'It’s an authentic beauty': Braddon home steeped in history and detail

A home that has received the magic touch of designer Gina Carmody always stirs some interest when it appears on the real estate market.

Now, it’s the award-winning designer’s own property that is sure to get hearts racing.

Carmody’s lovingly restored and extended lodging at 19A Farrer Street, Braddon, was originally designed by Kenneth Oliphant, an architectural icon of Canberra, and will go under the hammer on 29 November.

Agent Holly Komorowski from Home.byholly said the home was a seamless blend of old and new.

“Gina has worked her design magic on this home for the past 20 years,” Holly explains.

“Her influence and her work are scattered throughout Canberra and, in particular, in heritage houses in the inner north. She’s got a natural way of connecting old with new and reimagining whilst preserving.

“Her own home is, of course, a perfect example of this. This home is cohesively integrated into the landscape. The old part of the home pushes through to a new wing and connects to the garden easily.

“There is also a self-contained separate studio with its own access that has been Gina’s office but could also be utilised for other purposes.”

As you would imagine, the features are plentiful.

Outside, there’s an inground chlorinated pool, outdoor kitchen, oversized double garage and security system. Inside, you won’t know where to look first.

The three-bedroom, three-bathroom masterpiece has living spaces and more than a few surprises, including a 9 x 4-metre playroom attic.

There are beautifully preserved period details. The front living room has an original Oliphant fireplace set with a gas fire, there are high beaded ceilings, picture rails and bay windows. Jarrah features predominantly – the flooring is simply stunning and perfectly complements the incredible kitchen joinery.

The gardens feature neatly clipped box hedging, a sea of agapanthus and magnificent shady trees, including apple and fig trees.

“The home is enchanting, the gardens are ethereal, and the location is compelling,” said Holly.

“Farrer Street is one of those addresses that, when it pops up, it grabs attention. Anything in Braddon in that tightly held enclave is always significant, and this is an iconic property.

“It’s an authentic beauty but also serves up a decidedly buzzing urban lifestyle.”

It’s a leisurely stroll to the independent eateries, shops and bars of the dynamic Braddon precinct.

Surrounded by green spaces, including Haig Park and Mt Ainslie Reserve, the home is also handy to Dickson and the popular Ainslie shops. It’s close to transport, including light rail, providing fast links to all of Canberra, and is a stone’s throw from the ANU and the CBD.

As for Carmody, she loves the area and isn’t leaving any time soon, Holly says.

“I think you could say she is downsizing and is looking forward to creating a home for the next chapter, but she’s staying in Braddon and close to family.”

19A Farrer Street Braddon goes to auction 5:30pm on Wednesday 29 November 2023.

View the full listing.

Article originally written and published by the RiotACT