It’s my final article for Zango, and of course it’s about my own property in Queanbeyan

In the master bedroom of this property at 4/13 Gerald Street, Queanbeyan, you’ll find a simple office desk decorated with a vase that aptly says ‘Creative Juices’. (You may need to zoom in.)

This is where I’ve sat for countless hours over the past three years writing about Canberra region property and lifestyle: the good, the bad, the Instagrammable and the unusual.

I’ve had the privilege of telling phenomenal stories about houses built by Greek immigrant families in a burgeoning capital, confirming Jarrod Croker was staying on at the Raiders after retiring from the field, and asking Jana Pittman why she moved from sport to delivering babies.

The highlights were interviews with people who grew up in a very young Canberra, who moved to suburbs like Curtin and MacGregor when they were new suburbs ‘out in the bush’. And of course the darling Heather Henderson, nee Menzies, daughter of former Prime Minister Sir Robert Menzies. Her memories of living in The Lodge as a teenager made me cry. So special.

I challenged you all to think about Canberra suburbs as Disney movies, crime series and even Arnott’s biscuits. I offered my advice on whether or not to buy a caravan at the south coast (don’t do it).

In order to start a new chapter of my life, I’m making some very bold changes. I’m hanging up my hat at Zango and a couple of other clients to focus on a new business. And I’m also selling my beautiful townhouse in Queanbeyan to — wait for it — move my family back in with my parents. At the grand old age of 47.

I really want my new business to work, so I’ve decided to go mortgage free for the next 12 months.

Number 4/13 Gerald Street is quite simply located in one of the best spots in Queanbeyan. We walk to the showground for the rodeo, the town park for the multicultural festival and can see every council fireworks display from our courtyard on special occasions.

We bought the three bedroom, two-bathroom (and three toilet) townhouse on Gerald Street so our teenage kids could walk to school at Karabar High. And because I loved the pure Queanbeyan-ness of the street: it’s a blend of aged care, housing commission, flats and modern townhouse complexes like ours. I know that’s not for everyone, but it’s the kind of character that reminded me of where I once lived in Earl’s Court in London and Campbelltown in Sydney.

When we were surprised with our 'bonus baby' in 2020 — and I gave birth in 2021 at the ripe old age of 43 — we brought our newborn home to Gerald Street, laid her on the floor on a Dumbo blanket and just stared at her. Me, my husband, and her teenage siblings. We couldn’t believe it. The tiled living area was perfect for wiping up spaghetti that had hit the floor, and for her to learn to crawl, walk and ride a scooter.

The covered section of the courtyard was like having another huge lounge room and we hosted many State of Origin parties and barbecues. My husband and I were spoiled with a giant master suite with ensuite and walk-in-robe, with enough space for me to write my articles overlooking our boutique complex.

Our home is perfect for a first home buyer or anyone downsizing looking for an easy walk down town, a luxurious master suite and the easiest lifestyle possible.

Bree Jackson from Ian McNamee & Partners, whose mum I went to school with (so Queanbeyan), is doing an incredible job of marketing.

Farewell beautiful Zango audience. Thank you for having me. I can confirm that when you choose to advertise your property on Zango, you’re supporting a truly passionate, Canberra-obsessed and innovation-driven business. My favourite kind.

View the full listing for 4/13 Gerald Street, Queanbeyan.

Follow Bree and her new business, Suburban Priestess, on Instagram or Facebook.

Photo of Sir Robert Menzies and Heather Henderson (nee Menzies) courtesy of the Menzies family.