Bespoke in Braddon: Rare luxury home right on the city's doorstep

While any mention of Braddon often conjures images of the bustling Lonsdale Street cafe strip and the vibrant energy of contemporary apartment living, the suburb’s story runs much deeper.

The surrounding streets reflect a rich, more traditional history, with familiar, detached homes set on generous blocks.

As with many older suburbs, a wave of renewal – often dubbed the “knockdown and rebuild effect” – is currently sweeping through. This brings us to a striking contemporary house on popular Donaldson Street.

From the kerb, the single-level home showcases a crisp, modernist-influenced exterior where geometry takes centre stage, with squares and rectangles seamlessly locking together.

A minimalist colour palette amplifies the visual drama, complemented by a sophisticated mix of finishes – including cladding, render and glass – all softened by structured landscaping.

What isn’t immediately apparent from the street are the impressive dimensions bound to make potential buyers take notice.

Sitting on a sprawling 1067-square-metre block, the property delivers 367 square metres of living space alongside a massive 120-square-metre garage.

The geometry and the arithmetic add up to something special.

Agent Theo Koutsikamanis of Bastion Property Group says contemporary homes like this are rare finds in Braddon.

“Add to that, it’s the builder’s own home and built to a standard that would be hard to replace at today’s costs,” he says. “Aside from its strong, contemporary feel, potential buyers are responding to its single-level living.”

The house also shines in its flexibility, offering spaces easily tailored to meet the varying needs of modern home owners.

Alongside the mandatory high-end inclusions, thoughtful extras include a space for a gym or hobby workshop in the garage, and a large formal living room could easily become a home theatre or a rumpus room.

Toward the rear, a sizeable, dedicated study and a guest bedroom – with a walk-in wardrobe, en suite and its own entry – further capture the imagination.

Koutsikamanis says that while the floor plan is highly efficient and undeniably large, it never loses its sense of intimacy.

“In some homes, the bigger they get, the more hollow they can feel – this is most definitely not one of them,” he says. “It retains a feeling of homeliness, but has all the space you need.”

The layout reflects this balance perfectly. A formal lounge room sits to one side of the wide entry foyer, while on the other is the generously sized primary bedroom suite with a walk-in wardrobe and indulgent en suite. The minor bedroom hub towards the rear offers three bedrooms and the study. A guest suite makes an ideal private space for extended family or visitors.

The home’s central axis is an open-plan living zone that unites the kitchen, dining and family spaces. At its heart lies the kitchen, which features stone benchtops, a large island breakfast bar, premium appliances and a butler’s pantry.

$3,580,000+

40 Donaldson Street, Braddon ACT 2612

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Flooded with natural light, this central hub flows effortlessly through glass stacker doors to the al fresco areas.

The outdoor spaces are designed to offer year-round possibilities, and the entertaining areas are under cover for the ultimate in poolside relaxation. Resort-style features include skylights, a built-in bar and barbecue and a wall-mounted television. There’s also a convenient outdoor shower near the pool and even a basketball nook.

Koutsikamanis says the whole package adds up to a perfect home for the entertainer.

“It’s all here to share with family, friends and guests in a central location that doesn’t get any better,” he says.