Original Aranda home packed with value hits the market for first time in 50 years

23 Walu Place, Aranda,
$800,000-plus
3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1 parking space
Auction on Thursday, February 9, at 6pm, onsite
Inspect on Saturday, from 9.30am-10am, and Thursday, February 9, from 5.30pm-6pm
Peter Blackshaw Gungahlin, Thom Eriksson-Lake, Luke McAuliffe 0417 194 699, 0433 338 429

If “the whole is greater than the sum of its parts” then this unique Aranda home comes packed with value.

It is one dwelling, but it presents two self-contained living spaces – each with its own bedrooms, kitchen and bathroom – and it offers many potential uses.

Home owner Mollie Bouquet, 96, explains how it all came about, but for that we have to go back to 1967 when she bought this elevated 810-square-metre Aranda block, one of the first in Walu Place.

“I had the house built that way so my parents could join me when they retired,” she says.

Mollie, a former teacher and ANU administrator has lived in the home ever since – with the bonus accommodation later being used by visiting friends and family.

One half has a bedroom with en suite, living-dining and kitchen; the other has two bedrooms and a similar layout. Each has its own entry and they share a laundry.

The double brick home backs onto a bush reserve, enhancing its privacy and creating a sanctuary that appeals to Molly, an avid reader who appreciates the restful solitude.

“There’s nothing like immersing yourself in a good book with the sounds of the bush as a backdrop,” she says.

The native theme extends into the home’s landscaping, highlighted by patios that provide the outdoor entertaining areas. There is also a single garage with automatic door plus a carport. This unique floor plan offers several options for a buyer: extended family living areas, two rental properties, home office and more.

It’s also within easy walking distance to the Aranda shops, preschool, primary school, Canberra High School and the popular Jamison shopping centre.

24 Barrallier Street, Griffith
$1 million-plus
3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, 1 parking space
Auction on Saturday, February 11, at 11am, onsite
Inspect: on Saturday, from 12.30pm-1pm
LJ Hooker Manuka, Stephen Thompson, Linda Wells 0466 724 039, 0414 553 835

An original 1930s, classic red brick Griffith home could have strong appeal to a young family. 

Six schools – St Edmunds, St Clare’s, Canberra Grammar, Forrest Primary, Telopea High School and Narrabundah College – are just minutes away from this Barrallier Street address.

The home owner’s son, Jim Laity, says his parents bought the home in 1982 after they retired off the land.

“It was close to family and Mum loved it because it was also central to everything,” he says.

“She was a keen bowler, too, and back in those days there were plenty of clubs nearby.”

This home retains its character with high ceilings throughout. There is a good-sized lounge room, separate dining and a large sunroom overlooking mature gardens and a thriving vegetable patch.

The three bedrooms are well-proportioned and there is a neat and tidy kitchen.

“It certainly would appeal to a family who want to live in it as is – or who might want to extend and renovate,” Jim says.

“A developer would also find plenty to like about a level 892-square-metre block.”