Mid-century modern gem by renowned architect Dirk Bolt listed in Torrens

Though he worked in Canberra for just six years in the late 1960s, Dutch-born modernist architect Dirk Bolt left his mark on the city.

His most famous design, the Torrens Shopping Centre, was even awarded the Sir Roy Grounds Award for Enduring Architecture in 2024.

Right across the road is a row of townhouses designed by Bolt, and one is now up for sale – 118 Batchelor Street, Torrens.

“People love mid-century modern design,” says agent Glen Kingston from Hayman Partners.

$1,150,000+

118 Batchelor Street, Torrens ACT 2607

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“The architecture is more popular now than it’s ever been.

”The exterior of this home has been meticulously preserved, with the hallmark features of the style looking as fresh as the day they were built. Think clean lines, banks of windows, walled courtyards and original brickwork, with a layout that brings the outside in.

“It’s had upgrades throughout internally, but the architecture hasn’t been changed because it’s been in the family for such a long time and has a lot of history.”

The house is compact, at just over 100 square metres, but perfectly formed.

Set on one level, it has three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a modern kitchen and a sunlit open-plan living area.

“You would never know it was built almost 60 years ago,” Kingston says. “They’re solid builds – double-brick and structurally sound.”

Though a townhouse, it’s on a separate title and sits at the end of the row.

Kingston tells us it’s rare for a Dirk Bolt townhouse to come onto the market, so this is a unique opportunity to own a piece of Canberra character.

The property will go to auction on Saturday, October 10, at 12.15pm, and has a price guide of $1.15 million.