Inspired Living Magazine │ SUMMER 2023 CANBERRA EDITION

Front Cover Image - 11 Bagarin Avenue, Tomakin

Situated in the popular seaside village of Tomakin this immaculate contemporary home offers relaxed coastal living a short level stroll from two beautiful beaches, boat ramp and popular club and café.

The property has a good floor plan with a seamless flow from the entry through to the expansive kitchen and living areas. The contemporary kitchen with large island bench is the heart of the home and flows to through the sliding doors out to the covered outdoor entertaining area.

Sold Winter 2022

Welcome

Welcome to the Summer 2023 issue of the Inspired Living Magazine. Brought to our community by Blackshaw to showcase and guide readers on current trends and topics within homes around the nation’s capital and what is possible within your own abode.

The Inspired Living provides our readers with a unique, behind-thescenes, insight into Canberra’s dynamic property industry and its talented collection of local designers, architects, developers, builders, stylists, photographers, artists and more.

“If you’re thinking of renting over the Christmas period, our highly qualified Property Managers have you covered”

Our Summer 2023 issue has a range of topics including, the benefits of virtual styling for your property, tips to start and make your veggie garden thrive this summer, and some family friendly public pools to be enjoyed here in Canberra. Our experts also share some insights into Canberra’s historic houses and getting set for the Royal Canberra show.

We invite you to discover our stories and share it with your friends, take it home with you and find endless possibilities for your own inspired living.

Belinda Chamberlain, Managing Principal Blackshaw Real Estate

Photography by Raelle Gann

Back in time: Canberra’s historic houses

Go back in time and get a glimpse of Canberra life in the 19th and 20th centuries as you explore the capital’s well-preserved historic houses. Whether you’re a history buff or simply looking for a fun day out with friends and family, be sure to add these fascinating sites to your summer bucket list.

Photography by Jilbert Ebrahim

MUGGA-MUGGA COTTAGE

Located in Symonston, the historic MuggaMugga Cottage is the former home of the Curley family who lived there from 1913 to 1995. Built in the 1850s, the four-room stone cottage has since been adapted and extended over the decades, but the original interior has been conserved and the furnishings still intact. The cottage was originally built for the head shepherd of the Duntroon estate and pays tribute to the workers of the pastoral properties across the surrounding Limestone Plains. Today, visitors can explore the cottage’s interior collection and its natural surroundings, which offers a unique insight into domestic life after Australia’s federation. The cottage is open every Saturday from 10am to 1pm.

CALTHORPES’ HOUSE

Calthorpes’ House on Mugga Way in Red Hill will take you back in time to 20th century domestic life in Canberra. Built in 1927 for the Calthorpe family – real estate agent Harry, his wife Della and their two daughters Dawn and Dell – the house remains unchanged to this day with the family’s original furnishings and possessions on show, including household appliances, clothes, toys, photos and Harry’s war memorabilia. Visitors can also enjoy a stroll around the beautiful gardens and see an air raid shelter built during World War II. The house is open every Saturday from 1pm to 4pm and museum entry is by pre-booked guided tour only.

Photography by National Capital Authority

Photography by National Capital Authority

BLUNDELL’S COTTAGE

This stunning cottage located on the northern shore of Lake Burley Griffin was built in the 1860s using stone taken from Mount Ainslie and Black Mountain and stands as one of Canberra’s most cherished historical relics. It was built for Duntroon’s head ploughman, William Ginn, and his family who lived there for 14 years, then occupied for 60 years by George Blundell, a Duntroon bullock driver and his family, and finally by shepherd Harry Oldfield and his wife Alice, who then opened the cottage up to boarders due to a lack of available accommodation in the capital. Today, visitors can explore this hands-on museum filled with nineteenth-century furniture and artefacts that paint a moving picture of early colonial tenant farming history. The cottage is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 10am to 2pm.

Located in Tharwa, the iconic Lanyon Homestead precinct was built in the 1850s and tells the story of the convict families that lived and worked there, most notably James Wright and John Lanyon. The original homestead has been restored and visitors can enjoy a guided tour of the interiors and collections, the convict-era outbuildings and wander through the beautiful, well-kept gardens. The precinct is also home to The Barracks, the perfect spot for a drink or bite to eat, whether it be breakfast, brunch or lunch, with rustic interior dining or seating on the outdoor terrace with views of the Murrumbidgee River and Brindabella Ranges. The site is open Wednesday to Sunday from 10am to 4pm and museum entry is by pre-booked guided tour only.

Photography by National Capital Authority

Photography by National Trust LANYON HOMESTEAD

How our Property Managers can help you this summer

Over the summer holidays, our dedicated team of expert property managers are working tirelessly to ensure your investment grows and is looked after while you take a well-earned break.

Photography by Shutterstock

Throughout the festive season, our highly trained property managers will be processing new tenancy applications, organising maintenance requests, conducting open inspections, managing payments and arrears, marketing newly listed properties, and assisting with new business. They will always be contactable and willing to assist in all matters relating to your investment.

Here’s a reminder of how our leasing consultants look after your investment property.

NEW TENANCIES

Our leasing consultants must ensure that a suitable tenant is located as soon as possible, keeping the property’s vacancy time to a minimum. To keep vacancy rates at a minimum, the property will receive maximum market exposure through extensive online advertising, prominent signage when possible, circulation of weekly rental list and presentation to pre-qualified applicants.

Our leasing consultants will accompany all prospective tenants during exhibitions. This means that your property is secure, and our staff can answer any queries immediately while also ensuring that any facilities such as pools, gyms, tennis courts, security features and on-site parking are identified and presented.

Photography by Shutterstock

Before any application is considered, all prospective tenants go through a strenuous qualification process, which includes extensive background and identity checks, confirmation of employment and source of income, reference checks and a thorough look into their rental history. Prospective tenants are also checked against Australia’s largest tenancy history database, TICA.

During the leasing process landlords will receive regular feedback from the leasing team, then once the applicants have been reviewed, the recommended applications are provided to the landlord for selection. Once the selection is made, the tenancy agreement is signed in person with all tenants present, then all clauses and sections of the agreement are discussed to ensure the tenants fully understand their rights and obligations before they move into the property.

Photography by Karsten Winegeart

Photography by Shutterstock

Photography by Capture

INSPECTIONS, MAINTENANCE AND REPAIRS

Our property managers have strict procedures to follow to ensure routine inspections are carried out as and when required. Legislation permits routine inspections to take place prior to a tenant occupying the property, once during the first four weeks of tenancy, once every six months from there, upon the tenant vacating the property, and at the completion of each inspection, a report will be filed and issued to the landlord.

Our Property Managers are always contactable should your tenant report the need for any maintenance or repairs at your investment property during the rental term. Landlords will be advised of all maintenance and repair requests made by the tenant, and anything reported at routine inspections, and will be provided with solutions for rectification. You will always be contacted first to obtain your approval before proceeding with any maintenance.

“Our

Photography by Jane Palash

REVIEWS, ARREARS AND PAYMENTS

Blackshaw Real Estate understands that your rental property is an investment. Our property managers have strict procedures to follow to ensure that rent reviews are carried out and that landlords are receiving the best price for their property. Legislation permits rent reviews on an annual basis.

When it comes to rental arrears, our property managers monitor this on a daily basis and follow a strict zero-tolerance policy. If a tenant falls behind in their rent, the landlord will be contacted immediately, and all legislative steps will be followed to protect against any loss.

We supply our landlords with a statement at the end of each month that outlines all income and expenditure. Our lessors can be paid their rental income on the 15th of the month (or closest business day) and/or on the last business day of each month.

Photography by Tierra Mallorca

Photography by Towfiqu Barbhuiya

Photography by John Schnobri

The Allhomes Promise

Your guide to a thriving veggie patch this summer

Ever wanted to grow your own vegetables? Despite the hot summer days ahead, there are plenty of vegetables that will thrive in your garden during the heat.

Here’s your guide to growing a simple vegetable garden in your backyard this season.

Photography by Kelly Sikkema

WHAT TO PLANT

Luckily, the options for growing vegetables in the summertime are endless. In climates like Canberra’s, some of the best vegetables to plant in the heat include beans, beetroot, broccoli, cabbage, capsicum, carrot, cauliflower, cucumber, English spinach, kohlrabi, leek, lettuce, onion, parsnip, pumpkin, radish, silver beet, spring squash, swede, sweet corn, tomato, turnip and zucchini. Remember, planting times will vary for different vegetables so do your research before you get into the garden. For example, you should plant heading lettuce varieties in December and butterhead lettuce varieties in February. Essentially, the best way to decide what to plant is to choose vegetables that you like to eat, as you’re more likely to take care of them. And remember, be sure to harvest regularly to encourage your plants to continue cropping throughout the season.

WATER

To grow fresh, tasty vegetables, your veggie patch will need adequate water like any other plant or flower, so make sure you have access to a reliable water source throughout the entire season. Every garden will have different water requirements based on what vegetables you decide to grow, so make a roster of every plant’s watering needs to stay on top of it. While the temperature might be hot, be careful not to over water vegetables that are growing in shade as there may be insufficient sun to dry the ground. Also, try to not over water the leaves of plants that are susceptible to fungal diseases, such as tomatoes, zucchinis, pumpkins and cucumbers, but instead water the plant and roots directly. Installing an irrigation system is an option that will give you convenient access to water and will make tending to your garden easier, but be sure to abide by local government watering restrictions.

WEED

Just like a flower garden, your veggie patch needs regular care and maintenance. At least once a week check for weeds, dead plants, old leaves and any debris that is sitting on and around your vegetables and remove them as soon as they appear. Weeds will compete with your vegetables for food, water and sunlight, so be sure to tackle them when they are small and before they affect the growth and health of your crop.

Photography by Kiona

Photography by Nathan Dumlao

SUN

The amount of sunlight your vegetables need during the day is an important factor when deciding where to put your plot. Some vegetables will need more sunlight, like tomatoes, whereas potatoes will need less sunlight. On average, most vegetables that produce fruits will need at least 6 hours of sunlight a day. This includes capsicum, cucumber, eggplant, onion, pumpkin, sweetcorn, tomato and zucchini. Beans and peas also need full sun, but plant them early in the season as the sun in the latter months is too hot. Vegetables such as beetroot, carrot, parsnip, potato, radish and turnip grow best in partial sun – that is 3-6 hours of afternoon sun and then morning shade. Vegetables that prefer partial shade – that is 3-6 hours of morning sun and then afternoon shade – include broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, celery, cress, globe artichoke, kale, kohlrabi, lettuce, rocket, silverbeet and spinach. Before you plant anything in your garden, find out how much sunlight each plant needs as it will benefit your vegetables if those with similar sun requirements are planted close to each other. And don’t forget, on the hottest of days, your plants will benefit from some protection from direct sun and extreme temperatures, so have a shade cloth handy to provide some cover when required.

SOIL

Soil quality is another important consideration for your veggie patch. Your plot needs good quality soil to retain nutrients and hold water long enough for vegetables to grow. If you already have healthy soil, you won’t have to do any preparation other than turn and aerate it. Loamy soil (a mix of fine and coarse particles) is ideal for growing plants. Sandy soils (mostly coarse particles) don’t hold water very well, and clay soils (very fine particles) hold water well but can become waterlogged without good drainage The basic rule of thumb for preparing your soil is to add organic matter to sandy soil to bring it together and add gypsum to clay soil to break it up. In summer, refresh your mulch regularly to keep soil cool, moist and protected from the elements. Over time, mulch will also turn into compost, which then adds to the quality of your soil. Additionally, well-composted soil is great for retaining water and will act like a sponge, keeping your plants moist through dry summer days.

It’s also worth noting that a good organic fertiliser can be an effective way to enrich the soil with nutrients and help boost the growth of your veggies. Make sure you do your research before applying any type of fertiliser to your garden as it might be detrimental to other growing plants in your garden bed.

“Weeds will compete with your vegetables for food, water and sunlight, so be sure to tackle them when they are small.”

Photography by Neslihan Gunaydin

The benefits of virtual property styling

If you’re looking to sell your home this summer, there’s nothing more important than making sure it looks its very best when it hits the market. A well-styled home will attract buyers, maximise its value and make it stand out from the crowd. In fact, properties that are styled are proven to sell faster and for a higher price than homes that are not staged.

So, when it comes to styling, it’s natural to think of real furniture staging as the only option, but virtual styling is becoming more popular and can be equally effective. Here’s how you can make a “virtual” first impression that delivers the wow factor.

WHAT IS VIRTUAL STYLING?

Also known as virtual staging, virtual styling is a digital, 3D interior styling and furniture modelling service, similar to an artist’s impression of a property. Virtual styling is where professional photographs or videos are taken of an empty room and furniture is added using computer software. The photos and/or videos are then used in online and printed promotional material to help market a property for sale.

The result of virtual styling means stylish furniture to suit your home and realistic imagery that not only allows buyers to visualise themselves in your home, but makes a property stand out from the crowd, which in turn increases buyer interest. Virtual styling is also an easy way to transform the look of an old home or dated furniture without renovations or spending money on new furniture. Likewise, digitally enhancing photos with new furniture is much quicker than staging with real furniture, meaning photos and videos can be ready for marketing purposes much sooner. Virtual styling also comes to a fraction of the cost of traditional styling. Virtual styling is also beneficial for vacant properties and for investors or renovators who don’t have furniture, or don’t intend to buy or hire it for when the property is on the market.

If you’re interested in transforming your home virtually, then it’s important to find a styling professional who can showcase your home in its best light. Here are some local photographers who specialise in virtual styling.

BOXBROWNIE

BoxBrownie is a digital specialist offering virtual styling and a range of property marketing services, including photo editing, 3D floorplans and videography. When it comes to virtual styling, BoxBrownie uses cutting edge technology combined with the latest staging techniques including digital scaling, advanced lighting, shadowing and micro textures to create realistic photos that look as if the property was traditionally staged.

RAWPRO

If you’re looking for virtual styling and video combined, then look to local business rawpro. This well-known digital specialist is one of the capital’s leading video agencies, producing short-form video content and photos for property marketing. The team at rawpro have a deep understanding of visual art, filmmaking and the digital landscape, and have created marketing videos for hundreds of homes within the ACT and surrounding region.

INHOUSE IMAGE

Canberra real estate and commercial photographer, Cass Atkinson, is the owner of InHouse Image. Cass has over 15 years’ experience photographing everything from rental units to commercial fitouts and is one of the best local property photographers using virtual styling in their work. Cass believes that every space has its own story and aims to capture the personality of a place and bring it to life.

“Virtual styling is a digital, 3D interior styling and furniture modelling service, similar to an artist’s impression of a property.”

THE RESIDENCES

Make a splash: Canberra’s best swimming pools

Summer’s here so that means it’s time to cool off in one of Canberra’s many swimming pools. There’s something for everyone in the capital, so here’s your list of where to beat the heat this season.

Photography by Dole

MANUKA POOL

Manuka Pool is Canberra’s oldest public swimming pool, officially opening on 26 January 1931. This local icon was originally named “The Swimming Pool” and has been one of the capital’s most popular summer destinations since it was established. In 2019, the pool was carefully renovated to ensure it not only met all modern health and safety standards but still retained its original Federal Art Deco style and old-world heritage charm. This summer, Manuka Pool is open everyday through to March 2023, except for Christmas Day.

Photography by Manuka Pool

DICKSON AQUATIC CENTRE

The Dickson Aquatic Centre is one of the capital’s favourite swimming and recreation facilities. Located in the heart of Dickson, this family-friendly site boasts three swimming pools, a mini water park, multiple barbeques, lots of grassy picnic areas and plenty of shade to relax on a hot summer’s day. There’s also an on-site cafe offering hot and cold beverages, food, ice creams and snacks. This summer, the Dickson Aquatic Centre is open 7 days a week.

PHILLIP SWIMMING AND ICE SKATING CENTRE

If you want a fun and family-friendly spot to cool off this summer, then the Phillip Swimming and Ice Skating Centre is the place to be. The facility boasts an eightlane, 50-metre swimming pool, a 20-metre learners’ pool as well as a toddler’s pool.

There are also barbeque facilities onsite and a kiosk selling a range of hot and cold food options. This summer, the Phillip Swimming and Ice Skating Centre is open from November to March.

Photography by Dickson Aquatics

“This summer all swimming facilities will be open to the public!.”

Photography by Tiffany Alexandria

QPRC AQUATICS

QUEANBEYAN

The Queanbeyan War Memorial Swimming Pool (QPRC Aquatics Queanbeyan) was officially opened on Armistice Day –Saturday 11 November 1961. This heritagelisted facility has an eight-lane, 50-metre outdoor pool, a 25-metre indoor pool, a children’s splash park with water slides and fountains, and a toddler’s pool for the little ones. The site also offers electric barbeques, shaded grassy areas, picnic tables, as well as a kiosk and cafe. This summer, the QPRC swimming pool is open every day except for Christmas Day.

BIG SPLASH WATERPARK

Keep cool this summer and head on down to Big Splash, Canberra’s only outdoor waterpark. Get your thrills racing down one of the 11 water slides, swim in the 50-metre pool, jump around on the inflatable obstacle courses, or let the little ones splash about in the water cave and waterfall. Private cabanas with sunbeds are available for hire, and there’s also an on-site cafe with a wide variety of food and tasty treats for sale. This summer, Big Splash Waterpark will be open from November to March.

Photography by Big Splash

Photography by QPRC

CANBERRA OLYMPIC POOL

Canberra Olympic Pool is one of the territory’s go-to swimming locations on a hot summer’s day, conveniently located in the centre of town. This family-friendly centre is equipped with a 50-metre indoor pool, four beach volleyball courts, coin-operated barbeque facilities, dive pool, toddler’s pool, as well as plenty of grassy areas to relax with friends and loved ones. This summer, all swimming facilities will be open from November.

Photography by Canberra Olympic

Photography by Canberra Olympic

LOOKING TO

There are a range of advertising platforms and tools to consider when showcasing your property’s finest features, to ensure it makes an impact in the real estate market. Experience our professional perspective and see what we do, in the essential elements behind a successful property marketing campaign.

Get set for the 2023 Royal Canberra Show

The ActewAGL Royal Canberra Show will be coming to the capital on 24-26 February 2023 and as always, this iconic event is set to deliver a jam-packed schedule of fun and entertainment for all ages. Here’s your guide to what’s on.

Photography by Canberra Show

FUN & ENTERTAINMENT

No Royal Canberra Show is complete without awesome entertainment in the main arena! This summer, expect to be wowed by Airtime, a captivating freestyle motocross (FMX) performance that was born from the highly successful Showtime FMX team who has been a show regular for many years. If you’re after some theatrics, then look out for Troppo Bob the magician who is back with his show The Ultranormalist!. This spectacular performance combines magic, mind reading, illusions, juggling, puppetry and comedy. If you love an exhilarating ride, then this year’s Sideshow Alley will not disappoint! For the thrill seekers, try the Hurricane, Cha Cha, Gravitron and Shock Wave, not to mention over a dozen more rides to get your adrenaline pumping. When it comes to rides, the kids will be spoilt for choice with the bungee trampolines, the Go Gater rollercoaster, the iconic Cup and Saucer, merry go round, 4x4 quad bikes and pony rides. Remember, the Sideshow Alley is also full of fun games and tasty treats, so everyone is guaranteed some excitement. For the animal lovers, see sheep shearing and cow milking demonstrations in the Milking Barn or watch the cute racing pigs at Noah’s Farm. Finally, it wouldn’t be the Royal Canberra Show without fireworks. This year, there will be brand new displays at 9pm on both Friday and Saturday night, so don’t miss out!

Photography by Darren Nunis

FOOD & DRINK

At this summer’s show, the food choices are delicious and aplenty, so there’s no need to pack a picnic. For healthy options, head to the Hearty Choice Food Court, where you’ll find salads, baked potatoes, traditional Turkish Gozleme, Greek specialties and tasty Indian dishes. In the Family Food Court, you’ll come across Thai cuisine, burgers, pizzas and Mexican. Here, you’ll also get a great view of the main arena. At the Harvest Hall, you’ll see the best of cooking, growing, baking and carving, with hundreds of competition entries from bread and cakes to carrots and pumpkins.

Entries in flowers, cookery, jams and spreads, garden produce and lavender will also be on show here. Beer lovers should head to the Capital Brewing Beer Garden. Nestled under the trees, adults can enjoy an impressive selection of locally made brews matched up with some of the best local food trucks. Choose from core range, seasonal or specialty beers, or a wonderful variety of good-quality wines and refreshing ciders.

“This year, there will be brand new firework displays at 9pm on both Friday and Saturday night, so don’t miss out!.”

Photography by Spencer Davis

SHOW HOURS

This year, general admission entry to the show will be from 8.30am to 10pm on Friday and Saturday and 8.30am to 6pm on Sunday. These hours are also the same for the Sideshow Alley and Showbag Pavilion. Other pavilions such as the Craft Expo and the Leisure and Lifestyle Hall are open from 8.30am to 8pm on Friday and Saturday and 8.30am to 6pm on Sunday. If you’re an animal lover, check out the Farmyard Nursery and the Cattle and Sheep precincts from 9am to 8pm on Friday and Saturday and 9am to 5pm on Sunday. If you want to say hello to the alpacas, then be sure to visit between 9am to 5pm on Friday and Saturday and 9am to 4pm on Sunday. The cat pavilion is open between 9am to 5pm on Saturday and Sunday, and for the dogs, 9am to 5pm on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

TICKETS

This year, ticket prices for adults are $25, children aged 6-16 are $10, and children under 6 can enter the show for free. A family ticket for two adults and two children (aged between 6-16 years) is $60. If you’re a student or concession, tickets are $13. All tickets are single entry for any day of the show. Pre-purchased tickets include free travel on Action Buses and Light Rail services.

Photography by Stephen Mease

Photography by Meg Jenson

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