70 Wakefield Avenue, Ainslie, ACT 2602

Originally built in the 1930s, this idyllic cottage, is nestled behind tall green hedges, softened by the colours and textures of cottage gardens. The double brick form all classic pitched terracotta roof, timber sash windows with handsome brick quoins edging the portico, a match with the red brick base and window ledging. And the locale is ideal, a short stroll through Wakefield Gardens, to the much-loved Ainslie shops, moments to both the Dickson and Braddon hubs, and a stone's throw from the CBD.

This classic Ainslie cottage is distinguished by a sympathetic extension that houses a master suite that is both generous and serene. The home is wonderfully connected to outdoors, perfectly composed around the central deck and drifts to alfresco living on two sides. The clever floorplan creating moments for connection and retreat, the parental wing sequestered to one side, quietly purveying the landscape with a monastic calm.

There is a gallery like hush as you walk the polished timber floors, whisper white walls stretching to meet high ceilings and windows framing the sprawling gardens that enclose the home. A neutral and organic palette ushers in a gentle timelessness, the whole design quietly beautiful, restrained yet comfortable, with a decided family appeal.

A garden path cuts through the deep frontage, to the right and left, swells of beautiful plantings, an overhang of age-old trees. To one side a driveway ushers to a brick carport constructed to perfectly match the house and gifting sheltered entry. The portico with signature cut-out framing the garden and the original glass muntin front door creating a magical entryway.

The original timber mantel sits above a new combustion stove, the front living area a lovely snug within the open feel of the social arena. On the left a large formal dining room drinks in light and garden views. The smooth rendered walls are dotted with small grottos for precise display, as honey tones imbue the modern kitchen with a warm elegance. A tonne of seamless storage and stone worktops creates a contemporary functionality, topped with quality appliances from Miele. The use of timber feels sympathetic to the vintage of the home, the long linear shelving a place for small vignettes, personal touches. 

An avenue of glass connects the new extension to the original cottage, delineating the old from the new with a drenching of sunlight. Beyond a serene living space is informed by an equally tranquil courtyard, while glass sliders open fully to the central garden. Hardwood floors gleam underfoot and plantation shutters filter soft light. There is a large walk-in-robe and an ensuite bathroom finished in pure white with sea green ceramic flooring. Banks of sliders float the bedroom within nature and high ceilings only add to a delicious feeling of oh so calm remove. 

On the opposing side of the home, a duo of welcoming bedrooms are composed around a large family bathroom with bathtub. We love the open timber shelving in bedroom three, the way it precisely returns within the corner of the walls and there is a robe for effortless storage. The second bedroom is delicously generous, with a wall of built-in-robes and a lovely spill deck side.  

Meandering pathways and stone steppers allow you to traverse the gardens, passing meadows of bulbs, winter roses, flowering perennials. The central deck the spot to drink in the warmth of the sun or dine beneath the shade of the pergola. The whole garden a private oasis with ample space to lose yourself, relaxing within the enclosure of green walls, the visual delight of the sensual ecosystem.  

Famously a part of Walter Burley and Marion Mahony Griffin's original, garden city design, Wakefield Gardens is a quiet loop Street that encircles parkland. The home is within walking distance of the bustling Ainslie shops, home to Edgar's gastro pub, the award-winning IGA and hatted Pilot Restaurant. Moments from the independent restaurants and bars of the Dickson and Braddon precincts, a stone's throw from the city, the location is highly coveted. Many of Canberra's best schools are at your doorstop and the ANU is not far. The home is close to transport, including the light rail which whisks you straight to the CBD. 

features.

.beautifully renovated and extended three-bedroom heritage cottage in coveted Ainslie
.story book form with muntin windows, terracotta roof and front porch
.surrounded by beautifully landscaped cottage gardens
.polished original timber floorboards and new hardwood floors
.double brick with high ceilings 
.inviting front living room with fireplace 
.adjacent large dining room overlooking garden meadows
.renovated kitchen with banks of timber cabinetry, stone worktops and quality appliances from Miele
.laundry with bespoke timber shelving
.master suite with living area, walk-in-robe and ensuite bathroom
.spill from both master bedroom and private living area to garden 
.two additional bedrooms with leafy views within the original cottage
.renovated family bathroom with bathtub
.bedroom three with wall of custom shelving and built-in-robe
.bedroom two with built-in-robe and merge to central deck
.large linen/storage cupboard
.new hydronic heating throughout
.RC split system in dining/lounge room and master bedroom 
.enormous block with beautiful landscaping
.charming "stroll" through cottage gardens, featuring year round colour from fields of bulbs, roses, perennials, green walls, fruit trees and established trees
.garden shed 

FINE DETAILS (all approximate):
 
Land size: 966 m2
Build size: 185 m2 (approx.)
EER: 2.0
 
Rates: $6,093.62 pa
Land tax: $13,064.50 pa (investors only)
UV: $1,220,000 (2024)