Tranquil Ainslie abode close to Canberra city

Hills, haven, heart: those three words steered the evolving nature of a Canberra artist’s tranquil abode.

Carole Kayrooz, a former university dean and art teacher, drew on her Ainslie property’s soothing surrounds to unlock its connection with nature.

“The home has been renovated a couple times in the three decades we have owned it and new levels have been added so that our family could enjoy its Mt Ainslie location,” Carole says.

“The architect always took a very considered approach to ensure that any changes were in keeping with the retreat-like style and ethos of the house.”

Carole says the 1960s-circa home feels like a country getaway in the city.

“You are five minutes away from Civic, yet once through the gate here you are at the foothills of Mt Ainslie. It’s an unusual combination of country and inner city.”

The property has provided fodder for Carole’s artwork over the years.

“I really drew great inspiration from going out the back and seeing the trees, the land forms and the mountain itself and the many seasons that they go through.”

The property would appeal to families with its modern, spacious interior coupled with pretty private pockets and leafy hideaways.

It has an easy-care garden containing dozens of fruits trees, including pears, figs, mandarins and apples.

“The house is a very quiet, contemplative home with lovely neighbours, beautiful surrounds and an art studio that can be turned into a professional office or a teenage retreat. It would be ideal for a family,” Carole says.

The house has four bedrooms, two bathrooms, study and self-contained studio, polished timber floors, air conditioning, large garden and two rain water tanks.

No. 212 Duffy Street, Ainslie, will be auctioned on Saturday, May 28, through Luton Properties Dickson agent Holly Komorowski. Price guide: $1million-plus. Inspect: Saturday, 10am-10.45am, and Tuesday, 4.45pm-5.15pm. EER: 2.

Wood-themed warmth

Chris and Bob Davis bought their Florey home 21 years ago after falling in love with the wood-themed warmth of its Alpine design.

Cathedral ceilings, exposed timber walls, fireplaces and light-filled atriums give the architecturally designed house a sense of light, warmth and space.

Chris says a major drawcard for family buyers is the home’s privacy, parkland backdrop, five spacious bedrooms and large living areas.

“I recall when we walked into the home to inspect it two decades ago, we just thought ‘Wow, what a house’,” Chris says.

“The loft–style ceilings and incredible timber work give it beautiful geometric patterns. There are so many angles to look at as you walk through the door, it’s quite breathtaking. 

“We also loved that the house was in a quiet cul-de-sac in a safe suburb and so close to amenities.”

The home’s north-east aspect allows sun to stream through the living areas all through winter.

“This house has been perfectly designed for the Canberra weather, it’s comfortable all through the year,” Chris says.  

The house has evolved with the family over the years and been updated with a new kitchen and bathroom and timber floors.

No 9 Boan Close, Florey, will be auctioned on Saturday, May 28, through Peter Blackshaw Real Estate Manuka agents Dan McAlpine and Louise Harget. Price guide: $680,000-plus. Inspect: Saturday,  1.15pm-1.45pm. EER: 3.