'Distinctive, iconic and breathtaking': Ainslie's Charred Timber House hits the market

The volume of adjectives that come to mind when glancing at the Charred Timber House is overwhelming.

But if there is one that suits, home.byHolly real estate agent Holly Komorowski says it would have to be ‘iconic’.

“It’s one of those homes that are really well-recognised within its community for its beautiful and distinctive facade,” she said.

“People also feel very invested in it as they have watched it evolve and grow.”

Located on the steep block of 24 Raymond Street in Ainslie, the home has been designed to follow the slope of the site.

The owners engaged renowned architect Rob Henry (Rob Henry Architects) and esteemed builder Chris Walmsley (Walmsley Building Solutions) in a perfect partnership to realise their vision of a family home intrinsically connected with the surrounding landscape and community.

Holly says the outcome is impeccable.

“The owners wanted an opportunity to positively impact the way they lived and interacted with the different spaces, their environment, and community, as well as delivering a high spec, designer home.”

It was featured in the 2019 DESIGN Canberra Festival ‘living rooms’ event and design blog Hunting for George, and its laneway mural is known to locals and visitors alike.

The street-facing carport mural by Australian artist Claire Foxton features a child’s face and local fauna in a respectful and genuine nod to the site’s history.

It also adds value to the aesthetic of the urban landscape.

Holly says the mural completes the vision, and that it inspires a sense of pride and belonging in the local community.

“People make an effort to walk past the mural, or they stop and talk about it,” she said.

Obviously a striking build, the home’s signature elements are the Japanese-inspired Shou Sugi Ban cladding, installed by the current owners.

“The stunning charred timber cladding is a statement, which creates a sense of mystique as to what lies behind,” Holly explained.

While the recycled hardwood timber screen to the double carport pays homage to the former cottage – it’s made from the original roof battens – this house is all about modern comforts and celebrates the best advances in sustainable living.

The solar passive design delivers northerly light into all living areas and bedrooms while allowing for cross-ventilation by carefully located southerly windows.

It also delivers on the current owner’s intent to create a sustainable home, boasting an energy efficiency rating of 7.8.

Holly explains that this has been achieved by using recycled timber and solar power, and water collection to offset energy consumption.

Heat pump hydronic slab heating and the highly efficient Euro wood combustion heater combine to make the house an economical and comfortable home to escape the Canberra winter, and all the windows and doors are double-glazed.

Oriented towards the north, it’s connected with the outdoors through open spaces and free-flowing gardens, and there’s a stunning contrast between dark and light.

But first and foremost, it’s a family home, Holly says, and one in which all the practical requirements for living are fulfilled.

The flexible floorplan also means it can suit both a young family or one with older children.

Shared and private spaces are separated by small timber and concrete staircases.

An impressive open-plan kitchen and living area is mirrored by an outdoor entertaining and dining area under a pergola.

You’ll find top-of-the-range appliances in the large kitchen, such as a Bosch pyrolytic oven and Bosch combi-steam oven and induction cooktop, Schweigen rangehood and Miele dishwasher.

The main bedroom is large, light-filled and has a practical amount of inbuilt storage and ensuite, while the accommodation wing boasts three bedrooms, all of which include built-in robes and a lovingly designed bathroom with Gareth Ashton (Abey) tapware.

And, when it comes to family-living and an easy lifestyle, location is also important, and this home delivers there too. It’s within striking distance of the Ainslie shops (and its famous IGA cheese selection), schools and, for the thrill-seekers, the Majura Pines mountain bike trails.

Due to the nature of the evolving public health situation, buyers are encouraged to check restrictions regularly. In line with the current ACT Government guidelines, buyer inspections can only be completed online.

To learn more about the iconic Charred Timber House at 24 Raymond Street in Ainslie, or organise a virtual inspection, contact real estate agent Holly Komorowski on 0434 973 987 and check out all the other hot listings on Zango.