26 May 2020

Rebuild in Duffy defines the meaning of hand crafted

| home.byholly and Bianca Way
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4 Jemalong St, Duffy

4 Jemalong St, Duffy. Photos: Supplied.

Duffy has been a suburb held in high regard for over 50 years, with prestigious homes, large blocks bordering Mount Stromlo and Narrabundah Hill, and an enviable local community.

The residents of Duffy have lived in some of the most sought-after homes in Weston Creek. However, in 2003, over 200 of the original homes were lost, changing not only the residents but the entire suburban landscape.

Over time, like the forest after a fire, Duffy has been renewed, rebuilt and re-established.

Bill and Viv of 4 Jemalong Street have been long-standing residents of Weston Creek, and when purchasing their block of land, they were presented with the opportunity to create a home that represents a significant fusion between the new and the old.

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“We love living here. What attracted us to Duffy is that Narrabundah Hill is right on our doorstep. It is literally up the road. We have spent so much time walking the many tracks within it. Time spent riding to Mount Stromlo and utilising the amenities down the road there, as well as accessing the running track, have been fantastic for the runners in the family. We have also noticed a big change in Duffy’s demographics from an older population to many more families moving to the suburb,” Viv said.

4 Jemalong Street

4 Jemalong Street was crafted lovingly by Bill’s father.

Unlike its project home brothers and sisters, 4 Jemalong Street was built by Bill’s dad, lovingly and painstakingly, using high-quality hardwoods, solid timber doors, even screws engineered to withstand a cyclone. Like the strong bones that forged the original character and charm of Duffy, this home was more than just built, it was crafted.

“The opportunity to build our own home was very appealing to us,” Bill said.

“We knew what we wanted but we could not find the house we were looking for in the property market at the time. My dad had recently retired from the workforce so we thought it would be a good opportunity to use his skills and knowledge and his contacts to help build the home we wanted.

“It took us two-and-a-half years to build. This was in part to my dad wanting things done the old fashioned way such as curing the concrete slab for at least a month and taking the time to build the house properly, doing it his way and taking no short cuts. Because of this mentality, we have ended up with a beautiful home built to the highest standards as can be seen when you walk into the house. The house is unique and is made with a lot of love and care,” Bill said.

Blending its high-quality finishes with functionality, the floor plan is designed around the modern family, with 4 large bedrooms, all with built-ins and a massive family bathroom. A lounge/theatre room with solid timber doors lets you close off the sounds of video games and movies when it’s loaded with kids.

“The simplicity in style is ideal as every room is very spacious and has been utilised daily with no wasted spaces. The massive storage spaces also help. The views overlooking Duffy, the City, Parliament House and Telstra Tower due to our block location on the high side of Duffy has been very special. Having Duffy Primary School a few minutes away as well as the shops is also very handy,” Viv said.

4 Jemalong St

The rear of the home offers sweeping views over Canberra and Black Mountain.

The rear of the home opens up to the kitchen and sun-drenched combined family and dining areas, all opening out onto the deck with sweeping views over Canberra and Black Mountain. A space designed to have you soak in the seasons as they transform in front of you.

Bill and Viv now know it’s time to move onto a new adventure as both a family and a couple, and will always hold their time spent in Duffy very close to them. It’s been full of wonderful family memories.

“The kids have grown up in this house and there is no better feeling than coming home to a house that makes you happy. We have had 14 fantastic years here. Our kids are now adults and it is time to move towards the next chapter of our lives. We will also miss the neighbours in the street that we have come to know as friends,” Bill said.

4 Jemalong Street is generous in its size, abundance of natural light, energy efficiency, functionality and form. It is considered, built to last and crafted to be enjoyed.

Bianca Way is a residential property specialist for home.byholly, which focuses on selling houses throughout the established Canberra suburbs. Bianca is living proof that real estate agents can be authentic, genuine, friendly and highly effective. Contact Bianca on 0403 650 128.

Bianca Way

Bianca Way is a residential property specialist for home.by holly.

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