Forrest house exudes old-world charm and modern comfort

32 Arthur Circle, Forrest
$1.9 million-plus
4 Bedrooms, 3 Bathrooms, 2 Car spaces

One of the most endearing elements of many houses in Canberra’s leafy inner south is a winning balance of old-world charm and modern comfort.

This four-bedroom house at 32 Arthur Circle in Forrest is no exception.

Buyers looking to secure a property with space – but not an overwhelming amount – will appreciate the size of the house.

It was built in 1939 and extensively renovated 10 years ago without losing its character, including the roof’s four chimneys.

Just one of these is in action. The formal lounge and dining area at the front of the home features the fireplace and leads to an open-plan kitchen and family room at the rear.

The kitchen has been tastefully updated with stainless-steel appliances and timeless, modern fixtures.

Bifold doors flood the area with natural light and open onto the rear deck and paved area, overlooking the refurbished swimming pool.

A raised expanse of lawn lined with shrubbery behind the pool adds a backdrop of greenery and privacy.

The established front garden also adds a leafy layer of foliage between the street and the front rooms.

One of these is a bedroom next to the entry, which could be used as a study or reading nook.

Next door, the large master bedroom contains plenty of built-in storage. Tucked around a corner is the en suite complete with a large shower, double vanity and separate toilet.

The main bathroom is next to the third bedroom and includes a built-in bath and, like the en suite, features a timeless palette of white tiles across the walls and slate-coloured porcelain tiles on the floor.

A third bathroom is accessible through the laundry at the opposite end of the house and includes a shower and toilet.

Next door, a fourth bedroom could be used as the perfect guest’s room, or a bedroom for an adolescent looking for some extra privacy.

Two cars will comfortably fit inside the separate garage, alongside a small workshop nook and storage at the back.

The owners have enjoyed raising their family, now grown up, within walking distance of Manuka.

Room for improvement: The paved outdoor area could be tastefully transformed into a more sheltered al fresco area.

Need to know: Highest recorded sale in Forrest in the past 12 months was $3,219,000 for 15 Tennyson Crescent in September. Recent sales: $2,585,000 for 17 Tennyson Crescent in March; $2.44 million for 41 National Circuit in December, and $695,000 for 7/28 Canberra Avenue in March.

Surrounding area: Forrest is located in Canberra’s sought-after inner south. The leafy suburb is Canberra’s most expensive, with a median house value above $2 million. Forrest is in walking distance of the popular Manuka shopping precinct and borders Capital Hill and Red Hill Nature Reserve.