Top 4 open homes to inspect in Canberra and the South Coast this weekend

Lifestyle plays an increasingly important role in the quest for the perfect home and, now more than ever, it’s at the forefront of buyers’ minds with the flexibility of working from home leading to a new appreciation for open spaces, segregation, privacy, entertaining areas and resort-style living.

If it’s an endless ocean outlook you’re dreaming of, Canberra’s surrounding regions just beyond the border will spoil you for choice including an unassuming but mesmerising home in Merimbula.

Or if you’re opting for something closer to home, in our top four homes on the market you’ll find a renovated home that oozes charm and sophistication in Red Hill,  an entertainer’s abode in O’Connor and a cosy retreat in leafy Ainslie.

Merimbula

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From the front, the home at 2A Tasman Street is unassuming but intriguing.

What looks like timber cladding is a feature on the exterior. Peer up to a glass-filled pavilion that peeks overhead, and you get the sense there’s a lot more to this home than initially meets the eye.

The ground level begins to hint the home’s exquisiteness.

Four bedrooms sit within easy reach of each other, along with a bathroom, an en suite and an additional shower room. Being so close to the beach it makes sense for rinsing off sand and salty water.

As you make your way upstairs, the changing air and sound of crashing waves in the distance hint at what’s about to come. Because as soon as you step foot on the first level, you’ll be blown away by the absolutely breathtaking seaside views.

Price guide: $1.25 million

Private sale

Agent: Merimbula Realty, Trent Pool 0409 139 546

Ainslie

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Nestled in one of Ainslie’s most desirable tree-lined streets, you will find this wonderful Inner North gem.

The single-level family home greets you with a formal lounge and dining area featuring a slow-combustion fireplace.

The bedrooms all feature built-in wardrobes and ceiling fans, while the main bedroom is segregated from the others and has a spacious en suite.

A sun-filled family eating area is the showpiece of the open plan kitchen, with a new Italian Ilve stainless steel gas cooktop, rangehood and oven.

From here, flow out onto a fabulous al fresco entertaining area, surrounded by an established garden – Japanese maples, wisteria, Manchurian pears, box hedges, lemon and lime trees, plus a lovely water feature.

Price guide: $1.25 million – $1.3 million

Auction: 12.30pm, November 19

Agent: Independent Belconnen, Belinda Riding 0437 363 124

O’Connor

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This generous family residence exudes an architecturally impressive aesthetic.

Think open stairs and voids that lead you through contemporary interiors to a spacious, light-filled kitchen, dining and living area that spills out to a level entertaining terrace overlooking the pool.

If space and storage was ever a concern, at No 24 Quandong Street that is no issue with plenty of room in the open-plan kitchen and living room which is sure to be the heart of the home.

On the upper floor, every bedroom features floor-to-ceiling windows that offer views to over the leafy suburb.

The home is also conveniently located near Canberra’s CBD, the local shops and near some of the capital’s best nature walking trails.

Price guide: $1.6 million – $1.7 million

Auction: 1.30pm, November 21

Agent: McGrath North Canberra, Jess Smith 0410 125 475

Red Hill

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The classic period charm of this renovated home is balanced by some ultra-smart interiors.

The kitchen and family room connects through to the back yard with tiled courtyard, lawn and a deciduous elm tree. Cute and highly valuable, the garden studio can be used as a creative/work space.

Inside, the kitchen is as pretty as it is functional, boasting a spacious island benchtop, Miele dishwasher and wine fridge.

With a gas fireplace and a custom bookshelf in the formal lounge room, snuggling up on the couch with a good book and a wine in hand makes for a relaxing weeknight.

Other features of this charming home include ducted air-conditioning, double glazed windows throughout, plantation shutters and an innovative alarm system.

Price guide: $1.4 million +

Auction: 10.30am, November 21

Agent: Belle Property Kingston, Louise Harget 0412 997 894