If you’re wondering what’s on our cover this week, meet Maven x Rook. Set to transform a corner of University Avenue, it’s anticipated that these two distinct towers will infuse a fresh buzz into this part of the city. Discover more about the lifestyle on ofer from page 8. Next, we go over the bridge to another exciting development in Woden. Newly completed, the Shard is selling its fnal apartments, so now’s the time to take advantage of its great position alongside an evolving shopping and dining hub. But if life above the streetscape isn’t for you, we’ve highlighted a gorgeous heritage home in Reid opposite. Why not combine your house-hunting with a trail from The Local Edit’s autumn walks!
Bold build with turnkey appeal
We love a house that loves its windows. This chic home at 12 Rottenbury Crescent is all open vistas and sharp angles wrapped around a mineral pool. The contrast of white walls, glass and blue water creates an atmosphere that’s more Greece than Greenleigh. This is a turnkey home in a booming suburb that promises both lifestyle and luxury. A split-level design creates a separate elevated living room with views over the backyard, while the kitchen and dining space lead out to a spacious al fresco area and lawn.
The curved stone kitchen bench invites noisy family breakfasts or afterwork wines, and the large butler’s pantry keeps the mess out of sight. The layout makes sense for a family, from the secluded main-bedroom suite to the mudroom, dedicated study space and extra multipurpose room.
Agent Eva Bono from Hive Property describes this home as brand new, bold and built to impress. She expects it to sell for between $1.75 million and $1.85 million.
Lucy Jones
Scan the code to see the listing
Editor Laura Valic
laura.valic@domain.com.au
Senior designer Colleen Chin Quan
Graphic designer Emma Drake
Head of print & B2B content Sarah Millar
Group content director Mark Roppolo
Chief marketing officer Aisling Finch
President Jason Pellegrino
Sales leader Nick Tinling
Marketing manager Bree Baguley
Source:
Laura Valic
Words by Jil Hogan
Privacy meets city proximity
There’s something almost storybook about 1 Geerilong Gardens in Reid. Follow the red-brick driveway past mature trees, and the city feels very far away, despite the fact that Civic is down the road.
Set on a generous block, the fourbedroom house is wrapped in established gardens that have matured over decades. The result is a home that feels private and deeply connected to its surroundings.
Inside, warmth and character take centre stage. Timber foors greet you at
the entrance, where a welcoming sitting area sets the tone for the spaces beyond. It’s just one of several living spaces spread across the extensive foor plan.
A formal lounge room overlooks a secluded courtyard, while the dining room, with its gas freplace, ofers an inviting setting for long dinners and lively conversation.
Of the open-plan kitchen, another sitting area opens directly to the rear garden, as does a family room just beyond. A separate study provides a quiet work retreat.
“Reid is such a hidden secret, ofering exceptional heritage residences in beautiful gardens on the city fringe. It reminds me of the Woollahra or Paddington of Canberra.”
One living space features built-in cabinetry and raked timber ceilings, while another draws the greenery inside through high windows. Scattered timber ceilings and accents add warmth.
The accommodation includes four wellproportioned bedrooms, and the main has an en suite with heated fooring.
Sitting privately at the end of the house is a self-contained studio with a kitchenette, bathroom and ofce space.
All of this makes for the kind of home that feels worlds away from the city while sitting right on its doorstep.
Glebe Park, Lake Burley Griffin and the cafes of Braddon or Campbell.
Sophie Luton Luton Properties Manuka
WHAT TO SEE THIS WEEKEND
Words by Lucy Jones
Taylor 4 Bea Hutton Close
$1.49 million
5 3 2 EER 5.5
Private sale
Agent: Momentum Property, Adrian Giampietro 0449 559 225
If you’re a born entertainer, this is the home for you. It has a gorgeous outdoor area with eco-hybrid decking, a fre pit, a barbecue with a spit, and a party pizza oven. The showroom kitchen has double ovens and a huge butler’s pantry, and there are three living areas with surround sound, in-ceiling speakers, and app-controlled LED lighting. If anyone needs to crash, there are fve bedrooms, including a private, self-contained suite with its own bathroom downstairs.
Phillip 9 Cavanough Street
$630,000+ 2 2 1 EER 1
Private sale
Agent: Hayman Partners, Tyran Murphy 0428 036 790
The current owners of this chic townhouse aren’t afraid of a little colour. Bold paints, mosaic walls and chequerboard foors make a style statement throughout. The practical layout is spread over three levels, with a single-car garage at the bottom, living areas on the frst foor and bedrooms on the upper level. Large windows frame leafy views on two sides, and Woden’s busy shopping precinct is just a 10-minute walk away.
Source: Domain Group
A SALE
Kambah 7 Ferrier Place
SOLD
$2.025 million LAST SOLD $140,000 December 1994
“After an opening bid of $1.8 million, three registered bidders fought for the keys before it was snapped up by a young family. There were 45 groups that came through the open homes and solid interest from fve potential buyers.”
Zac Morris My Morris
Turner Penthouse 7+ 8/37 Forbes Street Contact agent
3 2 2 EER 7.5
Private sale
Agent: Archer Canberra, Sohail Awan 0494 061 714
5 Pendred Street Sold by Hive Property
Live the high life in this exceptional penthouse apartment, one of just eight in Turner’s brand-new, boutique Ashley building. Its generous size and three full bedrooms, coupled with features such as an internal laundry and walk-in or built-in wardrobes, mean it could suit young professionals, small families and downsizers alike. Huge balconies, high ceilings, stone benchtops, Miele appliances, lift access and a double car space tick all the boxes.
Phillip 803/45 Furzer Street
$850,000+
3 2 2 EER 6
Private sale
Agent: My Morris, Sandy Morris 0420 380 895
Say hello to New York in this top-foor, two-storey loft apartment. A north-facing aspect, 3.4-metre ceilings and oversized windows create the ultimate urban retreat. In the iconic A&A building, it’s just moments from Woden Town’s shops, cafes and restaurants. Inside it’s all luxe features – engineered oak fooring, New Zealand wool carpet, Caesarstone benchtops and Smeg appliances. A shared rooftop garden, barbecue and heated pool complete the package.
Think big with this larger-than-life home on an elevated block on the southern edge of Jerrabomberra. A vast foor plan ofers close to 350 square metres of internal space across two foors, with living areas, rumpus rooms, exercise spaces, storage and more. The kitchen is white, bright and high-spec, with sunset vistas complementing evening meal prep. Schools, shops and green spaces are just a short distance away.
Words by Ray Sparvell
A checkmate move in the capital’s apartment game
With a housing supply dominated by high-density living, Canberra’s appetite for new apartment developments remains incredibly strong. Ongoing demand is driven by a diverse mix of buyers: those looking to enter the property market, downsizers seeking a walkable lifestyle, and investors drawn to the capital’s reliable rental returns.
All those stars line up nicely for two new residential towers set to rise in the CBD on the corner of University Avenue and Marcus Clarke Street.
The dual-building Maven x Rook development will bring 155 apartments and street-level commercial units to market at an estimated cost of
$100 million.
Syzygy is the developer behind the new oferings. This privately owned Australian company focuses on opportunities to create “something a bit diferent”.
Director Nik Bulum is widely regarded as the visionary behind the reinvention of Braddon as an inner-city lifestyle destination through his game-changing mixed-use developments, Paiko, Ori, Yamma Voshi and Branx.
He believes Maven x Rook will play a major role in activating the Marcus Clark Street boundary of the city.
“That side has been dominated by commercial buildings that are essentially 9am-5pm – after that, it’s largely
deserted,” he says. “This site is a great opportunity to bring more life into the precinct and to see it buzzing late into the evening, seven days a week.”
The two new towers will have their own distinct identities. Maven is inspired by its proximity to the Australian National University and to commercial law ofces and the courts.
Nothing but the best: Syzygy has shortlisted a number of well-known builders to bring the high-quality apartments to life.
Rising tall: The new towers will sit on the corner of University Avenue and Marcus Clarke Street, and will provide outlooks over the CBD.
At a glance
Maven x Rook
21 University Avenue, Canberra city
Developer: Syzygy
Price: $599,000-$2,990,900
Agent: Matt Nicholls
0407 328 269 (Maven) and Oumaya Escribe
0432 341 179 (Rook)
EER: Average 7
Completion: Late 2028
What we love: The Rook development offers bespoke identities, ensuring no two apartments are the same.
From the developer: “Maven x Rook will appeal to a wide range of demographics, including first-home buyers, professionals, downsizers and investors. Head down to our sales apartment to discover your dream apartment, now open.”
“They will ofer amazing liveability, outstanding views and all the benefts of a walkable neighbourhood.” Nick Merriman
A maven is an expert who knows their subject inside out.
Rook draws its identity from the history of chess, and that theme continues throughout the building in its interior branding and styling.
Bulum says Maven is designed to ofer a “sophisticated yet relaxed lifestyle” while Rook leans more into the “your home is your castle” theme.
“Rook has been envisioned to ofer more opportunities in interior branding and bespoke options,” he says.
“But they will both appeal equally to a wide range of demographics, including frst-home buyers, professionals, downsizers and investors.”
The foor plans will deliver one to three-bedroom apartments from 50 to 300 square metres in size.
Balconies will range from eight to 27 square metres, with many enjoying views toward Black Mountain Tower or Lake Burley Grifn.
Each of the commercial tenancies will
front onto University Avenue or Marcus Clarke Street, joined by a landscaped plaza level featuring several retail kiosks. The two buildings will share fve basement levels with 223 parking bays.
Syzygy senior development manager
Nick Merriman says the frm has shortlisted a number of well-known quality builders, with construction set to begin early next year and completion expected by late 2028.
“Maven will comprise 89 north-facing apartments designed to maximise natural light and city views,” he says.
“Residents will have access to a rooftop terrace with amenities. There’s also a residents-only club lounge with bookable spaces.”
Merriman says the apartment interiors will be light-flled and feature natural timber fooring, foor-to-ceiling glazing and brand-name appliances.
“They will ofer amazing liveability, outstanding views and all the benefts of a walkable neighbourhood,” he says.
Rook will provide a more boutique experience, with 66 apartments –many also positioned to capture iconic Canberra views.
Merriman says they are characterised by deep design thinking, with bespoke identities that begin on level 10.
“There are four levels that are branded knight, bishop, queen and king,” he says. “They ofer unique foor plans and inclusions that ensure no two apartments are the same.”
Above those are two penthouses, or two-storey “sky homes”, that will be fully customisable and range from 200300 square metres in size.
“These are on the ‘checkmate’ level,” Merriman says.
“That’s what we might call a winning move.”
This feature is part of an Allhomes Deluxe package.
Words by Jil Hogan
Who doesn’t love to be spoiled?
A new development in Woden aims to do exactly that, ofering residents a lifestyle shaped by hotel-style amenities, high-end fnishes and a location in the centre of town.
Sitting atop a ground-foor retail space, The Shard is a newly completed 15-storey residential tower occupying the prominent corner block wrapped by Melrose Drive, Brewer Street and Corinna Street in Phillip.
Its eye-catching design by Cox
Architecture features a bold, cascading glass exterior that shifts in appearance from diferent angles, giving the tower a distinctive presence within Woden’s growing skyline.
The development includes a range of one, two and three-bedroom apartments as well as penthouses. No matter where you buy in the building, apartments all come with the same level of quality.
“Whether you’re buying a one-bedroom apartment or a penthouse, the same fnishes and quality run right through it,” says Andrew Ligdopoulos from LJ Hooker Project Marketing.
Luxury living reaches new heights
At a glance
The Shard, Woden 1 Brewer Street, Phillip
Developer: Zapari
Architect: Cox Architecture
Prices: One-bedroom from $499,900, two-bedroom from $699,900, twobedroom plus study from $884,900, three-bedroom from $1.24 million
Agent: LJ Hooker Project Marketing, Andrew Ligdopoulos 0408 488 148
Open for inspection: Display suites open at 1 Brewer Street, Phillip
From the agent: “Whether you’re buying a onebedroom or penthouse, the same finishes and quality run right through.”
Distinctive: The tower’s glass exterior shifts in appearance from different angles.
All apartments feature high ceilings, engineered-timber fooring, ducted reverse-cycle heating and cooling, double glazing and Smeg appliances, including induction cooktops and integrated dishwashers. Bathrooms are fnished with full-height tiling and Villeroy & Boch fxtures.
The little things have been considered to elevate daily living. All airconditioning condensers are stored away from balconies, ensuring residents can
enjoy maximum outdoor space while also reducing the noise they produce.
In the bathroom, shower niches and face-level mirrored cabinets ensure there’s somewhere to store all your toiletries.
“In all of the developments I’ve seen over the years, I don’t think I’ve ever seen one with so much bathroom storage,” Ligdopoulos says. “They’ve really made the use of every space and used clever solutions.”
Beyond the apartments themselves, residents are spoiled by a range of shared facilities woven throughout the 15 levels. Rather than concentrating amenities in a single space, they are distributed on every second foor.
These include a concierge, a gym, a yoga studio, a wellness centre with sauna, plus a rooftop garden with a spa pool. Other amenities include executive and communal lounges, a piano bar and a wine cellar, all of which will be available to residents to book.
Large expanses of glass ensure the apartments are flled with natural light and have sweeping views
across Canberra, with outlooks stretching towards the Brindabellas or Black Mountain.
“The building outlook captures all parts of the compass, so whichever aspect you desire, there are apartments available on all sides of the building,” Ligdopoulos says.
“And you don’t have to go up very high in the building to capture them. Even from lower foors, you’re getting great views.”
One of the development’s strongest drawcards is its central Woden location.
“Residents will genuinely have shopping at their doorstep,” Ligdopoulos says. “The Shard’s front doors are virtually opposite Westfeld Woden. So there’s the convenience of being able to do all your shopping and have easy access to all the facilities that the town centre ofers, without using a car.”
Scan the code to see the listing
Words by Erin Cross
Walks to soak in Canberra’s autumn foliage
As the days grow cooler and the leaves change hue, pull on your walking shoes and hit one of the city’s many trails.
Autumn is one of the best seasons to experience in Canberra. From the golden light and crisp blue skies to the fery foliage, it’s when the “bush capital” truly shines.
Whether you’re drawn to the blazing hues of the National Arboretum or the tree-lined streets of older suburbs, here are some of Canberra’s prettiest walks to get your fx of autumn colour.
For the best views
Looking for walks with a view? Here are some worth exploring.
Bridge to bridge
The quintessential Canberra walk. Starting at the Commonwealth Avenue Bridge and spanning the Kings Avenue Bridge, the Bridge to Bridge walk ofers unparalleled views of the red-and-gold trees lining the lake.
Most beautiful in the early morning or late afternoon when the golden light is at its best, it’s scenic and serene, ofering views of our many cultural institutions.
The National Arboretum
With over 44,000 trees, it only makes sense that the National Arboretum is a must-visit during autumn. A mosaic of living forests and gardens that ofers breathtaking views, the trees turn stunning shades of red, gold and orange, making for a gorgeous walk.
With 20 kilometres of multipurpose, family-friendly walking and cycling tracks available for public enjoyment, the various lookouts provide panoramic views of the changing trees and the city. You can grab a free tracks and trails map from the Village Centre or choose your own adventure.
The Mount Ainslie Summit
One of the most popular walks among locals, the bush track behind the Australian War Memorial goes to the top of Mount Ainslie. It ofers a stunning aerial view of the city and its multi-hued
With over 44,000 trees, it only makes sense that the National Arboretum is a must-visit during autumn.
Hackett to Dickson
autumn canopy. You’ll have about two kilometres to walk each way, and while it’s steep in parts, it’s well worth the journey. The summit ofers the perfect opportunity to capture sweeping shots of Canberra at its best.
The National Library of Australia to Lotus Bay
For this walk, you start on the terrace of the National Library of Australia and then wander along Lake Burley Grifn to admire the ornamental pear trees on the promenade. From there, head under Commonwealth Avenue Bridge and emerge into gorgeous Lennox Gardens. Finish the walk by strolling along Lotus Bay, before ending at the Southern Cross Yacht Club at Mariner Place. It’s a photographer’s dream.
For stunning leafy streets
Don’t snub the suburbs when it comes to pretty autumn walks, because Canberra’s streets deliver in spades.
Map your own path through northside suburbs, with a long walk through Hackett and Dickson, where some streets are known for their leafy displays. Begin at the red oaks on Harris Street, then take in the claret ashes on Burn Street and Atherton Street, the liquidambars on Bradfeld Street, and the Chinese pistachios on Gardiner Street and Edkins Street. From there, wind your way down to the Dickson Shops, where cafes such as Highroad ofer takeaway cofees and baked goods. It will take you about an hour – perfect for a leisurely stroll.
Grifth to Manuka
Featuring Grant Crescent and Flinders Way – which form a leafy, golden wonderland – this is an easy and scenic route that will take about an hour.
Walk past Durville Park to admire the mature, seasonal trees and wander through Grifth Oval, La Perouse Park and the Willem Janszoon Commemorative Park.
Especially beautiful in autumn, the route conveniently starts and fnishes near the Manuka Shops, perfect for a post-walk cofee to refuel.
Take your pick: If walking is not your thing, the nation’s capital is also perfectly suited to cycling.
This home is full of mid-century charm and a few surprises. Set on a 1170-square-metre block, the main residence features three bedrooms with leafy outlooks, a kitchenmeals area and a living room with a built-in wood-burning freplace. A separate studio amid established gardens is perfect as a home ofce, creative space or guest retreat.
Agent: LJ Hooker Manuka, Stephen Thompson 0418 626 254
This contemporary parkside apartment ofers style, comfort and convenience. The main bedroom, with a walk-in wardrobe and en suite, sits on one side of the open-plan kitchen-living area, while the second bedroom enjoys easy access to a balcony and adjoining bathroom. High-end fnishes, a separate laundry and ducted heating-cooling complete the package. HerCanberraʼs
Golden hues: Canberra and its surroundings come to life in autumn.
EXECUTIVE LIVING
Words by Lucy Jones
The Menzies – Unit 1/8 McCulloch Street Auction guide: $1.875 million+ 4 3 2 EER 7
Auction: 10am, May 2
Agent: Cream Residential, Jack Wilson 0402 367 713
Contemporary living with historic roots
At frst glance, The Menzies is thoroughly modern. But look a little closer, and you’ll see echoes of Canberra’s history all over it.
“The Menzies is a considered reinterpretation of Canberra’s late-1960s architectural character, a time when midcentury modernism shaped the capital’s suburban identity,” says Aj Bala, director at DNA Architects, the team behind the design.
It’s this attention to detail that sets The Menzies apart from anything else in the city. Just two of the eight townhouses are still available, with Unit 1 occupying the prime position in the development.
“It is immediately evident how well considered the home is,” says agent Jack Wilson from Cream Residential. “There’s natural light from the northerly end position, high-end detail with every inclusion, modern conveniences and construction with real intent.”
Constructed by Preferred Builders, “the quality here speaks for itself”, Wilson says. Best known for its bespoke homes built for Canberra’s most discerning clientele, it only undertakes an apartment project every three to four years.
“That allows us to remain closely aligned with our core focus on bespoke residential work while bringing that same level of detail and care into a multi-residential setting,” says director Paul Kerr.
This is a home that ofers comfort and fexibility. An internal two-storey atrium in the centre foods the home with light, enhanced by vaulted ceilings and oversized windows. A full bathroom on the ground foor creates the potential for a second main-bedroom suite. Unit 1 also comes with a suite of additional features. The study has been ftted with custom cabinetry, including open shelving, soft-close drawers and a built-in desk. Outside, a granite-andbronze bench holds a Weber barbecue. There are electric blinds on the windows and a wine fridge in the butler’s pantry.
This feature is part of an Allhomes Executive Living package.
Scan the code to see the listing
Curtin
21 Favenc Circle, Grifth .
North-Facing 905sqm Block Opposite Parkland
Positoned in one of Grifth’s most tghtly held and desirable streets, 21 Favenc Circle presents a rare opportunity to secure a substantal landholding in a premium Inner South locaton. Set on a predominantly level block with a prized north-facing aspect, the property ofers an ideal foundaton for a residence of distncton.
belleproperty.com
Aucton Saturday 2 May 9.30am On Site View as advertsed or by appointment
. A family focussed lifestyle without the high price tag of city living
• Large fully serviced lots from 850sqm to over 1,200sqm
• 30 minute drive to Canberra’s CBD and only 20 minutes to Queanbeyan
• A select range of both elevated lots with views and level lots for easy building
• Walking distance to new state-of-the-art $80M high school (open early 2027)
• Limited time offer : FREE STAMP DUTY (average saving of $20,000)
Selling or leasing your property?
IF YOU VALUE TRUST, EXPERIENCE AND A COMMITMENT TO ACHIEVING THE ABSOLUTE BEST POSSIBLE OUTCOME, TALK TO THE TEAM AT BLACKSHAW.
RICHARDSON 72 & 72a Beattie Crescent
AUCTION Sat 2/05/2026, 10am onsite
VIEWING Sat 18/04/2026, 10-10.30am Sun 19/04/2026, 10-10.30am
CONTACT Rick Jordan 0417 664 334 Michael Potter 0413 830 598
A stand-out opportunity with options galore
A rare offering showcasing two immaculately presented properties on an RZ1 single title, providing flexible income streams and a wide range of living options.
An impressive 3 bedroom home is sited at the front of the block and has been tastefully renovated throughout, creating a polished, move-in presentation with quality fixtures and stylish surfaces. EER 1.5
To the rear, a 2 bedroom, solar passive villa is adorned with modern features nestled amongst a whisper quiet setting. The footprint is eco-friendly and energy efficient, offering a sun-drenched living space and private bedrooms. EER (Not Required)
COAST & COUNTRY
Words by Jil Hogan
Malua Bay
6 Iluka Avenue
$2.45 million-$2.55 million
4 2 2
Private sale
Agent: Blackshaw Coastal, Pat Jameson 0405 442 905
You could be taking a dip in your heated pool while listening to the sound of the waves at this luxurious home. Limestone foors and foor-to-ceiling windows frame ocean views, while the kitchen with butler’s pantry and waterfall stone benchtops opens to a generous deck. There’s also a pizza oven, wine storage, outdoor shower and space for the boat.
Crackenback
1 Wombat Gully Lane
$2.8 million 4 4 4
Private sale
Agent: Forbes Stynes Real Estate, Alex Cherry 0410 483 008
Set within Lake Crackenback Resort, this alpine chalet pairs striking architecture with fexibility. The dual-key layout allows it to operate as a family retreat or a three-bedroom chalet with a selfcontained studio. Decks overlook a tranquil pond, while underfoor heating, a gas freplace and ski drying room make it suited to Snowy Mountains living.
COMMERCIAL
Words by Ray Sparvell
Dual-precinct prize with fexibility
There’s always strong investor interest when sizeable commercial properties come to market in Fyshwick or Mitchell.
In this case, an owner is ofering one from each: 1 Albany Street, Fyshwick, and 117 Flemington Road, Mitchell. Both are prime sites in tightly held industrial precincts.
The Fyshwick property comprises two free-standing buildings, ofering 1376 square metres of leasable space on a 4377-square-metre site. The Mitchell property sits on a generous land parcel of 3890 square metres, with more than 2900 square metres of building space.
Matthew Winter of Colliers Canberra says the properties are for sale individually or together.
“They present a unique opportunity to secure a strongly performing investment asset in one or both of
these precincts,” he says. “These suburbs are tightly held. Demand is very strong – and opportunities like this rarely come along.”
Both properties are fully leased and exempt from GST.
“They ofer a new owner secure income along with value-adding potential,” Winter says. “That could be through strong rental growth. Alternatively, exploring further expansion opportunities on these large landholdings.”
Co-agent Daniel McGrath of Ray White Commercial says the properties enjoy prominent locations with highly visible street frontages.
“Each is close to the CBD with strong connections to major transport routes,” he says.
“They add up to an attractive investment prospect for a range of potential buyers.”
Mitchell 117 Flemington Road
Expressions of interest: Close 3pm, April 21
Agent: Colliers Canberra, Matthew Winter 0432 344 684
Fyshwick
1 Albany Street
Expressions of interest: Close 3pm, April 21
Agent: Ray White Commercial, Daniel McGrath 0411 140 523
