Churches, bush retreats: Unique properties that cost less than a Canberra unit

Canberra’s median unit price is $401,661 and while owning a one or two-bedroom apartment is a great option for many, is it really as cool as a re-purposed church or a picturesque, 99-acre property?

Spending close to half a million dollars on a unit or townhouse can make some people balk, particularly if you’ve grown up in a regional area (and have the burden of knowing what can constitute a $400,000+ property there).

Leaving the familiar confines of a city isn’t for everyone. But if you’re looking for something a little bit different and are willing to venture beyond the ACT boundaries, one of these properties could be the ultimate tree (or sea) change.

Some even come with business options.

A converted church in Young

Prices: $199,000 and $199,990

Now, here are two homes worthy of a glossy magazine feature or television renovation show.

The first (above), a quaint blue weatherboard number at 38 Weedallion Street, Bribbaree, is about 35 minutes outside Young, the region of cherries.

It sits on a quarter-acre block and features two queen-sized bedrooms, plus a loft-style bedroom with an en suite.The house is adorned with stained-glass windows and timber floors and includes stainless steel kitchen appliances, air conditioning, and a free-standing claw foot bath.

The sale also includes an additional, separate-title, 1859-square-metre block next door. All of this for less than $200,000.

Another converted church at 1123 Olympic Highway, Young. Photo: Raine&Horne Young

If you’re willing to roll up your sleeves, there aren’t many renovation opportunities as unique as this 1917 stone church (above). An extension has resulted in a two-bedroom property at 1123 Olympic Highway, Young.

The former church could be your next home, or a business venture such as a bed and breakfast, cellar door, commercial accommodation, restaurant or veterinary hospital.

There is a lot of work to be done but if you’re not one to shy away from some elbow grease, funding has already been granted to assist with the restoration. It’s classified as “heritage interest”.

A 40-hectare bush retreat

Price: $365,000

Limekiln Cottage sits on 40 hectares in Jerangle, NSW. Photo: Peter Blackshaw Real Estate Queanbeyan and Jerrabomberra

If the thought of a one-bedroom apartment gives you cabin fever, perhaps 40 hectares in the picturesque Jerangle region is more your style.

Limekiln Cottage, fronting Limekiln Creek, includes open-plan living, two bedrooms, one bathroom, a large rumpus room and a verandah with elevated views across the landscape. Some of the interiors are a little dated but the home bursts character, with raked timber ceilings.

Inside Limekiln Cottage. Photo: Peter Blackshaw Real Estate Queanbeyan & Jerrabomberra

A second house, Mariner’s Lodge, comes with flexible, spacious living areas, a kitchen, bunk-style bedroom, and bathroom. It could be used as a home office or studio or guest accommodation.

The slice of land also features a four-car garage, a single garage or workshop, and three dams. It’s about 85 kilometres from Tuggeranong and 55 kilometres from Cooma.

A historic former pub

Price: $425,000

The Old Frogmore Inn has served as a private house in recent years but offers a range of business options. Photo: QPL Rural

If you’re willing to move further afield, the former Old Frogmore Inn could be yours.

Move straight in and enjoy the historic home, just north of Boorowa, or combine business with pleasure and open your own bed and breakfast, pub or eatery.

The 10-acre lot includes eight spacious bedrooms – four wth fireplaces – plus a renovated bathroom with a spa bath, an open-plan kitchen and dining area, and an upstairs level with another two living areas.

A shed, dam, water tanks and carport are among the features. Moving with children? A Frogmore school bus stops directly out the front.

A tea house and residence in historic Central Tilba

Price: $495,000

The Tilba Teapot in Central Tilba. Photo: Domain

If you’re willing to fork out a little more, perhaps you could invest in one of the NSW South Coast’s hotspots: Tilba.

The Tilba Teapot Cafe is looking for a new owner. Built in 1895, the historic property is under a three-year lease and features the main cafe space and a one-bedroom residence.

A three-bedroom cottage in central Goulburn

Prices: $359,000 and $390,000-$410,000

16 Upper Sterne Street, Goulburn. Photo: First National Goulburn

Is your heart set on an affordable house? In burgeoning Goulburn you can snap up a three-bedroom cottage in the centre of town.

This cute, low-maintenance weatherboard home at 16 Upper Sterne Street (above) features fresh paint and carpet, a renovated kitchen and bathroom, and built-in robes in two of the bedrooms.

96 Clifford Street, Goulburn. Photo: Ray White Goulburn

This charming, federation-style brick house is tucked behind a picket fence at 96 Clifford Street.

The property exudes character with heritage features, including patterned ceilings, marble and tiled fireplaces and wooden floorboards. The backyard includes a courtyard and private garden.

Inside 96 Clifford Street, Goulburn. Photo: Ray White Goulburn

A house within walking distance of the beach

Prices: $420,000 and $449,000

16 Eric Fenning Drive, Surf Beach. Photo: First National Batemans Bay

If a seachange is your ultimate dream, now may be the time to consider a NSW South Coast property – Batemans Bay is expected to experience a surge in value over the next decade. 

This three-bedroom, two-bathroom house at 16 Eric Fenning Drive, Surf Beach (above) is on the market with an asking price just above Canberra’s median unit price.

On the other side of the Batemans Bay bridge is this five-bedroom, two-bathroom house at 12 Palana Street, Surfside.

12 Palana Street, Surfside. Photo: First National Batemans Bay

Both houses are within a few blocks of the shore.