This classic 'Queanbeyan Nonna' home from 1968 will get you right in the feels

From the grapevines out the back to the aqua bathtub and the furniture, flicking through the listing at 123 Ross Road, Queanbeyan, is like a wonderful trip back to your 1960s and 70s childhood.

The six-bedroom home is on the market for the first time in 54 years and is one buyer's chance to own a little piece of Queanbeyan history.

High on the hills of Crestwood, the home was built by Italian husband and wife team Giovanni and Maria Zanini in 1968: a forever home for themselves and kids Wally and Bruna. It was a serious upgrade for the family, who'd lived for a decade in a three-bedroom fibro home up the street at 91 Ross Road.

According to Wally Zanini, Giovanni had initially moved to Australia in the early 1950s on his own - "with pretty much an empty suitcase" - leaving behind a pregnant Maria in Italy.

Maria and little Wally arrived in Australia two-and-a-half years later - and it was the first time Giovanni had seen his son.

"It was a pretty special reunion, mum tells me," Wally says.

The family initially settled in Sydney but soon moved to Queanbeyan when a work opportunity arose for Giovanni.

“Dad heard there were Italian crews cutting pine up in the forests behind Canberra, so he came up here and started to work with them," Wally says.

When it came to the build of their dream home at 123 Ross Road, no expense was spared. Giovanni made sure the house was made from the best materials at the time, and had all the modern appliances installed for wife Maria.

“It's a very solid house, double brick, concrete slab, terracotta tiles, hardwood formed roof, not trusses like they do these days. So it's got all the good stuff in it,” Wally says.

The original mid-century features are straight from the set of an Italian version of Mad Men. The bathroom features an aqua bath and sink, with matching detailed tiles and stunning 1960s laminex vanity.

The kitchen features wood panelling cabinetry with retro glass overhead display cabinets to show off the crystalware. It also boasts a rare original wood stove.

The self-contained, two-bedroom flat downstairs makes the property the perfect option for a multigenerational family or as an investment opportunity. In fact, the Zaninis had some pretty interesting tenants in the flat downstairs over the years: several members of the Queanbeyan police force.

“One of Dad's friends knew members of the police in Queanbeyan, and that's how it started," Wally says.

"One policeman started renting, and if he was ready to leave, or get transferred around, there was always another officer to come in and rent downstairs.

"We were very safe. No-one would ever break into the place."

Upstairs the extra wide hallway, high ceilings and large four bedrooms provide plenty of space for a growing family. The large living area is accentuated by floor-to-ceiling windows and doors that open up onto a sun-filled verandah, providing stunning views of Queanbeyan from almost every angle.

“You can see over 180 degrees of the city, all the way down. It's uninterrupted," Wally says.

"We've loved living here but sadly dad passed away a couple of years ago and it's too hard for mum to manage on her own."

Other unique features of the 1960s home include an extra long garage with internal access, ceiling fans, a chook pen and grassed garden beds out the back, extra large laundry, two workshops and a cellar.

Ross Road is within walking distance of Queanbeyan High School, Queanbeyan Park, pubs and shops.

123 Ross Road will be auctioned at 11am on Saturday 20 August 2022.

View the full listing.