The way medium-density housing should be

These iconic townhouses are located in Cook and were designed by notable architect Michael Dysart from early Pettit and Sevitt and Urambi Village recognition. Photos: home.byholly.

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you would’ve seen the bad press about poorly constructed units in Canberra (and across Australia). A recent economist’s report revealed a whopping $250 million (or so) is needed to fix structural and safety defects in apartment complexes across Canberra alone.

Looking at these figures, it makes sense that there’s been a huge shift in buyer preferences. People are wising up and no longer being lured by the sleek, flashy marketing campaigns for off-the-plan, often poorly constructed properties. The astute home buyer/investor is now focusing on quality design and construction, known quantities and investments that are safe and secure.

High-quality design and construction stand the test of time. It’s because of this that the older, low-rise apartment blocks are in demand, and Wybalena Grove – with its low body corporate costs, iconic design and unsurpassed liveability – epitomises medium density housing at its finest.

These iconic townhouses are located in Cook and were designed by notable architect Michael Dysart from early Pettit and Sevitt and Urambi Village recognition in the mid-1970s. This rare, communal and co-operative approach to medium-density housing was not only progressive and unique but remains a pivotal lesson to this day of how medium-density living should be created.

Designed with a visionary focus on liveability, light, community and the seamless incorporation of nature, Dysart’s vision was to effortlessly blend each townhouse with the environment; even the brickwork was carefully selected to match the shade of eucalyptus bark.

The pyramidal units were designed to offer both privacy and connectedness to the bushland. Most terraces are either connected to or adjoin with the surrounding reserve, adding to the leafy ambience of the complex.

Dysart’s progressive housing cooperative process used a different approach to development. The property owners were the developers. They worked together to create a space and ultimately, their ideal community and lifestyle. It was not driven by inflated developer profit margins, inferior construction and materials or fast-build timeframes. His vision was to collectively build quality homes filled with air, light and insulation; to create a community of unique homes that maintain an ever-present link to the great outdoors. Quality of life.

As you can imagine, townhouses in this complex don’t come up often and when they do, they’re highly sought after. This week I am pleased to offer the rare opportunity to secure a home within Wybalena Grove and become a part of this unique community.

Number 33 Wybalena Grove is a spectacular four-bedroom, tri-level townhouse in the premium, top-end section of the leafy development.

The current owners of this beauty are Alan and Rana. They’re the second owners and have taken great delight in further establishing the native gardens in their plot and the surrounding areas. They are reluctantly parting with Wybalena Grove, but their retirement calls for warmer weather and after nine years, it’s time to say goodbye.

The incredible view of verdant treetops from the extended balcony and the distinctive mezzanine space in the main living area are my favourite features of Number 33. I was fortunate to grow up in a home designed Dysart in Weston Creek, and have incredible memories of playing with my siblings in the interesting spaces he created.

Townhouses in this complex don’t come up often and when they do, they’re highly sought after.

It’s indeed an honour to present 33 Wybalena Grove. I am genuinely thrilled each time I have the opportunity to offer one of these rare gems to the market.

Wybalena Grove is what medium density housing is all about and you’d be hard-pressed to find a new development of a comparable standard anywhere.

It really is, the way medium-density housing should be.

Sally is a residential real estate sales agent with a boutique agency, home.byholly, which focuses on selling houses throughout the established Canberra suburbs. For further information visit homes.byholly or call Sally on 0410 626 731.