A slice of Canberra’s history is on the market for the first time since 1950

Located in the heart of Ainslie in Canberra’s inner-north, this three-bedroom property at 54 Limestone Avenue is on the market for the first time in 70 years.

Designed and advertised in 1926 by the Federal Capital Commission to entice public servants to move to the bush capital, it’s safe to say this historic homestead has seen a lot over the years.

The property has been home to many renowned Canberran locals, including a former headmaster of Ainslie Primary School, an architect and a local teacher.

Popular Ainslie locals, the Leonard family, bought the home in 1950 from Malcolm Moir, a predominant modernist architect who designed many of Canberra’s early buildings.

The property has been tightly held by the Leonard family ever since. Now, the cottage is ready to make history with new owners, with help from Luton Property Dickson’s Melissa Martin-Smith and Simon Porter.

“There is a lot of emotional connection to this home,” said selling agent Melissa Martin-Smith.

“It’s been a home to a lot of happy memories.”

Selling agent Simon Porter said it is rare for see historic houses like 54 Limestone Avenue on the market.

From its exterior, you can tell the property is a time warp to the mid 1920s. The original 1926 front door is striking and well placed amongst the manicured gardens.

Inside, the property features high ceilings, large windows and exposed beams that give off a sense of space. There are three bedrooms, two-bathrooms, an ensuite, kitchen, living room, study, and a formal lounge room which opens out to the sprawling gardens and a lock-up garage.

“Because the block is so large, everywhere you look is so green,” said Ms Martin-Smith.

The property was renovated in the mid-1970s to include an updated kitchen, additional bedroom and a small flat with an ensuite.

Located in Ainslie’s Alt Crescent Heritage Precinct, Mr Porter said interested buyers do not have the option of demolishing the property and turning it into a mansion.

Perhaps that is a good thing. Homes that encapsulate the rich history of Canberra are diamonds in the rough these days.

According to Zango data, the median sale price for a property in Ainslie is $900,000.

With an original price tag of £1,250 in 1926, today the historic property has an auction price guide of $1.3 million. The cottage will head under the hammer on Wednesday 14 April at 5pm.

You can view this beautiful historic home at 54 Limestone Avenue in Ainslie online. For further information, contact Luton Dickson sales agent Simon Porter on 0418 453 950 or Melissa Martin-Smith on 0412 765 198.