Capital Gains: Bushland paradise ideal for families

From the rear entertainer deck of this stunning Garran house, it’s hard to believe you’re just minutes from Woden Town Centre and the inner south. Backing Red Hill Nature Reserve, kangaroos and parrots are among the neighbours in this whisper-quiet location.

It’s been Annette and Michael Cole’s bushland paradise for almost 12 years and after extensive renovations, the four-bedroom house has been perfected for family living.

“Our home offers lots of lifestyle choices and has been both a hub of activity and fun, as well as a sanctuary to us,” Mrs Cole says.

“There is an intimacy about the size and flow of our home when sharing time with others, and yet it also provides space for time alone, either inside or outside.”

The fully renovated kitchen is a chef’s delight and the central hub of the home. It flows seamlessly to both indoor and outdoor dining areas.

“Our family loves cooking up a storm and we have spent many an enjoyable meal together, enhanced by mood lighting,” Mrs Cole says.

“Friends and family gravitate to the kitchen where they love to chat or help out.”

The Coles have three children who loved growing up in the house. A self-contained flat complete with kitchenette and en suite bathroom on the lower level makes the property ideal for older children, guests and extended family.

The views are another standout feature. In addition to the nature reserve at the back, the snowcapped Brindabellas are a majestic piece of the ever-changing vistas.

Spotted gum floorboards, quality window treatments, superbly finished bathrooms and an in-ground swimming pool complete the package.

An excellent selection of schools, both private and public, are within easy reach, while the home’s proximity to hospitals, shops and the inner south make it an ideal location for the whole family.

Number 17 Richardson Street, Garran, is for sale through LJ Hooker Manuka agent Jane Kusetic. Price: $1.39 million-plus. EER: 1.5. Inspect on Saturday, 1pm-1.30pm.

The Breynards have enjoyed 12 years at their family home in Watson, however the time has come to move on to their next property.

They leave behind a beautiful three-bedroom house that has been extensively renovated over the years. In addition to the new kitchen and timber floors they’ve added decking to the front and back.

Shane Breynard, who is the director of Canberra Museum and Gallery and ACT Historic Places, says he and his wife, Jane, are developing a larger block in Ainslie.The new home will see their two children, George and Ellen, through their teenage years and beyond.

Mr Breynard says the leafy cul-de-sac is very family friendly and within close proximity to the shops, schools and Mount Majura Reserve.

“We’ve had such a lovely time there, it’s a shame to leave it, but we’re preparing for the future,” Mr Breynard says.

Number 5 Therry Place will be auctioned on Thursday, November 26 through Luton Properties Dickson agent Holly Komorowski. Price guide: $600,000-$700,000. EER: 2. Inspect: Monday, 5.30pm-6pm and Thursday, 4.30pm-5pm.