Aranda property's island design offers warm welcome

Pacific Island architecture celebrates relaxed living in tropical climes so Canberra is not where you expect to find examples of it.

But that’s what attracted former Fijian citizens Padma and Brij Lal to this Aranda property, which they say features aspects of island design.

Padma, an environmental expert, and Brij, an Order of Australia-awarded historian, say the property embodies tropical architecture in an urban context.

“An architect living in Canberra who went to Fiji and admired its houses with exposed beams, thatched roofs and lots of natural light filtering through the interiors included those design elements in this home,” Brij says.

“What appealed to us enormously was that it had an extensive, beautifully designed living room with a thatched roof that immediately reminded us of the style of homes we loved in Fiji.”

Padma says the open-plan design gives the house a welcoming atmosphere.

“People gravitate towards this house. There is enough space for everyone so that no one feels hemmed in,” Padma says.

“The eves are designed to take advantage of the winter sun so it’s very warm in the cooler months and in summer it gets wonderful breezes.”

Padma says the home’s proximity to tertiary institutions and schools also appealed to the couple.

“It’s one bus stop to the university and schools so it has been convenient for us as a family. We could be where we needed to be within minutes.

“It is centrally located but rural enough for us to feel at home.”

The four-bedroom house plus study is on an elevated block, and only steps away from parkland and a reserve.

No. 6 Marulda Street, Aranda will be auctioned on Saturday, May 28, through Elders Real Estate Belconnen agent Andrew Lonsdale. Price guide: $890,000-920,000 Inspect: Saturday, 10am-10.45am. EER: 1.5.

Decades of comfort and space

The owners of this 100-year-old cottage fondly refer to their home as the TARDIS, with its humble street facade hiding space and comfort within.

Rob and Carol Thelning have lived in the 1914-circa Queanbeyan property for almost 20 years and say the cosy house is ready for a new owner to take it to another level.

“This house has wrapped its arms around us and delivered above and beyond for our family, despite being built almost 100 years ago,” Rob says.

“We have renovated it to ensure it has been a comfortable and spacious home for our needs but there is a great opportunity for someone else to add their own personality if they wanted to renovate or upgrade the house.”

The Thelnings say one of the home’s attributes is its central location with the Surveyor Street property within walking distance to schools, parks and shops.

Although the property has some heritage significance it is a non-listed home with historic features including a bullnose verandah, pressed metal ceilings and high-pitched roof.

The house has three bedrooms and a studio.

No. 5 Surveyor Street, Queanbeyan, will be auctioned on Saturday, May 28 through Ian McNamee & Partners’ Jerrabomberra agents Mark Higgs and Steve Taskovski. Price guide: $400,000. Inspect: Saturday and Sunday noon-12.30pm.