Having serenely served as a monastery for the Carmelite Nuns for 50 years, this extended 1936 residence and accompanying 1992 Paul Archibald designed Chapel on one of Canberra's most prestigious streets, are both ready for their next chapter. With a broad use purpose, opportunities to renovate or rebuild* a remarkable estate of this nature are exceptionally rare.
Perched on an enormous 5001 sqm allotment backing onto the tranquil beauty of the Red Hill Nature Reserve, this 8-bedroom property would be an ideal setting for a magnificent dream residence, specialty or corporate retreat or given its versatility, potentially another enterprise such as a rehearsal space or an organisation's headquarters.
Highlights of the main residence include the remarkable richly dark Tudor panelling and diamond leadlight windows to the formal entry and living room and an incomparable art deco bathroom which presents as if it was completed only yesterday. There are a further 3 full bathrooms, one of which is an ensuite and another which has multiple private shower cubicles.
A multitude of living spaces provides versatility and options for an office with a private entry, a studio with outdoor access, a sunny sitting room and a library or reading room. There is also a formal dining room plus a charming breakfast room, both with easy access to the kitchen.
An enclosed annexe leads to the beautifully rendered Chapel. This space is extremely bright and welcoming, benefitting from floor-to-ceiling windows, pale rafters, a courtyard and 4 entry points. The Chapel incorporates a full kitchen with servery and numerous rooms that could be used for meditation, counselling or office work. One has its own powder room.
Surrounded by lush lawns, flowers in bloom, mature trees and productive gardens that have frequently been open for community events, this property has long been admired. Originally built by the 'Prince of the Press Gallery' – Joe Alexander – on land sold to him by the former Prime Minister Billy Hughes, Joe and his wife Katherine were renowned for being generous with the 'fruits and blossoms of their glorious garden'.
Arguably one of the most coveted locations in Canberra, in the heart of Old Red Hill. A short walk to the Canberra Grammar School and Canberra Girls Grammar schools, Manuka, Red Hill and Deakin Shops as well as an array of cafes, restaurants and services within the inner south. Close to Parliamentary Triangle, Lake Burley Griffin, and the Kingston Foreshore and only 10 minutes from the CBD and Canberra Airport.
*Subject to ACT planning approvals
FEATURES
• Quiet sanctuary
• Expansive 5001 sqm block
• Substantial residence backing directly onto Red Hill Nature Reserve
• Chapel with preparation rooms, plus kitchen with Miele appliances and bathroom
• Exquisite gardens of lush lawn, mature trees, roses, rhododendrons, pieris, azaleas, magnolias, camellias, and a range of fruit trees, just to name a few
• Secure, gated front entry
• Magnificent circular drive
• 8 spacious bedrooms, one with accessible ensuite and one with access to the rear terrace
• Formal lounge with original concealed double doors, original fireplace, pelmet lighting, sconces and vintage chandelier, walnut panelling
• Multiple versatile rooms
• Period fireplaces + period treasures including antique front door
• Ducted heating and cooling
• Reverse-cycle unit to chapel
• Neat kitchen with walk-in pantry
• Sinks to some bedrooms + numerous bathrooms
• Excellent storage throughout
• Sunny rear terrace
• External toilet
• Large water tank
• Wood store
• Garden sheds and glasshouses
