Canberra modernist icon Goodspeed House on the market

A rare piece of Canberran architectural history is looking for a new custodian.

Modernist architect Dirk Bolt built the Dunstan Street home, Goodspeed House in Curtin some 50 years ago and its current owners have lived there for nearly 33 of them.

Helen and Raoul Middelmann didn’t know anything of Bolt when they bought the home in 1983, but they have never tired of the architectural triumph that became their family home.

“The home backs onto parkland and there is no fence. We really love that feeling of being able to look right through the home onto nature – it feels like it just goes on and on,” Helen said.

“It’s very peaceful. The home is full of light and its simple design gives it a spacious feel that’s enhanced by a flowing layout.”

The single level home is set toward the rear of a massive 1643-square-metre block and is accessed by a long driveway, that enhances the feeling of arrival.

The home opens into a formal entry (with cloak cupboard) that leads to a formal living area via a study/library.

Glass doors provide an outlook beyond the outdoor entertaining area to the adjoining leafy parkland. An open fireplace provides a welcome focus to ward of those chilly winter evenings.

Helen said the only improvements to the home were made about four years ago when the kitchen and laundry were renovated.

“We were very careful to ensure the design maintained the integrity of Bolt’s original vision,” she said.

Four carpeted bedrooms within the north/south wing are all spacious and have original built-in robes. The two bathrooms are also in absolute original condition

Another massive fifth bedroom or possible rumpus room is located by the formal entry; it has its own bathroom which links to a light-filled storeroom behind the double carport.

No. 98 Dunstan Street, Curtin, will be auctioned on Saturday, August 6 at 10.00am through Independent Property Group (Woden and Weston Creek), agents Nicholas Jacob and Mark Wolens. Price guide: $1 million+. EER 1.0.

Great family home

A big parkland and lake backing onto this Bizant Street property originally drew the Houlahan family to Amaroo.

Bryan Houlahan said the below-ground pool was also a big attraction for his two girls, who were under 10 when he and his wife, Debra, bought the home five years ago.

“The parkland with the Yerabi Pond was a great playground for them and they just loved the pool, too,” he says.

The four-bedroom, two bathroom, single level home is in a quiet, family-friendly street.

It has three light-filled separate living areas that ensure plenty of space for a growing family.

A covered entertaining terrace is highlighted by the solar-heated, saltwater pool that creates the feeling of resort style living while a rear gate provides access to the parkland.

“It’s been a great family home and has seen plenty of entertaining, but it’s time for us to move back to Queensland,” Bryan says.

No. 62 Bizant Street, Amaroo, will be auctioned on Saturday, July 30 at 3.30pm through Peter Blackshaw Real Estate Gungahalin, agents Thom Eriksson-Lake and Luke McAuliffe. Price guide: $735,000+. Inspection Saturday, July 23, 11-11.30am. EER 4.