The RiotACT readers love reading about dream homes, if the most read property content in 2017 is anything to go by. Half of the top ten property-related stories were profiles of unique and impressive homes for sale, almost all written by Glynis Quinlan. Rounding out the list were stories from a range of contributors about apartment living, development in Goulburn and the property market in Canberra.
10. Historic Yarralumla home on inner-south’s largest block sells for record-breaking price
Coming in at number 10 in The RiotACT‘s top stories about property is Glynis Quinlan’s article from November about a magnificent Yarralumla home built in 1928, which broke two Canberra sales records. The sale of Westridge House at 55 Banks Street achieved a new record price for Yarralumla and recorded the highest price for any property sold in Canberra for 2017.
9. Goulburn’s version of Downton Abbey up for sale
In May, a landmark rural property which looks like Goulburn’s version of Downton Abbey went up for sale. Glynis Quinlan’s article about historic Bishopthorpe Manor, which comes complete with a chapel for country weddings, a manager’s residence and sweeping views of the district, proved to be a crowd pleaser.
8. Hinterland retreat perfect place to get back to nature
Ian Bushnell turned his talents to property writing in August, showcasing a rustic bush retreat called Burragate on the far south coast. With peerless views, a kilometre of majestic river frontage and 300 acres of land, the tree change opportunity or place for a back-to-nature lifestyle overhaul had many readers clicking.
7. Property market mid-year sanity check
Arek Drozda’s mid-year, three-part series about the Australian property market drew on his favourite statistical indications to help explain what is happening in the ACT context. His story drew several conclusions that surprised many readers, including the fact that it’s not exuberant property investors or cashed up foreigners that are driving up house prices.
6. Period cottage with 50 acres and river frontage for sale at $665,000
Another idyllic country property profiled by Glynis Quinlan made the top 10 in July. The period cottage not far from Braidwood offered peaceful farm living, 50 acres of land for horses, cows or sheep to graze and the added attraction of Shoalhaven River frontage complete with sandy beach flats. It’s not surprising there was a high level of interest in this gem.
5. Goulburn CBD heart-starter: 2000 apartments
John Thistleton’s articles about Goulburn drew a loyal audience during 2017, and this story from March was one of several about development in Goulburn’s heart. John wrote that the redevelopment plans for the main street – which include the possibility of around 2,000 apartments – will revive the dreary yet still elegant area.
4. Property standoff: No end in sight to Woden’s zombie apocalypse
Ian Bushnell’s report about the derelict Alexander and Albemarle offices in Woden had The RiotACT readers fired up in August. The towers have stood vacant and fenced off for seven years, but are now vandalised, covered in graffiti and, as Ian wrote, towering edifices of urban decay.
3. Stunning 124-acre Braidwood estate for sale is straight from a Jane Austen novel
A stunning country estate with all the grandeur and charm of a home from a Jane Austen novel piqued the interest of readers in November. With several residences, a picturesque lake, a renovated wool shed, extensive equine areas and 124 acres of gardens, it’s easy to see why this story by Glynis Quinlan was popular.
2. Five-bedroom four-bathroom Bungendore home oozes glamour and style
Coming in at number two on the countdown was another rural property, this time an architecturally designed five-bedroom, four-bathroom home for sale in Bungendore, complete with an indoor pool and sauna as well as a magnificent central staircase straight out of the movies. Bring on that Lotto win!
1. Great expectations: Apartment life in Canberra
The top story in The RiotACT‘s Property section this year was the first of a two-part article by the versatile Maryann Mussared about housing in the capital. Her story in January examined the issues that anyone considering buying and living in an apartment in Canberra should consider, and importantly, how to align buyer expectations with harsh realities.
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