Panoramic views over Canberra from a central parliamentary triangle location, a sprawling floor plan, premium finishes and a postcode so exclusive it’s shared only by a Pope Francis appointee – welcome to 253/44 Constitution Avenue.
When LJ Hooker Canberra City licensed agent Antony Damiano calls the penthouse in Parkes “truly something special”, you know he means it.
“Most of the time these properties get purchased off the plan and never see the light of day again,” he explains.
“It’s an extremely unique opportunity to be buying a property like this in a brand new building that’s only nine months old.”
Appropriately named The Griffin, the building sits on one of the most prized sites in Canberra, only a stone’s throw from the capital’s most famous landmarks. As the only residential development in Parkes aside from the Archbishop’s residence, it took a lengthy planning process and close consultation with the National Capital Authority to ensure it fit with Walter Burley Griffin’s vision.
“The building had to be finished to the highest possible standard,” Antony explains.
“It took quite a formal, masculine appearance to match Parliament House and the National Library.”
Other iconic Canberra landmarks in the new owner’s backyard include Lake Burley Griffin and Commonwealth Park (with direct pedestrian access to each), both of which are visible from the penthouse’s wrap-around 70 sqm-plus balcony.
“Every time I go out there, I notice something new that you can see,” Antony says.
Floriade is about to paint the nearby Commonwealth Park with over one million colourful blooms, and guests can also enjoy year-round views of Telstra Tower and the Carillon.
This panorama extends indoors courtesy of light-catching 2.7 metre-high floor-to-ceiling windows throughout the three-bedroom apartment’s more than 220 sqm of living space.
Antony says the penthouse’s premium finishing is also wow-ing buyers, with electric blinds, floor-to-ceiling curtains, and custom joinery and timber flooring.
The home also features formal and informal living and dining areas, along with the rare addition of an in-wall gas fireplace and a segregated multipurpose room.
“You could use it as a study, media room or library,” Antony suggests.
“When you have additional space in apartments that can be used however you want, it’s pretty special.”
The kitchen impresses with one of the biggest island benchtops Antony has ever seen, a walk-in pantry, integrated fridge-freezers with a filtered water system and Miele appliances.
Two of the three bedrooms feature walk-in robes and ensuites with underfloor heating, while the third bedroom is serviced by a bathroom with quality fixtures and underfloor heating.
Other creature comforts include a 100 sqm four-car basement garage, an additional fifth car space, NBN fibre to the premises, and fully ducted reverse-cycle heating and cooling.
Residents also have access to a concierge service, health and wellness centre with a 25-metre indoor pool, steam and sauna rooms, weights and cardio gyms and outdoor gardens.
“Because you’re almost in the geographical centre of Canberra, you’re also five minutes away from Kingston Foreshore, Manuka and the city,” Antony explains.
Work, sport or leisure aren’t far either, with Canberra Centre shopping mall, a range of high-end eateries and Mount Ainslie nature reserve all nearby.
The apartment at 253/44 Constitution Avenue in Parkes will go to auction on Saturday, 16 September, from 11:30 am. It will be open for inspection on Saturday, 9 September, from 12:30 pm to 1:15 pm. To find out more, call LJ Hooker licensed agent Antony Damiano on 0473 444 666 or personal assistant Simran Kaur on 0424 636 448, and check out all the latest listings on Zango.