5 Vancouver Street, Red Hill: Rare generational luxury estate

New blocks around Canberra are generally shrinking in size, while others in longer-established areas are increasingly being rezoned to offer higher-density dwellings.

However, there are parts of Canberra where history and neighbourhood character set the standard, and blocks are generous, expensive and tightly held.

By negotiation

5 Vancouver Street, Red Hill ACT 2603

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Andrew Chamberlain of Blackshaw Manuka, who lists this week’s feature property, says Inner South suburbs like Red Hill and Forrest are unique.

“It would be hard to find equivalents in any state capital that have such big blocks so close to the CBD,” he says. “We can trace that to earlier times in Canberra’s growth when blocks in those areas were offered from 2000 square metres up – and often several times bigger.”

Chamberlain says that’s generally how they remain today, and “that combination of location, grand homes and large landholdings contributes to the aspirational appeal of Red Hill and Forrest”.

Stephen Thompson of LJ Hooker Manuka says there can be significant family wealth in these suburbs, and homes tend to be tightly held.

“These are often generational properties that can stay in the same family for decades,” he says. “Part of the appeal is in the spaciousness of the blocks and the privacy that mature plantings, such as trees and hedging, deliver. They all add to a feeling of exclusivity and sanctuary.”

Thompson says other considerations, like heritage protections and the preservation of neighbourhood character, provide a high level of certainty for home owners and buyers.

Inner South blockbusters

Heritage scale

Big 2000-square-metre-plus blocks with deep setbacks, mature trees and generous breathing room give a garden-city feeling. Buyers love the sense of history and charm these older parcels carry.

Neighbourhood character

Wide frontages, open lawns and established greenery give Red Hill and Forrest their relaxed, leafy vibe. It’s the everyday experience people value – soft streetscapes and a neighbourhood that says “home”.

Long-term stability

Larger parcels offer privacy, peace and a reassuring sense of permanence close to the city. Owners appreciate the steady feel of the neighbourhood, everyday comfort, and long-term confidence in property value.

For sale right now in Red Hill

Vancouver Street is one of the most prestigious addresses in Red Hill, and a dress-circle location needs a home to match. The house at No. 5 lives up to the billing.

This luxury residence enjoys a highly private setting on almost 2100 square metres, amid a dense screening of mature trees, hedging and established plantings.

The three-level home delivers 556 square metres of living space, though it is “living” on a whole new level.

A marble-tiled foyer leads into an expansive, rich-timber-floored living zone that includes formal lounge and dining rooms, a billiard/media room, and the kitchen and family rooms.

The formal lounge is highlighted by a fireplace and enhanced by curved windows framing a garden outlook. The kitchen provides its own statement with branded appliances – including a Gaggenau oven and Franke cooktop – granite benchtops and a butler’s prep area.

There are four bedrooms on this level, one with an en suite, and a separate study. Stacker doors lead onto an expansive covered terrace with an outdoor kitchen, a spectacular swimming pool, and a lounge area.

Upstairs is a luxurious parents’ retreat, including a sitting room with a private terrace. That is complemented by a six-star ens uite and a generous walk-in wardrobe.

The lower level offers a teenager’s retreat with a kitchenette, gym, wine storage, workshop and parking for seven vehicles, along with abundant storage.