News

If you have a toddler who rises early (like I do) then by 8am you’re desperate for: a) a really good coffee and 2) somewhere to take them to wear them out before their lunchtime nap.Great coffee is easy to find in Canberra but where are the places little ones have just as much fun? Here’s our round-up of venues that manage to combine outstanding coffee and even better play options.Did we miss any?<h3 data-block-key="5v3ok">Gang Gang Cafe and Bar</h3><h4 data-block-key="a4bl">Located at Downer Shopping Centre, 4/2 Frencham Place, Downer</h4><img alt="gang gang" class="richtext-image full-width" height="600" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/gang_gang.width-800.jpg" width="800">In Downer, GangGang kicks goals for brekky and lunch – but only takes cards. Across at Downer Oval, you’ve got the playground, the dirt tracks and the fields. We flew kites on the oval two weekends ago. It was perfect.<h3 data-block-key="8gnue">A Bite to Eat</h3><h4 data-block-key="aj8vn">Located at Chifley Shops, 8 Chifley Place, Chifley</h4><img alt="chifley" class="richtext-image full-width" height="640" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/chifley.width-800.jpg" width="480">I’m a big fan of A Bite to Eat: the coffee is good, the food is gluten free and Chifley Play Space is a good post-banana bread bribe. The only catch is that the playground isn’t fenced, so it’s great for the big kids but you’ll need to keep a very close eye on the little ones.<h3 data-block-key="b4smp">Wildflour Artisan Bakery &amp; Cafe</h3><h4 data-block-key="f0bln">Located at 8 Townsville Street, Fyshwick</h4><img alt="wildflour" class="richtext-image full-width" height="533" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/wildflour.width-800.jpg" width="800">I was buying a lemon meringue croissant from one of the best bakeries in the capital when I happily discovered a fenced playground out the back with a cubby house, slides and a swing. Sitting under the shaded outside seating watching my toddler was bliss. (Until she wanted some of my croissant and things got very, very sticky.)<h3 data-block-key="2alks">Ainslie Bakehouse</h3><h4 data-block-key="bgpfe">Located at Ainslie Shops, 1/5 Edgar Street, Ainslie</h4><img alt="1024px-Corroboree_Park,_Ainslie,_Australian_Capital_Territory" class="richtext-image full-width" height="533" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/1024px-Corroboree_Park_Ainslie_Australian_Capi.width-800.jpg" width="800">If you’ve got a child obsessed with bike, skateboard or scooter riding, Ainslie is a total winner. Hit up Ainslie Bakehouse or Edgar’s for a huge coffee and then ride the paths of the amazing Corroboree Park. Pro tip: take a basketball for the big kids.<h3 data-block-key="a2pku">Frankies at Forde</h3><h4 data-block-key="85l9s">Located at Forde Shopping Centre,1/26 Francis Forde Boulevard, Forde</h4><img alt="frankies" class="richtext-image full-width" height="450" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/frankies.width-800.jpg" width="800">In Gungahlin, grab a Halloumi Stack or Brekky Nachos at Frankies at Forde before ducking across the road to the playground. (The real doozy in north Canberra, though, is the park at Moncrieff! It’s epic! Head there and Uber your coffee directly to you! I did!)

5 places for amazing coffee (and even better play options for the kids)

Property

A leafy Forde home with a garden described as “one of the most beautiful I&#x27;ve seen in 15 years of Canberra real estate” will be auctioned later this month.Multi-award-winning Canberra architect <a href="https://adamhobilldesign.com.au/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Adam Hobill Design</a> is the visionary behind the gardens at <a href="https://zango.com.au/sale/8-huddy-street-forde-act-2914-76284/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">8 Huddy Street</a>.<div>
 <iframe width="200" height="113" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Nw_OSrqXsTk?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen title="Zango Feature Property Preview: 8 Huddy Steet FORDE"></iframe>
</div>
Feature plants and hedging include Japanese maples, Japanese box hedges, climbing figs and jasmine.<a href="https://zango.com.au/agencies/verv-property/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Verv Property</a> real estate agent <a href="/agents/jason-roses-2/">Jason Roses</a> says buyers are blown away by the outdoor space.“The owner’s effort in the gardens is something really spectacular,” Jason says.“It would have to be one of the most beautiful back gardens that I’ve come across in 15 years.”<img alt="8-huddy-street-forde-act-2914-76284-image-0-20230302220137936390-thumbnail-1920x1920-70" class="richtext-image full-width" height="533" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/8-huddy-street-forde-act-2914-76284-image-0-20.width-800_gFVPFSB.jpg" width="800">Verv Property agent <a href="/agents/alysia-walsh-3/">Alysia Walsh</a> says the gardens feel as though they belong in the original suburbs of Canberra.“You feel as though you are in the inner south, like Yarralumla or Griffith,” Alysia says.Outdoor living features include a large pool, two covered entertainment areas, a fire pit, a bar fridge, an in-built barbecue and a pizza oven.The gazebo is finished with original timber posts from the old Sydney Harbour Wharf precinct’s historic bond stores.Alysia says the house’s 2.7m floor-to-ceiling double-glazed windows allow the owners to experience the gardens all year round.<img alt="8-huddy-street-forde-act-2914-76284-image-0-20230302033137529369-thumbnail-1920x1920-70" class="richtext-image full-width" height="533" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/8-huddy-street-forde-act-2914-76284-image-0-20.width-800_EEGBHpV.jpg" width="800">“The house really captures outdoor-indoor living. It feels like you’re outside, even when you’re inside,” she says.“And the sellers said one of the best aspects of the home is sitting in the back living area, even in winter.”The home is equipped for the cooler months with two gas fireplaces and ducted heating and cooling, zoned to each room. Mulligans Flat Reserve is within walking distance of the property, with the home offering views of the reserve and Black Mountain.“The sellers have mentioned there’s a number of beautiful walking trails and paths they enjoy on the weekend,” Jason says.“A home of this quality, with a sizeable 942sqm parcel of land on one of Forde’s premier streets, is rare.”<img alt="8-huddy-street-forde-act-2914-76284-image-0-20230302220134853338-thumbnail-1920x1920-70" class="richtext-image full-width" height="533" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/8-huddy-street-forde-act-2914-76284-image-0-20.width-800_pkzUvnH.jpg" width="800">But Jason says the charm of the four-bedroom, two-bathroom, triple-garage house doesn’t end with the landscaping and location.“There’s a number of living areas, so it’s very functional for larger families,” he says.The house has three indoor living spaces, including a theatre with in-built speakers and a rumpus that can be closed off from the main residence.“You could use the rumpus as a play area, or if you’ve got a family with older teens, it can be converted into a games room,” Alysia says.<img alt="8-huddy-street-forde-act-2914-76284-image-0-20230302220135748293-thumbnail-1920x1920-70" class="richtext-image full-width" height="533" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/8-huddy-street-forde-act-2914-76284-image-0-20.width-800_OX03ZrO.jpg" width="800">The kitchen features a large island benchtop, glass splashback, a feature drinks cabinet, and hot and cold filtered tap water. It comes fully equipped with Bosch appliances, including a cooktop, oven, dishwasher and integrated microwave.The master suite features a walk-in-robe and twin vanity ensuite, and is separated from two of the three other bedrooms.Two bedrooms at the back of the home have built-in robes and access to the main bathroom.<img alt="8-huddy-street-forde-act-2914-76284-image-0-20230302033138065336-thumbnail-1920x1920-70" class="richtext-image full-width" height="533" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/8-huddy-street-forde-act-2914-76284-image-0-20.width-800_kP1oJsf.jpg" width="800">Jason says the family selling the home is emotional about giving it up for a tree change.“So much time has gone into bringing this home to what it is today,” he says.The Forde shops are within walking distance of Huddy Street and Gungahlin town centre is a short drive away.Number 8 Huddy Street, Forde, will be auctioned at 6pm on Thursday 30 March 2023.<a href="https://zango.com.au/sale/8-huddy-street-forde-act-2914-76284/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">View the full listing.</a>Article originally written and published by <a href="https://the-riotact.com/renowned-architect-designed-gardens-front-and-centre-of-canberra-property/641613" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The RiotACT.</a>

Emotional sellers place Adam Hobill-designed Forde home up for auction

It’s been more than 13 years since you could “buy a block of land with stunning views in the brand new suburb of Forde!” - but for one lucky person, that dream is about to come true.<a href="https://zango.com.au/sale/17-quinane-avenue-forde-act-2914-53783/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">A 988sqm block in the heights of the suburb</a> has suddenly become available and it’s a chance for one person to build their designer dream home - Hollywood Hills style - with a pool and vistas out across Forde, Gungahlin and right through to Black Mountain.<img alt="17-quinane-avenue-forde-act-2914-53783-image-0-20220211221624613226-crop-c0-5__0-5-1600x750-70.jpeg" class="richtext-image full-width" height="375" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/17-quinane-avenue-forde-act-2914-53783-image-0.width-800.jpg" width="800">The block has been sitting quietly at the top of Quinane Street for more than a decade but current owners have reluctantly decided to let it go.“This is about as rare as it gets,” says sales agent <a href="https://zango.com.au/agents/justin-taylor/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Justin Taylor</a> of McGrath Canberra.“We’re talking arguably the best street in Forde, and one of the best blocks on that street.”In fact, it’s located at one of the highest points in Forde, Justin says.Architecturally-designed, DA-approved plans for a beautiful home already exist for the block, and include three huge living spaces and a spot in the backyard for a designer pool. Designed by Philip Leeson Architects, the plans include four bedrooms upstairs, allowing the new owners to wake up to some of the best views in the region.<img alt="17-quinane-avenue-forde-act-2914-53783-image-0-20220211221625028552-crop-c0-5__0-5-1600x750-70.jpeg" class="richtext-image full-width" height="375" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/17-quinane-avenue-forde-act-2914-53783-image-0.width-800_dioZysF.jpg" width="800">The block is located next door to the suburb record-breaking home at number 15, which sold off-market in 2020 for $2.15m.And the people most interested in the block so far?“We’re getting a huge amount of enquiry from those already living in Forde, who love the suburb and want to upgrade to a home they can live in forever,” Justin says.“They’ve obviously fallen in love with the area and know they want to stay for a very long time.”<img alt="17-quinane-avenue-forde-act-2914-53783-image-0-20220211221626545627-crop-c0-5__0-5-1600x750-70.jpeg" class="richtext-image full-width" height="375" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/17-quinane-avenue-forde-act-2914-53783-image-0.width-800_xv9Gxr3.jpg" width="800">Part of the attraction of Forde is phenomenal access to nature, Justin says, with 30 per cent of the suburb designated as green space. Out of the 2100 homes in Forde, every house is within 200m of a park, wetland, nature reserve or open space. And the suburb is bordered by Mulligan’s Flat.“My favourite thing about Forde is just the beauty of the suburb,” Justin says.“Every house has to have three different building materials on the facade, which just makes for a beautiful aesthetic.”The last block in Forde, <a href="https://zango.com.au/sale/17-quinane-avenue-forde-act-2914-53783/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">located at number 17 Quinane Avenue</a>, will be auctioned at 10.30am on Saturday 26 February 2022.

Design your own ‘Hollywood Hills’ style home on the very last block in Forde

A luxury five-bedroom house at <a href="https://zango.com.au/sale/22-paquita-street-forde-act-2914-42718/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">22 Paquita Street</a> in <a href="https://zango.com.au/research/suburb/forde-act-2914/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Forde</a> that is set to go under the hammer this Sunday 27th June has been inundated with interest from far and wide.“A family from Western Australia is really keen in buying this house which is 3000kms away”, said Principal <a href="https://zango.com.au/agents/jess-smith-3/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Jess Smith</a> of <a href="https://zango.com.au/agencies/stone/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Stone Gungahlin</a>.“There is also a family moving from Sydney and local families from Gungahlin,” Ms Smith said.<img alt="22 Paquita Street FORDE, ACT 2914" class="richtext-image full-width" height="533" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/Screen_Shot_2021-06-23_at_4.52.05_pm.width-800.png" width="800"><a href="https://zango.com.au/sale/22-paquita-street-forde-act-2914-42718/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">No. 22 Paquita Street</a>, Forde is split across two levels and marketed as a family residence that “exudes modern and architecturally impressive aesthetic”. It’s hard to disagree with that.The five-bedroom, two-bathroom property is situated on a 580sqm block and features an in-ground pool, manicured garden, high-quality design throughout and a large outdoor entertainment area.<img alt="22 Paquita Street FORDE, ACT 2914" class="richtext-image full-width" height="532" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/Screen_Shot_2021-06-23_at_4.49.02_pm.width-800.png" width="800">Inside, the architecturally-designed features certainly makes the home stand out. Saying the property has high-ceilings is almost an understatement - the high vaulted ceiling and highly placed windows capture a stream of natural light and make the indoor space feel energetic and spacious.The downstairs floorplan is dedicated to the expansive open-plan living, dining and kitchen zone.There is timber flooring throughout and direct access to the outdoor entertainment area and pool. There is no doubt that this is where the kids will spend most of their time.<img alt="22 Paquita Street FORDE, ACT 2914" class="richtext-image full-width" height="531" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/Screen_Shot_2021-06-23_at_4.49.12_pm.width-800.png" width="800">The separate outdoor entertainment area is equipped for all seasons thanks to a cosy fire pit and outdoor seating in amongst the manicured garden.Ms Smith said the pool is a huge drawcard for interested buyers.“In the last 12 to 18 months, not a lot of properties in Forde have sold with a pool”, she said.<img alt="22 Paquita Street FORDE, ACT 2914" class="richtext-image full-width" height="534" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/Screen_Shot_2021-06-23_at_4.50.31_pm.width-800.png" width="800">According to Ms Smith, the interior design is also unique and another key selling feature.“A lot of big traditional family homes have the family areas downstairs and all the bedrooms upstairs, but here having the master bedroom downstairs means that the parents get this area and the kids get the upstairs area”, she said.<img alt="22 Paquita Street FORDE, ACT 2914" class="richtext-image full-width" height="532" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/Screen_Shot_2021-06-23_at_4.51.09_pm.width-800.png" width="800">Upstairs, all four bedrooms are carpeted throughout and have views of the natural landscape. All bedrooms have built-in-wardrobes, while one additional bedroom also has a Juliette balcony.Back downstairs, the kitchen is modern and has a large island bench with plenty of space to cook and eat.When the kids are not up for a swim in the pool, the downstairs rumpus room is the perfect size and place for a family movie night. From here, there is direct access to the outdoor courtyard that wraps around the side of the property.<img alt="22 Paquita Street FORDE, ACT 2914" class="richtext-image full-width" height="536" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/Screen_Shot_2021-06-23_at_4.49.31_pm.width-800.png" width="800">Additional features include a garage and ducted reverse cycle heating and cooling.According to <a href="https://zango.com.au/research/suburb/forde-act-2914/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Zango Data</a>, currently 4308 people call Forde home and $807,000 is the 2021 median property price.To arrange an inspection or find out more about <a href="https://zango.com.au/sale/22-paquita-street-forde-act-2914-42718/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">22 Paquita Street</a> in <a href="https://zango.com.au/research/suburb/forde-act-2914/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Forde</a>, contact <a href="https://zango.com.au/agencies/stone/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Stone Gungahlin’s</a> <a href="https://zango.com.au/agents/jess-smith-3/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Jess Smith</a> on 0410 125 475 or <a href="https://zango.com.au/agents/jess-doolan-3/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Jess Doolan</a> on 0477 775 773.

Luxury Forde Home Attracting Interest From Around Australia

One of the best things about the nation’s capital is just how surrounded by nature we are. You could be walking the buzzing strips of Lonsdale Street or the Kingston Foreshore one minute, and less than a 10 minute drive away could see you hiking amongst nature or lapping up natural expanses as far as the eye can see. Want to enjoy Canberra’s natural surrounds every day? Here are four homes for sale on Zango right now where a nature reserve, bush walk or ample greenery is right on your doorstep.<h4><a href="https://zango.com.au/sale/78-duffy-street-ainslie-act-2602-28585/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">78 Duffy Street, Ainslie</a></h4>Ainslie is already a highly coveted suburb, and Duffy Street, which frames the western border of Mount Ainslie Nature Reserve, is one of the suburb’s most tightly held spots. Perched on the high side of Duffy Street is this three bedroom home, which has been owned by the same family for over 50 years. The lovingly renovated home has light-filled living areas and good-sized bedrooms. You can glimpse the leafy surrounds from most of the rooms and even the kitchen sink, or head out to the private rear garden and entertaining area to really lap it up. And it’s just a short walk to join the track to make your way up Mount Ainslie, to be rewarded with what is arguably the best view of the capital.<h4><a href="https://zango.com.au/sale/20-kater-close-macarthur-act-2904-28663/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">20 Kater Close, Macarthur</a></h4><img alt="20 Kater Close MACARTHUR.png" class="richtext-image full-width" height="497" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/20_Kater_Close_MACARTHUR.width-800.png" width="800">Want direct access from your backyard to the neighbouring nature reserve? Try this solar passive-designed residence in Macarthur. Sitting on a large 1016sqm block, the home boasts four bedrooms, including an elegant and segregated master suite, a separate lounge and dining room, a well-appointed kitchen, plus a sprawling family room which opens to a delightful entertaining area. Out the back is a low maintenance landscaped garden, with an automated programmable sprinkling system, or pop out the back gate for direct access to the tranquil Macarthur Park Reserve.<h4><a href="https://zango.com.au/sale/7-53-derrington-crescent-bonython-act-2905-28274/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">7/53 Derrington Crescent, Bonython</a></h4><img alt="7:53 Derrington Crescent, Bonython.png" class="richtext-image full-width" height="501" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/753_Derrington_Crescent_Bonython.width-800.png" width="800">This free-standing townhouse in Bonython is about as close to the banks of the Murrumbidgee River as you can get. Surrounded by nature, this ex-display home boasts four bedrooms with built-ins, two bathrooms, a sunny open dining and kitchen area with brand new gas cooktop and electric oven, plus separate living and dining areas. A small deck just off the lounge offers up peaceful views overlooking the nature reserve. Otherwise, Pine Island Reserve is just down the hill, Stranger Pond is around the corner and the river is moments away with plenty of great spots for a swim.<h4><a href="https://zango.com.au/sale/7-sykes-place-forde-act-2914-28541/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">7 Sykes Place, Forde</a></h4><img alt="7 Sykes Place FORDE.png" class="richtext-image full-width" height="486" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/7_Sykes_Place_FORDE.width-800.png" width="800">Sitting just one block from the edge of the picturesque Mulligans Flat Nature Reserve, this three bedroom single-level home is designed for comfortable living, with a clever floorplan, designer kitchen, and spacious living areas. You can enjoy your two private outdoor areas, complete with established fruit trees, raised flowerbeds and strategic walkways, or pop across the road where there’s a generous greenbelt and children&#x27;s playground. Otherwise, walking trails where you can immerse yourself in nature are a stone’s throw away.

5 news articles with tag forde

5 places for amazing coffee (and even better play options for the kids)

Emotional sellers place Adam Hobill-designed Forde home up for auction

Design your own ‘Hollywood Hills’ style home on the very last block in Forde

Luxury Forde Home Attracting Interest From Around Australia

4 Canberra homes for sale where nature’s right on your doorstep