Australian glamour territory: Canberra’s prestige properties with all the bells and whistles

Canberrans might have a reputation for being a conservative bunch, but it seems that some homeowners in the nation’s capital are partial to extras that sit outside the typical real estate box.

From spectacular sports courts, to elaborate wine cellars and five star cinema experiences, there are several tricked up Canberra houses on the market right now, and some head-turning recent sales that take the cake for added amenities.

In Braddon, an expansive family-friendly property measuring 1400sq m sold earlier this year for $4.1 million, despite the local median price sitting at $1.2385, according to PropTrack data.

Perhaps it was the temperature-controlled 672-bottle wine cellar, or the personal golf putting green, that left a great impression on the buyers. The four-bedroom house also boasts a host of high-tech features and bedrooms each with private courtyards.

A five-bedroom residence in Chapman, which took home the HIA House of the Year gone in 2013, recently fetched $3.1 million. It dazzled buyers with a double-height 1728-bottle wine cellar, an ornate koi pond and a home cinema.

Claire Corby of Capital Buyers Agency said although these property perks are eccentric talking points, she warned that the majority of buyers want simple lifestyle amenities such as pools, gyms and pools.

“Sure, there might be a couple of buyers who are car collectors and need a showroom garage with a car stacker, but by and large, people also want substance and a home that can offer form and function as well,” she said.

“It’s all well and good to have a bowling alley, film studio or secret passageways, but if you’ve only got three bedrooms then there’ll be a limited buyer pool. You’ve really got to look at who’s your target market, because added luxury extras are great, but you’ve got to have the bones to begin with.”

Across Canberra here are a handful of multimillion dollar homes with ultra luxury additions.

A six-bedroom Mediterranean-inspired villa in exclusive Yarralumla – a suburb best known for being home to the conservative embassy belt – is currently on the market with a $5 million to $6 million asking price and a host of additional features. There is a pickleball court, pool, billiards room, a grand outdoor kitchen and bar, plus a home cinema.

This rare 2412sqm Deakin estate within a kilometre of Parliament House, which has a guide of $4.5 million to $6 million, comes with enough space for a championship grass tennis court, ACT Master Builders’ Kitchen of the Year for 2021, and a Spanish mosaic-tiled heated pool.

In a tribute to midcentury modern design, this contemporary home on 1599sqm in the tightly-held suburb of Forrest has a James Bond wish list of features including a high-tech car stacker in a garage for up to five vehicles, a full slab hydronic heating system and suspended fireplace to combat Canberra’s chilly winters. In warmer months, the property has a Palm Springs inspired lagoon pool and alfresco ensuite.

The features list at this Mugga Way mansion is long and impressive with a private basketball half court, double main bedroom suites, and a 400-bottle wine cellar with tasting room. One the edge of coveted Red Hill Reserve, the 1552sq m property is on the market with a $5.65 million price tag.

There are home cinemas, and then there are home cinemas with star quality. A home in the more affordable Canberra suburb of Throsby has a $2.75 million and $3 million guide as well as a bespoke theatre with intergalactic decor.

Outdoor entertaining has a Balinese flavour with a resort-style outdoor kitchen with pizza oven and bar in Red Hill.

The four-bedroom residence also features a solar-heated pool and spa to complete the holiday vibes, state of the art cinema, and a heavy weight gym. The home sold in May for $4.05 million.

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