Historic Calthorpe's Cottage in Queanbeyan on the market

1 Rutledge Street, Queanbeyan
$1 million-plus  
4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 parking spaces

Canberra’s early land agent Harry Calthorpe undoubtedly made his mark on the fledgling ACT landscape and his local home, the historic Calthorpe’s House in Red Hill has become a popular visitor attraction.

But before Harry, his wife Del and young family moved to the inner south, they lived across the border in their newly built Calthorpe’s Cottage in Queanbeyan.

This classic character-filled Californian bungalow was built in 1923 and sits on a large 1349-square-metre block in the heart of the town. 

1 Rutledge Street, Queanbeyan.
Photo: Supplied

Homeowner Gerda McCartney says she was originally attracted by the home’s sense of history and a desire to bring it back to its best.

“The previous owner, a builder, had made some questionable decisions and they needed to be undone before we could move forward,” Gerda says.

She befriended Calthorpe’s daughter, Dawn Waterhouse, during her 18-year renovation and the two became good friends.

“She was a mine of information as I researched how to best capture its original feel,” Gerda says.

“I can honestly say, we’ve literally stripped back every inch of the home.” 

1 Rutledge Street, Queanbeyan. Photo: Supplied

Character features include high ornate ceilings, open fireplaces,  panelled doors, stained glass windows, Tiffany light fittings and the original ash timber flooring.

Modern conveniences include updated bathrooms and kitchen, ducted reverse cycle airconditioning and NBN internet connection. 

One bedroom is used as a cosy library with corner open fireplace and looks out across the verandah. The separate lounge room, also with an open fireplace overlooks the beautiful gardens.

Gerda says the home would suit a family, a professional couple or could, perhaps, even be considered as a boutique bed and breakfast cottage.

“It’s a home that needs people and to be enjoyed,” she says.

Auction: Thursday, March 2, 6pm, Belconnen Arts Centre, 118 Emu Bank, Belconnen. Inspect: Contact agent, Mark Johnstone, Ray White Belconnen, 0414 382 093

152 Kent Street, Hughes. Photo: Supplied

152 Kent Street, Hughes
$800,000
3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1 parking space

It’s not too often that a deputy prime minister and a stand-up comedy trio have acted as a catalyst for the purchase of a home, but that’s the back story to this architect-designed 1960s gem.