As a microcosm of Canberra, Lyneham provides harmonious living

Lyneham’s housing mix has given the suburb its diversity, with affordable homes sitting alongside prestige properties.

It’s one of the things Alaine Chanter has loved about her 21 years of living in the suburb. 

“One thing I liked about the suburb was that it was quite alternative and a bit hippy and that’s been maintained through the student population,” Alaine says.

“It’s a privilege to live in a suburb that’s out of the mainstream.”

Alaine says Lyneham has become a microcosm of Canberra, where professionals live harmoniously alongside students and a population of recent migrants has been embraced.

This diversity has created a politically engaged community, which the former university academic enjoys.

“The suburb greatly speaks to who I am,” she says.

Alaine has lived in her North Lyneham home at 7 Fernyhough Crescent (this week’s cover home) for 11 years, but it’s now time to downsize.

She hopes to stay in the area, while devoting more time to her Belconnen Markets cooking school, Foodish.