Mid-century-inspired house smashes Harrison price record

A builder’s own house has set a suburb record price for Harrison, with the five-bedroom home at 9 Adder Street selling for $2.3 million.

Agent Adrian Giampietro of Luton Properties Gungahlin said the sale of the nearly 1400-square-metre property smashed the previous record set in 2022 by $150,000.

“There’s no doubt the quality of the home and the attention to detail in the build were a huge factor in the record,” he said.

“We had more than 80 enquiries and inspections, and the potential buyers consistently remarked on the craftsmanship.”

The home’s mid-century influence is evident in its polished concrete flooring and extensive timber features, including beams, window and door frames, custom cabinetry and raked ceilings.

The home offers a range of living zones, including a formal lounge, and a spacious open-plan living and dining area with a welcoming fireplace. There’s also a study.

The gourmet kitchen features an oversized island bench and breakfast bar, plenty of cabinetry, a strong line-up of brand-name appliances, and a walk-in pantry. A servery connects with the outdoor entertaining area.

There are four spacious bedrooms, with the main suite offering a luxurious walk-in en suite.

Outside, the covered al fresco area includes a built-in kitchen with a pizza oven, while the star attraction is an oversized solar-heated pool. An unexpected highlight is a very private fire pit setting in the front yard.

Giampietro said that most would-be buyers commented on the showpiece home theatre with its handcrafted floor-to-ceiling timber panelling.

“There’s no doubting that it was an indoor star, but the outdoor entertaining area and pool were also a favourite,” he said.

“I think the record demonstrates that buyers are willing to put a hefty premium on quality.”

The home was bought by a family living in the greater Gungahlin region.

Canberrans have long had an affair with mid-century architectural design, prized for its timeless style.

Sonja McAuliffe of Archertec Interiors says home owners can get the mid-century modern look through colours in the “mid-earthy” range.

“Think olive, burnt orange, brown, cream, off-white with pops of colour like navy blue, mustard yellow, teal or emerald greens,” she says.

“And when it comes to furniture, look for pieces with simple, clean lines.”

McAuliffe recommends scouring second-hand stores and the like for furniture and decorations.

“Look for low-profile lounges and chairs, usually with rounded edges, curved profiles and splayed legs,” she says.

“But you can also find Danish-inspired modern pieces from stores like IKEA that can also help deliver the look.”

By negotiation

9 Adder Street, Harrison ACT 2914

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How to get the mid-century look

Formula: The architectural secret is in keeping the form simple – clean lines, natural materials and functional design. Add in orientation that brings in plenty of light, and ensure a strong outdoor connection.

Organic: Interiors favour a raw, but warm palette – think timber features like wall and ceiling panelling, door and window frames. Other popular inclusions include exposed brick and cork, as well as vinyl or hardwood flooring.

Light it up: Big windows and skylights, combined with building orientation, draw in natural light and encourage ventilation for year-round comfort. Plenty of glass also brings the outdoors in.