and learning. Featuring Insta-worthy floral displays, horticultural workshops, live music, a popular market, and some of the region’s best food and wine, it’s an unmissable event.
With plenty to see and do, there will be something for everyone.
Science and Nature
This year’s theme is Science and Nature, and the stunning garden beds draw inspiration from the most recognised scientific fields of physics, chemistry, astronomy, biology and botany.
But it doesn’t stop there. The organisers are inviting visitors to swap their gardening gloves for lab coats to make the most of the family-friendly hands-on workshops, talks and activities. From listening to Dr Karl Kruszelnicki talk about all things science to the crawly critter show Wildlife Reimagined: Bugs Alive, and even using eDNA to track down weed species, there are plenty of ways to get your hands dirty at Floriade. Expect to see jazz ensembles, choirs and community dance groups as you wander through the flowers. Make sure you stop at the market stalls to meet the food and wine producers behind some of the region’s best products.
Left: The inspiration for this year’s garden beds will be drawn from the most recognised scientific fields.
“Families will also be spoilt for choice this year, with plenty of activities that kids of all ages will enjoy.” Erin Cross
Food,
drinks and entertainment
It’s not a day at Floriade without trying the food. The BentSpoke Brewing Beer Garden is back for another year, and wine lovers can enjoy bespoke tastings with curated pairings at Contentious Character Urban Winery.
Gin always goes down a treat on a spring day, so luckily, the Underground Spirits Gin Garden will have a cocktail high tea in the gardens.
Hungry for more? Gelato Messina, the Au Lac Food Truck and Spit Shack are just some of the vendors that will dish up delicious food.
What’s on for families?
Families will also be spoilt for choice this year, with plenty of activities that kids of all ages will enjoy. Take them along to Gnome Knoll for gnome painting (a must-do Floriade tradition), let them try their hand at a circus workshop or watch them get creative with the Funky Fairy. Also, don’t miss the family-friendly show Kids Are Stinky – it will have them giggling and gasping in awe with lightning-fast hula-hooping, daredevil balances, loads of comedy and more.
Lighting up the night
NightFest will bring the park to life after dark from Thursday, October 2 to Sunday, October 5, with a vibrant mix of illuminated garden beds, live music,
roving performers, market stalls and food vendors.
Highlights of this year’s program include headline performances from acclaimed Australian musicians Josh Pyke and Ella Hooper, while the Kazador Tent will also return with an adult-only show Kiss Tease Cabaret, featuring popular stand-up comedian Peter Berner as MC.
Mark these events
Of course, it’s not Floriade without Dogs’ Day Out or the Great Big Blub Dig – two of the most well-known days on the calendar. On Sunday, October 12, Floriade will welcome pooches big and small, while on Monday, October 13, you can take home a piece of the Floriade magic, with all funds raised from the Great Big Blub Dig going to Allhomes’ charity partner, YWCA Canberra.
As Floriade’s new Presenting Partner in 2025, Allhomes will leverage its major platform to support the YWCA Canberra’s vital work in providing safe and affordable housing for women and families across the region.
Proceeds raised from the annual initiative will be presented to YWCA Canberra following the conclusion of the event.
Be sure to check out the full program at floriadeaustralia.com to see what else is happening!
floriadeaustralia.com
This modern apartment offers a townhouse-inspired floor plan. There’s a large entry courtyard on the ground floor which you can also enjoy from the main-bedroom suite. Features include timber floors, double-glazed windows, a Vintec wine fridge and stone benchtops. A balcony overlooks Anzac Park, while the Campbell precinct is at your doorstep.
From top: NightFest’s Naughty and Nice: Kiss Tease Cabaret and Australian singer-songwriter Ella Hooper will perform in October. Explore Floriade’s dark side at the NightFest light show and illuminated gardens from October 2 to 5.
Agent: Belle Property Canberra, Janae McLister 0402 114 377
Located on the ground floor in the Metropol complex, this practical apartment offers dual living spaces. The open-plan layout flows to a courtyard, and the kitchen features a waterfall-edge stone bench, a reclaimed-timber breakfast bar and Smeg appliances. The laundry has been renovated, while the main bedroom has a walk-through wardrobe and stylish en suite.
HerCanberraʼs weekend guide
Words by Jil Hogan
New home that feels homely
Abrand-new home offers a blank slate, but that doesn’t mean it has to be cold. At 51 Springvale Drive in Weetangera, thoughtful design choices, warm timber floors and joinery, and layered finishes come together to create something rare: a home that already feels like it belongs.
Architect-designed and just completed, this two-storey house is about flexibility, whether you’re a growing family or want spaces that evolve with you.
The layout includes four generous bedrooms and three bathrooms, with the bonus of two main-bedroom suites – one upstairs, one down – making it a perfect fit for multigenerational living.
At the heart is a kitchen that gets everything right.
With 40-millimetre natural marble benchtops, it features a full suite of Bosch appliances, a Smeg rangehood and an extensive walk-in pantry with custom joinery and stone finishes.
Tucked at the front, a formal lounge sits alongside bedroom one, which has an en suite and walk-in wardrobe.
At the rear, the open-plan living and dining areas extend out to a covered al fresco space, ideal for entertaining or easily adapted into a rumpus room.
Upstairs, a second living area with raked ceiling and skylight provides room to retreat. It’s wrapped around three more bedrooms, including one with an en suite and walk-in robe.
Throughout, quality is evident in every detail: spotted gum hybrid flooring, Parisi tapware, double glazing, and a seven-star energy efficiency rating that ensures yearround affordable comfort.
“What makes this home special is its flawless design, flexible layout and exceptional craftsmanship. It offers luxury, comfort and functionality in an established location close to everything you need.”
Jason Roses Verv Property
Words by Emily Power
Put yourself in the picture
Including a person – or even a cute pet – in listing photographs helps potential buyers imagine themselves living in the home.
McGlynn says real life tells a compelling tale. Humans are an eye-catching component of the agency’s campaigns for a swish new residence in Ryde and a townhouse designed by revered architect Harry Seidler in Darlinghurst.
The technique is suited to a range of properties, McGlynn says, and enables buyers to feel an affinity for the true nature of a home before they walk in.
“Being able to present a property as its authentic self is important,” he says. “We want to show there is beauty in all real estate, and buyers really appreciate that.”
Agent Sam Rigopoulos is selling Hütt 01 PassivHaus in Coburg via a campaign that includes depictions of the family chatting in the living room and meandering in the lush garden.
He says this was important to convey how the spaces can be used and enjoyed.
“People relate to people, and in a world inundated with static, isolated images, we are finding the presence of people or pets provide a real and lived experience for the viewer,” Rigopoulos says.
“The image suddenly comes to life, and we are capturing an experience.
“We are finding on our social channels that people in images also translates to increased engagement.”
Buying a home is as much about feeling as it is about finances.
Perfectly placed cushions, a poolside bottle of champagne and fresh blooms on the coffee table have a part to play, but real life is proving to be as powerful as polish and perfection. Putting people in listing photos can be a persuasive component of a real estate campaign. Add a cute family dog snoozing on a rug, and a buyer can truly imagine life there with loved ones. Marketing gurus say that in, a filtered world, a dose of reality creates a meaningful connection, and the trend is taking off.
Compton Green agent Dee Gibson of
says gone are the days when a listing showed just rooms and dimensions.
“It is more about the space and how it feels, so we aim to spark that emotional connection,” she says. “It brings the best aspects of a space to life – the warmth, flow and natural light.”
Gibson occasionally jumps into the listing photos – a case in point being 13 Clark Street in Williamstown – and her golden retriever is available for shoots.
Vendors are happy to be in the images, Gibson says. They know what it feels like to live in the home and want to share that experience.
In the listing for the charming 1925-built weatherboard at 26 Adelaide
Street in Footscray, one of the owners is shown reading a book in the sundrenched living room.
Canberra agent Catherine Halloran owns a photogenic French bulldog named Rollo, who frequently features in her listings, including a home sold last year in Ngunnawal.
“Not every owner is okay with the approach, but most are pretty happy to do it,” Halloran says. “It gives buyers a much more personable platform.
“I started doing it as a ‘Where’s Wally?’ to encourage buyers to look at the photos for longer and more carefully, and I noticed it had an impact.”
BresicWhitney chief executive Thomas
Professor Gary Mortimer, a retail marketing and consumer behaviour expert from the Queensland University of Technology, says the technique lends “liveability” to images.
“Essentially, what these ads are trying to do is drive more authenticity around the product itself,” he says, and showing life’s minutia can “cultivate a deeper emotional connection” than glossy, impeccable styling.
The future of marketing will lean even deeper into these realistic representations.
“I was in New York in January, and I was watching a presentation about TikTok Shop, which is the next thing we’ll see [here] and makes Instagram look like an advert,” Mortimer says.
“What we are seeing on TikTok Shop is real people, in real locations, consuming or engaging in products or services, and the perspective we see may not be the perfect camera angle or the perfect lighting, but it adds a level of authenticity that breeds trust.”
Living the dream: Vendors, their families, their pets, and even their agents are proving to be willing to jump into listing photos.
Words by Jono Fleming
Splash out or scale back?
“Many smaller apartments don’t even offer a bath as an option, and buyers still snap them up.” Jono Fleming
With homes getting smaller, baths are no longer seen as a bathroom essential.
It’s the big bathroom question: Do you actually need a bath in the main bathroom, or is it just one of those things we’ve all assumed should be there?
For years, the answer felt pretty automatic. It was seen as a must-have. It made a home feel complete and ready for resale.
But these days, with homes getting smaller and every square metre working harder, that thinking is starting to shift. It’s no longer a one-size-fits-all answer.
Let’s be real for a moment. Baths are lovely in theory. The bubbles, the candlelight, the idea of switching off for an hour and soaking away the day. But in practice? Many people don’t use them. Life’s busy. Most of us don’t have the time to wait around for the tub to fill and then have a long, leisurely soak. That said, there are many households in which a bath is essential.
If you’ve got young kids, it’s a nobrainer. Bath time is part of the daily
routine, and trying to wash a toddler in a shower is not for the faint of heart (so I’ve heard). Even if you don’t have kids right now, it’s something to consider if that’s part of your plan.
And then there are the grown-ups who love a soak. If it’s your go-to way to unwind, or something you rely on for sore muscles after the gym, then yes, a bath absolutely makes sense.
But if no one in the house uses it and it’s just sitting there looking pretty, then it’s worth asking if that space could be doing more for you.
Space is a big factor here. Most main bathrooms aren’t enormous – especially in newer apartments and townhouses –and they need to work hard.
A bath takes up a lot of room, and that can come at the cost of storage, a larger shower, or even just the ability to move around comfortably.
A generous walk-in shower, for example, might get used every single day
and still feel like a luxury, without taking over the whole room.
There’s also the notion that not having a bath will hurt your resale value when it comes time to sell. However, in reality, plenty of homes are being sold without them, especially in high-density areas Many smaller apartments don’t offer a bath, and buyers still snap them up.
A well-designed, functional bathroom is always going to win over a cramped one with a feature that barely gets used.
On the flip side, if your home has only one bathroom and you love taking baths, then make it a good one.
It doesn’t have to be a big, freestanding moment. Even a compact, built-in tub can do the trick if the layout is smart and the styling’s right.
The best homes are the ones that reflect the people who live in them, not what the market says you should have, and definitely not what Pinterest told you last week.
Soak it in: Free-standing baths are always stunning, but a space-saving built-in tub might better suit your bathroom.
So, does the main bathroom need a bath? Maybe. Maybe not. It all depends on your space, your routines, and what makes life a little more enjoyable. That’s the only rule worth following.
HANNAH PUECHMARIN
Aucton Wednesday 8 October 5.30pm On Site View Saturday 13 September 1.30pm - 2.15pm
Peacefully secluded amidst 4 acres approx. of landscaped gardens and sweeping lawns, and ofering stunning uninterrupted panoramic views across Queanbeyan to Canberra, this Willemsen designed family home harmoniously integrates impressive indoor and outdoor entertaining spaces, ofering privacy for an unrivalled lifestyle. Upon arrival, a gated entry reveals a picturesque scene where the eye is atracted to the established park-like gardens, extensive lawn and dam, and the foodlit tennis court with adjoining pavilion and deck, providing the perfect welcome to the elegant fve-bedroom, three-bathroom residence. 57 Ridgeway Road, The Ridgeway. belleproperty.com 6 a 4 b 10 v 3.98 w
*Times are subject to change. Please keep up to date by viewing our open homes online or subscribe to property alerts at https://www.belleproperty.com/canberra/
Murramarang National Park, this
15 FLINDERS ROAD DURRAS NORTH
Step into history and fall in love with this enchanting stone cottage - a property that beautifully blends heritage charm with modern comfort. Originally built in 1859 as a barn and stable, this unique residence has been thoughtfully transformed into a warm and inviting home, preserving its historical character while embracing contemporary urban living.
Set on a generous 971m block in the heart of Bungendore's vibrant village, the property is surrounded by mature trees and cottage-style gardens, offering shade, privacy, and a tranquil country atmosphere. A distinctive timber carport and storage area add to the rustic appeal. Inside, the home features three bedrooms and a stunning central living area where feature stone walls and a grand open fireplace - reminiscent of a castle hearth - create a dramatic and cozy focal point. The vaulted ceilings, skylights, and open layout flood the space with natural light, making it feel bright and airy year-round. New Listing
Blackshaw’s Upcoming Auctions
SATURDAY 13TH OF SEPTEMBER
9:30AM 8/131 Britten Jones Drive Holt Michael Braddon 0408 446 793
10:00AM 89 Investigator Street Red Hill
12:30PM 9 Hamilton Row Yarralumla
SATURDAY 20TH OF SEPTEMBER
9:30AM 231 La Perouse Street Red Hill
Christine Bassingthwaighte 0428 139 969
Christine Bassingthwaighte 0428 139 969
Christine Bassingthwaighte 0428 139 969
9:30AM 2/8 Fidler Court Bruce Campbell Jones 0427 401 109
10:00AM 1 Rowell Place Weston Mario Sanfrancesco 0412 488 027
10:15AM 75 Maitland Street Hackett Ahmad Souweid 0404 401 068
10:30AM 54/224 Flemington Road Harrison Stacy Otero 0403 941 366
11:30AM 90 Bourne Street Cook Jack Doyle 0431 994 107
11:30AM 102 Jansz Crescent Griffith Mario Sanfrancesco 0412 488 027
12:30PM 2/37 Dominion Circuit Forrest Andrew Chamberlain 0412 411 422
2:00PM 16 Rafferty Street Chapman Christine Bassingthwaighte 0428 139 969
2:00PM
4:00PM
9 Hakea Crescent, O'Connor
From $2,900,000
Architecturally designed to exacting specifications, the main bedroom and living areas are all located on one level and each space has its own benefits to impress. The two guest bedrooms are positioned upstairs with individual ensuites attached and have access to another living area. A private internal courtyard has ample space for outdoor living including an alfresco kitchen and plunge pool for both functionality and aesthetics, and don’t miss the stunning, recently renovated cellar and cinema room.
Mark Larmer and Aaron Lewis
Auction 1st October 12:30pm
11 Vasey Crescent Campbell
Set opposite serene parkland, this spacious residence blends timeless charm with modern comfort. Featuring parquet flooring, an open fireplace and large picture windows, the home offers formal and casual living spaces bathed in natural light. The main suite boasts a luxurious ensuite and dressing room, with three additional bedrooms all with built-ins. A functional kitchen with breakfast bar flows to living areas and an expansive deck and landscaped gardens. A private study enhances flexibility, while the self-contained lower level, with bedroom, media room, living area, sauna and separate entry, offers ideal multigenerational or work-from-home potential. Just a short walk to the lake, cafés and C5 amenities. EER 0.5
Set in one of Griffith’s most desirable enclaves, this rare opportunity offers endless potential in a prime, tightly held location. A mid-century four-bedroom, two-bathroom residence, perfectly positioned opposite peaceful parklands and just a short stroll from the vibrant heart of Manuka Village, offers lifestyle, convenience, and boundless potential. Whether you’re ready to renovate, detonate, or simply move in and enjoy as-is, 8 Wells Garden is bursting with opportunity. With no heritage listing, the freedom is yours to transform or rebuild to your vision. An exceptional offering in a blue-chip location – opportunities like this are rare. EER 2.0
8 Wells Gardens Griffith
THE VILLAGE RELEASE
PLACED
MONASH 17 Clive Steele Avenue
3/4 BEDROOMS
1 BATHROOM
5 CAR SPACES
It’s home at first sight
PRICE GUIDE Offers above $899,000
VIEWING Sat 13/09/2025, 11-11.30am Sun 14/09/2025, 11-11.30am CONTACT
Michael Potter 0413 830 598 Rick Jordan 0417 664 334
Delightful, single level home presented in immaculate condition and immersed amongst a delightful garden setting.
A plethora of features include panoramic views of the Tuggeranong landscape, snug lounge and family rooms, spacious sun-room, well-maintained kitchen and updated bathroom. An added bonus is a private detached retreat that would serve well as a teenager’s den, home office, craft or guest room.
Complete with secure and covered car accommodation for 5 vehicles, a choice of heating and cooling options and very close to all amenities on offer in the area. EER 1
Words by Danielle Meddemmen
Jindabyne
13a Alice Street
$1.449 million
5 3 1
Private sale Agent: Jindabyne Real Estate, Ben Clancy 0429 205 720
Whether skiing in winter or hiking in summer, this modern home places you in the heart of Jindabyne’s year-round action. The interiors feature raked ceilings and multiple living areas. The upstairs main-bedroom retreat has sleek timber floors, an en suite and a private balcony, while a patio with a built-in barbecue can be enjoyed in the summer.
Moruya 44 Narambi Close $1.699 million 4 2 4
Private sale Agent: LJ Hooker Moruya, James Hamilton 0408 135 553
Set among coastal bushland, this architectural gem enjoys privacy and serene views from every room. The upper floor includes a modern open-plan living-kitchen-dining area that opens onto an expansive covered deck. Other internal features include polished timber floors, black-framed windows and sliding doors, pendant lighting and a fireplace.
Your Paddock-to-Plate Lifestyle Awaits
105 Wargeila Road, Yass, NSW
• Lovingly held & owner-occupied for the past 26 years, this much-loved property is being offered for genuine sale
• A productive holding, featuring an established olive grove of 300* trees (20+ years old) producing multiple oil varieties, a vineyard with 65 mature grape vines, orchard of stone fruit & nut trees + generous vegetable gardens
• The home offers 243m²* of thoughtful design with open plan living zones, modern kitchen + garage & water tanks
• This represents a rare opportunity to acquire a turnkey hobby farm within easy reach of both Yass & Canberra
raywhiteruralyasscanberra.com.au
10 Ryslipp Drive, Murrumbateman, NSW
• Offered to market after 5 years of ownership, presents an exceptional opportunity to secure 9.3ha* (23* acres)
• Flexibility for a variety of uses, making it ideal for hobby farming, grazing or as a secluded retreat
• Size and zoning allow for a wide range of structures to be built (subject to council approval)
• Set within the Yass Shire, this block offers sealed road frontage and straightforward access to Canberra and Yass
• With motivated sellers, this is a chance to secure a holding that ticks all the boxes for lifestyle and potential
raywhiteruralyasscanberra.com.au
Outline Indicative Only
5 BED 3 BATH 9 CAR
FROM A 1961 WOOLSHED TO A DREAM RETREAT
What began life as a working wool shed in 1961 has, over the past twenty- ve years, been transformed into a private country retreat that blends history, lifestyle, and modern design. Purchased in 2001, the current owners saw more than just paddocks and a shearing shed. They saw the chance to create a home and a haven-a place where family, friends, and community could gather, where open space could be celebrated, and where every improvement would be made with their own hands. Just 13 minutes from the ACT border, it o ered the rare privilege of true rural living without giving up convenience.
The original wool shed was reimagined into a four-bedroom home in 2002, and from that point it has continued to evolve. The robust bones of the shed remain visible in its generous proportions and practical layout, but what has grown around it is something far beyond its humble beginnings. In 2013, a studio was added, complete with a full-swing golf simulator, outdoor driving range, pool table, commercial-grade gym, kitchenette, bedroom, and bathroom. Gas heating and remote-controlled roller doors make it a comfortable and versatile space that has hosted countless games nights, tournaments, and karaoke sessions-a true hub for fun and connection. Entertainment has always been at the heart of this home. Inside, a dedicated theatre with Klipsch surround sound and R2.7 Earthwell acoustic batts for sound dampening creates an authentic cinema experience. Outside, a second theatre with Klipsch surround sound overlooking the pool turns summer evenings into nights of movies and sport beneath the stars. The pool deck-with its swim spa, outdoor shower, direct guestroom access,
enclosed television, and manually opening roof-has become a favourite gathering place. The front covered deck, with sweeping views of the Brindabellas and motorised shutters to the sides, ensuring year-round comfort.
More Details:
- Original Wool shed transformed into a luxurious rural retreat
- Master suite with walk-in robe, ensuite featuring Clearlight Infrared two-person sauna, brushed copper Brodware Industrica tapware, smart toilet, and walk-in shower
- Two additional bedrooms with Velux solar-operated skylights and blinds
- Guest room with built-in robes and direct access to the pool deck
- Kitchen renovated in 2021, SMEG six-burner cooktop, SMEG oven and rangehood, Mitsubishi Electric inverter fridge, Fisher & Paykel dual-drawer dishwasher, stone benchtops, Island bench and plenty of storage
- Laundry with Storage, Stone benchtop, Miele washer and dryer
- Nature Heat pellet heater and Panasonic split systems
- Studio with golf simulator and driving range, pool table, commercial gym, kitchenette, bedroom, bathroom, gas heating, and remote-controlled roller doors
- Indoor theatre with Klipsch surround sound and insulated with R2.7 Earthwell acoustic batts for sound dampening
- Outdoor pool theatre with Klipsch surround sound for summer movie nights
- Pool deck with swim spa, outdoor shower, direct guestroom access,
enclosed TV, and manually opening roof
- Front deck with panoramic Brindabella views and motorised side shutters
- Motorbike trail
- Three double garages & three single garages with motorised doors
- 22m x 16m machinery shed/warehouse with motorised doors
- Fully fenced, stock-proof land
- Under-house storage
- ve Bushman tanks (100,000 litres) + 15,000-litre galvanised tank
- Drip-feed irrigation
- 20kW solar system
- Dedicated dog yard
- Vegetable garden
- Zoned for dual occupancy - Potential for subdivision (STCA)
- Formally known as 7 Ryslipp Dr
- Approx. Block Size: 22.49 ha
- Approx. Council Rates: $643 per quarter
- Approx. Rental Return: $1,400 $1,500 per week
Words by Ray Sparvell
Stacked with space and future potential
There’s no shortage of activity going on around the Woden Town Centre, with plenty of developments in the pipeline.
There’s the new Canberra Institute of Technology, a bus interchange, apartment developments and the Hellenic Club’s plans for two sites.
The other side of Hindmarsh Drive, which falls more directly in the Phillip zone, has traditionally housed the area’s commercial offerings – but that’s not to say there aren’t other options.
For example, this property in Botany Street enjoys RZ3 zoning. That will get interest with the potential for mediumdensity, mixed-use development.
The 845-square-metre property with a dual street frontage is currently leased to the Salvation Army until September 2029 with a further five-year option.
This well-maintained structure has an open-plan retail/warehouse layout that is
ideal as a showroom. There is extensive on-site parking.
Ben Stevenson of Blackshaw Manuka says the property represents a blue-chip investment in a prime location. “There’s a lot of ... interest,” he says. “We had about 40 enquiries in the first 10 days.
“They’re attracted to the size of the property, the profile of the tenant and the future development potential.”
Net income is $227,896 a year, while expenses are $138,032 a year. The lease includes a fixed three per cent annual rent review.
Phillip 7/48 Botany Street $4 million+
Expressions of interest: Close noon, September 25
Agent: Blackshaw Manuka, Ben Stevenson 0467 046 637
