Historic Canberra cottage goes under the hammer

John Matthews and Neil Rodgers’ home is rich in character and history.

The Elimatta Street cottage is one of Canberra’s oldest properties and it has been beautifully maintained for almost a century.

It’s one of the original homes of the Ainslie Cottages Project, which were constructed during 1921 and 1922 to house the city’s early builders.

“You can build as many houses as you like in the suburbs, but this one is irreplaceable,” Matthews says.

“When we bought the home, the fact that it was set in a heritage area was attractive. The character of the area is preserved and you will never have a double storey mansion built next door.”

When John and Neil moved into the Braddon home in 2002, it had already been sympathetically extended. The couple then added a walk-in wardrobe and en suite to the main bedroom, as well as a fireplace to the living room.

The renovated home seamlessly combines the old with the new. Open-plan living spaces flowing onto the terrace make this home a modern entertainer, while French doors, original timber detailing and high-battened ceilings lend a classic elegance to the interiors.

Outside, the keen gardeners have created enchanting grounds with established trees, rose bushes and camellias.

Neil, a doctor, has started a new job in Dunedin, New Zealand. The property is set to go under the hammer on Wednesday.

Number 57 Elimatta Street will be auctioned on Wednesday, March 9 at 6pm, onsite. Phone Luton Properties Dickson agent Holly Komorowski on 0434 973 987. EER: 1. Price guide: $1.1 million+. Inspect: Saturday, 10-10.45am, Monday, 5.15-5.45pm and Wednesday, 5.30-6pm