2019 Year in Review - Property

In 2019, RiotACT continued to keep you informed about the latest property and real estate news in Canberra and the surrounding region. We brought you market insights, checked out new developments and reported on major construction projects.

Our articles covered award-winning architecture, urban planning proposals and our ever-popular feature properties. From a palatial country retreat to a vineyard with views of the Brindabellas, here are the top ten property stories of the year.

10. Rocky Mountain High: North American-style alpine retreat for sale in Jindabyne

How would you like to live in a luxury alpine retreat which recreates a North American-style ski lodge? This property in Jindabyne fit the bill perfectly, and when it came onto the market in February, Glynis Quinlan’s write-up proved popular with readers.

Billed as offering breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains in winter and being part of “a natural country paradise” for the rest of the year, the Jindabyne retreat combines the look of a log home with Australian design elements.

9. Boutique vineyard and home for sale in the heart of Bega Valley

If you’ve ever dreamed of owning your own vineyard among rolling green hills then a property for sale for $699,000 in the heart of the Bega Valley could make all your wishes come true, wrote Glynis Quinlan in June.

Featured on River Cottage Australia, the vineyard has about 2,200 established vines consisting of Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Sangiovese, Shiraz, Mataro and Grenache with a yearly capacity of six tonnes and a potential yearly income ranging between $30,000 and $60,000.

8. Canberra a safe bet in hot housing market in 2020, says report

Canberra home prices are set to climb in 2020, even if economic conditions deteriorate nationally, reported Ian Bushnell in November. In fact, under four scenarios explored by the Housing Boom and Bust Report for 2020, released by SQM Research, Canberra is the safest bet in the country. While Sydney and Melbourne will boom under the best-case scenario with double-digit growth figures, if the economy heads south only Canberra looks likely to offer consistent improvement and stay in healthy positive territory.

7. Want to own your own island? There’s a 122-hectare one for sale on the South Coast

Have you ever dreamed of owning your own island? The rare opportunity came up on the NSW South Coast in July, and Glynis Quinlan was there to check it out. The sale of Burraga Island – often known as Pig Island – attracted a great deal of interest, with a price tag that could be more affordable than the exotic islands normally owned by billionaires.

6. Blundells Cottage upgrade appals and saddens Canberrans

Landscaping upgrades to the much-treasured and historic Blundells Cottage in the Parliamentary Triangle have appalled many Canberrans, wrote John Thistleton in January. New paving and steps with fawn edging and protruding steel handrails clash with the rustic iron and stone cottage, the last remaining pre-Federal Capital residence in the Parliamentary Triangle, it was claimed.

A surprised, ‘saddened’ urban planner and architect David Flannery posted the changes on Facebook, commenting that “the new paving works are so out of context with the character of this early and significant pastoral era cottage”.

5. MBA’s House of the Year is a grand design and classic build

A palatial custom home in Holt built by Classic Constructions and designed by TT Architecture was named Canberra’s House of the Year Award at the Master Builders ACT Building Excellence Awards in June. The six-bedroom, six-bathroom home on Drake Brockmann Drive is about 1200 square metres and is located on a former vineyard with views of the Brindabellas.

4. Idyllic home and property, just a wee jump from Yass

A charming four-bedroom cottage, with unique features and a simply spectacular aspect in Wee Jasper, went to auction on 18 September, and Lisa Herbert’s write-up ahead of the big day proved popular. Situated on a limestone cliff, looking over a valley dotted with caves and fossils, the stunning property came completely renovated and finished with a warm, contemporary colour palette. Have a closer look.

3. Secluded South Coast hideaway comes with its own private beach

Reading Glynis Quinlan’s profile of a secluded hideaway located on a scenic headland between Batemans Bay and Moruya again, it’s no wonder it’s in the top 10. The property includes 20 hectares of bushland which cascades down to a virtually private beach, she wrote. Aimed at making the most of the outdoors and blending in with the environment, the property comprises a collection of six versatile pavilions, each designed to serve different functions.

2. Country homestead on 100 acres offers life on a farm 30 minutes from Canberra

A country homestead on 100 acres of rural pasture just 30 minutes’ drive from Canberra offered its buyer the rare opportunity to live on a farm while still being close to the city. Glynis Quinlan visited the recently renovated three-bedroom homestead in Jeir, set on gently undulating land 15 minutes from Hall Village and close to local wineries.

1. Imagine a most marvellous mansion, your dream house is here in Yass!

They say to dream of living in mansions and palaces predicts increased opportunity in life. Also that you should look at areas of your life that have not been developed or explored – there is a sense of need for a project. If that is the case for you, check out Lisa Herbert’s write-up of 1380 Cooks Hill Road, Yass.

Join us tomorrow for a look back at the top food and wine articles on RiotACT in 2019.