Why Strathnairn is a dream location, by a girl who grew up in Belconnen

Rachel Anasson remembers driving on the deserted roads around what is now the suburb of Strathnairn as a teenager, with bright yellow L plates on.

“Dad would point out the window, at the paddocks, and say, there will be lots and lots of homes here one day,” she says.

“And I remember thinking, really? I just couldn’t imagine it.”

A real estate agent with MARQ Property, Rachel grew up in Macgregor, and is a Belconnen girl through and through. She spent a lot of time as a child exploring the area just to the west of Macgregor; the area that would one day become Strathnairn.

“My favourite memories are the walks we used to do, down to the Murrumbidgee River and Shepherd’s Lookout: we were definitely outdoor kids,” she says.

“I’m a little jealous that the residents of Strathnairn have all of that on their doorstep.”

Rachel’s knowledge of the region in and around Strathnairn has become invaluable over the past eight weeks. She’s one of five female real estate agents volunteering their time to market the Strathnairn Charity House, a home built entirely from donated material and time. Proceeds from the auction of the home will benefit three Canberra-based charities.

Strathnairn Charity House, located at 41 Rachel Makinson Street, Strathnairn, is a joint venture of Ginninderry and the Master Builders Association.

Rachel lists the following as the key benefits of life at Strathnairn:

Beautiful balance.

“It’s not a suburb, it’s a lifestyle,” she says.

“You’re 20 minutes from the city but just immersed in these beautiful mountain ranges, walks: it’s peaceful and quiet.

“It successfully delivers a rural feel in a suburban area.”

The northside community.

“I know it’s north versus south in Canberra but I have to say, us northsiders have a fantastic sense of community,” Rachel says.

“I’m always running into school friends, our kids go to the same schools, and now I’m even selling homes for my teachers!

“There’s already a strong community on the north side and residents of Strathnairn will literally be able to influence the type of community they want to be.”

Commitment to sustainability.

“The long-term plan for Ginninderry is centred on sustainable living, and the huge conservation area out there will ensure native wildlife and flora thrives,” Rachel says.

“I’d encourage people to go to the Ginninderry display village to see what the 20-30 year plan is – until you see that for yourself, you don’t understand the full commitment to sustainability.”

Unrivalled amenity.

“While the suburb is being built, there are schools and facilities within established suburbs that are exceptional,” Rachel says.

“Florey and Hawker offer great schools and access to public transport.

“And the amenity of Strathnairn will be unrivalled - starting with fantastic sized blocks.”

Strathnairn Charity House is located at 41 Rachel Makinson Street, Strathnairn, and will be auctioned for charity at 1pm on Saturday 25 March 2023.

The home is open for inspection on Wednesdays and Thursdays 5.30pm-6.15pm, Saturday 3pm-3.45pm and Sunday 11.30am - 12.15pm.

View the full listing.