Oliphant design proved irresistible to owners of Forrest home

Jenny and Sergio Benassi are just the second owners of their Kenneth Oliphant-designed house in Forrest.

Jenny says she loves the 1939 property’s architecture as much today as she did when they bought it 22 years ago.

She loved it so much that she was willing to live next door to her mother.

“We were looking at an Oliphant home further up the street that went to auction and we weren’t ready,” Jenny says.

“Then this one came up and we knew the house pretty well because my mum used to live next door.

“She was probably the best neighbour we ever could have wished to have. It was just nice, she was a good neighbour and she never came in without calling first.”

Oliphant houses are renowned for their graceful design and 4 Arthur Circle is no exception.

The couple has tastefully updated the property without sacrificing its historic charm.

“It really did attract me, the heritage of the house,” Jenny says. “It’s got a contemporary, classic feel inside.

“We didn’t really change the floor plan of the house much at all. We took some doors and a few walls out to give it a more contemporary feel. You wouldn’t mess around with good design.”

Jenny says the three-bedroom, two-bathroom house would be easy to extend on its spacious, 1144-square-metre block.

It’s surrounded by other classic architecture, including the heritage-listed, Sir Roy Grounds-designed Forrest townhouses next door.

The couple is downsizing but will remain in the area.

“We want to travel and lock up and go, really,” Jenny says. “We’re moving into a lovely next space – just different.”

No. 4 Arthur Circle, Forrest will be auctioned on Saturday, July 23, through McGrath Estate Gungahlin agents Nick Slater and Amy Wilson. Price guide: $1.75 million+. Inspect: Saturday, 2pm-3pm. EER: 3.5.

Retro a go-go in Ainslie

Graham and Trish Kirkland have created a swinging ’60s oasis inside their Ainslie home.

The three-bedroom, elevated house is nestled in an enviable position backing Mount Ainslie Nature Reserve.

The Kirklands have renovated the kitchen and bathrooms, replaced the carpet and lacquered the floor boards since buying the property 17 years ago, all the while retaining a retro vibe.

“We’ve been collecting retro furniture for quite a number of years,” Trish says. “It is a bit of a passion, collecting old furniture. The retro look and feel suited the shape and style of the house.”

The Kirklands agree the property’s location is a big drawcard. They’ve enjoyed views across the city and the Brindabellas, with Mount Ainslie right on their doorstep.

“Trish walks up Mount Ainslie every morning,” Graham says.

Trish says the location has also been convenient: “it’s just so close to everything”.

No. 22 Duffy Street, Ainslie will be auctioned on Saturday, July 16 through Independent Property Group Woden and Weston Creek agents Jonathan Charles and Ryan Thomas. Price guide: $1.2 million+. Inspect: Saturday, 2.30pm-3pm. EER: 1.