Lovingly renovated by the community: Spence home going to auction

When somebody gives up their time to engage in entirely selfless acts that will have a great impact on another’s life it’s wonderful. It’s an even more wonderful phenomenon when an entire community bands together to help one of its own.

This testament to the human spirit is epitomised in the walls of 176 Kingsford Smith Drive in Spence.

The five-bedroom, two-bathroom home has been extensively renovated, spearheaded by Canberra’s sporting community after the unexpected death of much-loved hockey coach Peter McNally from a heart attack more than two years ago.

Peter lived in the home with his wife, Jeannine, who says it was very “rundown”.

“Every project my husband started on the house he never completed, he would move along to the next one,” laughs Jeannine.

“He was always very busy coaching all the local kids and everyone knew we were living on a constant construction site.”

After Peter’s death, Belconnen’s sporting community rallied around Jeannine and her children and sought to finish the many projects.

The renovation was completed in February, with many sporting and trade organisations pitching in to make it possible.

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The home is currently on the market and will be auctioned on Saturday, June 30, at 11:30am.

As two of her three children have moved out, Jeannine says it’s time to downsize.

“It’s sad to leave but there’s only two of us in this large home,” she says.

Independent Property Group Inner North & City listing agent Jonathan Warren first met Jeannine in mid-2017.

“The house was in all sorts when I went there approximately 12 months ago and now it’s a massive turn around,” he says.

“I’ve been telling people who have been looking at the home the story behind the renovations and it caused a woman to tear up.

“Even for me it’s been emotional watching the transformation.”

Jonathan says the property is best suited to a large family who can make new memories in the warmth of the loving home.

“It has multiple living areas and a great entertaining area out the back,” he says

“You can also fit five cars out the front, which is perfect for when the kids start to get their licence.”

Jeannine says she will miss the neighbours the most.

“It’s such a great family home and it’s got such a community spirit,” she adds.

“WIth everything that has happened, I’ll be saddest to leave the neighbours because they have been unreal in their support.”