Case study: At home in a favourite suburb of Yarralumla

Margaret Pentony has lived in various Canberra suburbs since she moved here in 1951, but her favourite has been Yarralumla.

She moved to the suburb with her family after buying a monocrete cottage in 1990, but they wanted to wait and see if she liked living in the area before rebuilding the home.

Schlich Street’s leafy canopy and proximity to the lake sealed the deal and in 1995 they set about building a beautiful light-filled home with a lovely connection to the outdoors.

Most of the living areas are upstairs, giving the home a treehouse-feel. Timber details add warmth and an indoor swimming pool is perfect for year-round use.

“It’s such a fun family house,” Margaret says.

Her three kids have left home and it’s too big for an empty-nester, but Margaret will be staying in the area. She’s a keen rower and a committee member with the Yarralumla Residents Association.

“It’s a wonderful multi-dimensional community,” Margaret says.

“It’s such a supportive place to live, people look after each other.”

61 Schlich Street is for sale through Peter Blackshaw Manuka agent Mario Sanfrancesco (0412 488 027). Inspect: Saturday, 10.45-11.30am