Heritage Canberra apartment blends history with contemporary living comforts

7/11 Bourke Street, Barton
$669,000
2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, 1 parking space

Some 80 years ago when Canberra was still taking shape, its first apartment complex was built.

Barton Court, designed by architect Kenneth Oliphant, charmed its early residents with its adventurous fusion of Tudor revival and art deco styles.

The passage of time and an increasing appreciation of heritage has increased the appeal of this exclusive development and ensured its apartments are tightly held.

Number 7 offers a rare opportunity for buyers with a sense of history and style to acquire a unique residence that has kept pace with contemporary living comforts.

Owner Ross Hutchings says he had to have the apartment as soon as he first saw it three years ago.

“It’s got such a sense of history; it’s quite large and the craftsmanship and attention to detail have to be seen to be appreciated,” he says.

A relocation to Melbourne now means the apartment needs a new owner.

The first-floor residence is accessed via a lobby and grand staircase, highlighted by period light fittings and superb joinery and plasterwork.

Inside the apartment is a large entrance hall, a spacious lounge with a decorative open fireplace and timber-framed French-style windows. The separate dining room is served by an updated galley style kitchen.

Both bedrooms are generous, light and airy and include built-in wardrobes. There’s a separate study that could serve as a home office.

“The apartment is filled with period features such as high ceilings and picture rails; the windowsills are wide and polished – and the apartment is full of light, something you perhaps don’t expect from a heritage home,” Ross says.

“It’s also a very quiet area and the surrounding trees attract plenty of rainbow lorikeets.”

The complex has a shared courtyard amid manicured gardens and is, of course, in one of Canberra’s best blue-chip suburbs.

Agent: Moira Maloney, Maloneys Property, 0407 715 244. Inspect: By appointment. EER: 6

266 Duffy Street, Ainslie
​$1.2 million-plus
​4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1 parking space

This elegant family home that meets all the needs of contemporary living enjoys a nature reserve on its back doorstep and Mount Ainslie as a backdrop.

Owner Jane Coram is a committed Ainslie resident and says she found the home after living in Melbourne for a couple of years.

“I had to live in Ainslie and we found this house and loved its relationship with nature,” she says.

“Our children were primary-school-ageat the time and the garden size and access to the reserve meant it was ideal for the children.”

The two-storey home comprises four bedrooms with the main suite upstairs with its own en suite bathroom, study and balcony to take in the views.

“The whole family often has little picnics up there so we can all enjoy the sights of nature,” Jane says.

Downstairs revolves around the central kitchen, family and living hub – with a separate television room offering further options for another guest room, study or home-based office. The other bedrooms are also downstairs – along with three decks off the living areas.

Agent: Peter Andrighetto, Wright Dunn Real Estate, 0418 623 352. Auction: Saturday, November 19, 11am, onsite. Inspect: Saturday, 2.15pm-2.45pm; Tuesday, 5.45pm-6.15pm; Saturday, November 19, 10.30am-11am EER: 1.5