20 November 2018

Artist George Foxhill's Canberra home on market for first time in 60 years

| Amy M
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George Foxhill’s art studio at the back of the property is still intact. The home goes to auction on Wednesday 21 November. Photos: Supplied.

If you’re an Australian art fanatic, here’s your chance to own a piece of history. The Dickson property once called home by long-time Canberra resident and artist George Foxhill is on the market for the first time in over 60 years.

George Foxhill, who has been described as “one of Australia’s most accomplished and sophisticated expressionist artists,” lived at 16 Lowrie Street in Dickson from the 1950s until his death in 2011. He enjoyed a high profile locally and in Europe – with his works exhibited across Australia, in his native Austria, and in Germany.

Don’t let the exterior fool you. This is a home with an interior that oozes vibrancy and creativity.

While the outside may look like your run-of-the-mill inner north property, the interior of this three-bedroom, one-bathroom home is anything but bland. There’s Foxhill’s art studio in the backyard, for one. The property listing describes the studio as “filled with character and warmth reminiscent of another time.” That’s a much more eloquent description than what this author could attempt, and it’s also accurate.

Countless famous artworks were birthed in this studio.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, this home is attracting strong interest from people with hobbies such as pottery and painting. However, Independent Property Group Inner North and City’s Grahame O’Brien says the home would also suit families seeking a well-maintained property in a central location.

“The location is a big drawcard. It’s a quiet little street and close to the Dickson shopping precinct and high schools,” he says.

“Some people have come through and said they’d be interested in converting the studio into a liveable area for their kids, like a teenager’s retreat. Of course, they would have to go through all of the normal approval processes, but people have certainly indicated that type of interest.”

Families will also appreciate the spacious bedrooms and large backyard with ample space for children to play.

The living areas are well-lit and quirky.

The rest of the home is packed with personality and functionality. Bright colours and patterns adorn the walls, while double-brick construction means that it stays cool even on the hottest summer days.

“It’s a north-facing home with living areas at the front. It’s light and bright, with a great aspect,” Grahame says.

“People love the fact that it’s quite quirky. A lot of the interest we’re seeing is from people who are looking to buy to live in, or potentially rent it out with a view to future development.

Old meets new in the kitchen and dining areas.

“It’s a nice and unique home. And really, you don’t need to do anything. You can move in and start enjoying it now, which isn’t something you can say about most properties that are sixty years old.”

16 Lowrie Street will be auctioned by Independent Property Group Inner North and City on Wednesday 21 November at 5:30 pm. To arrange a private inspection contact Grahame O’Brien (0418 625 437) or Tom Osborne (0432 976 148) to make an appointment.

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