Home of Canberra's renowned 'keeper of the bells' sells after six decades in the family

The long-time family home of the late George Howe, Canberra’s notable musician of the National Carillon, sold under the hammer for $1,645,500.

The four-bedroom, full-brick house at 33 Glasgow Street in Hughes, owned by the Howe family since 1967, was a magnet for young families. Five bidders registered for the November 1 auction, with three actively competing for the home.

The property was sold by Howe’s daughters, Robyn and Jenny. Their father was the “keeper of the bells” at the Lake Burley Griffin landmark for 33 years.

“Mum and Dad were such social people,” Robyn said. “There’s even a George Howe Room in the Carillon, he was a brilliant musician and a bit Canberra-famous.”

The home attracted strong interest, with 80 groups inspecting during the four-week campaign. The eventual buyers were a young family of three, with another on the way, who were thrilled to call it home.

Selling agent Dan Cooper of Ray White Canberra said the property’s location and character were key drawcards.

“It’s a really nice location up on the hill with a beautiful outlook, a solid, well-kept home on a good-sized block,” Cooper said. “It’s the quintessential Canberra house.”

Set in a quiet, elevated pocket between the city and Woden, the home is close to the hospital and local amenities.

Auction - $1,645,500

33 Glasgow Street, Hughes ACT 2605

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For Robyn, the sale was the emotional end of an era.

“It has been our family home [since the 60s],” she said. “It was really emotional, but we have the memories, and that can’t be taken. It’s gone to a beautiful young family who will create their own precious memories. I hope they love the home as much as us.”

The sale contributed to a Canberra-wide auction clearance rate of 60 per cent for the weekend, a significant rise from the 49 per cent rate recorded at the same time last year.