Meet Calthorpe and Woodger: Canberra’s first real estate agents

No matter where in the world you live, it’s easy to lust after exploring foreign lands or faraway places – learning about the history and sightseeing amazing attractions.

But what if we explored a little closer to home, and really took the time to connect with where we live?

In Canberra, we have such a rich history despite being the youngest settlement in Australia. Many of our earliest buildings are still in great shape, and capture what life was like in the nation’s capital back in the roaring 1920s.

One of these buildings is Calthorpes’ House: one of Canberra’s earliest properties and home to the Calthorpe family. It was designed by Kenneth Oliphant – an esteemed architect from Victoria who designed more than 30 of Canberra’s original homes around Forrest, Red Hill and Griffith.

Interestingly, the home’s original owner, John Henry (Harry) Calthorpe, was also a partner in the first local real estate agency to sell land leases in Canberra.

Calthorpe and Woodgers Ltd. was a partnership between Calthorpe and brothers William and Tom Woodger. Calthorpe and William Woodger had a lot in common, having both grown up around Queanbeyan and served in WW1.

The real estate business was officially established in 1927, and managed the sale of the first business and residential leases in the ACT. One of these was the land where Calthorpes’ House was built.

Calthorpe and Woodgers Ltd. became very successful, acting for the Commonwealth in the sale of Canberra leases for 35 years. After Calthorpe passed away in 1950, the business continued under William Woodger before eventually merging with L.J. Hooker in 1959 where he became a board member.

Visiting Calthorpes’ House

Calthorpe engaged Kenneth Oliphant to design Calthorpes’ House at 24 Mugga Way, Red Hill in the late 1920s. It was to be the family home for Calthorpe, his wife Dell, and their two daughters who attended Canberra Grammar School just down the road.

After Calthorpe passed away, his wife continued to live in the home until shortly before her passing in 1979. The property was then acquired by the Federal Government and later granted heritage status, where it has since been preserved as a wonderful showcase of life in Canberra’s younger years.

The house is a charming cottage surrounded by beautiful gardens. It features an earthy façade with archways over the verandah and window shutters. Timber panelling, exposed beams, and an intuitive layout are indicative of Oliphant’s architectural style.

Other features of Calthorpes’ House which are reminiscent of the times, include:

> a tradesman’s safe on the back porch
> maid’s room and laundry
> ice chest
> breakfast room
> blackout blinds (compulsory during WW11)
> bomb shelter in the backyard

There is also an impressive collection of family memorabilia including photos, war treasures, old toys, and much more.

Calthorpes’ House is open to the public with guided tours on weekends (bookings essential due to COVID). To learn more or to take a virtual tour, go to ACT Historic Places.