Additions over the years have added to and complemented this historic home in the inner south. Photo: LJ Hooker Manuka.
Designed by renowned architect Malcolm Moir in 1939, 11 Bass Gardens is a four-bedroom, three-bathroom property in Griffith with a story to tell.
This property is a rare surviving example of inter-war functionalism, a movement that flourished in Central Europe, characterised by the philosophy that a building should be designed solely with its function in mind, foregoing unnecessary ornament.
“Malcolm Moir’s design is minimalist in a sense. Homes like this have really contributed to Canberra’s architectural feel – it’s a living piece of history,” LJ Hooker Manuka agent Stephen Thompson says.
“There are only a few homes in this style in Griffith, and 11 Bass Gardens has the best aspect and view of all of them.”
Historic homes are often highly desirable, but they sometimes come with practical deficiencies; not here.
“People love heritage homes, but often they’ve been built without taking things like natural light or aspect into account. This is not one of those homes. It has a perfect orientation and it takes in a lot of natural light, in addition to boasting great views over nearby greenery,” Stephen says.
Although the home is historic, it isn’t stuck in the past, thanks to renovations and updates over the years that have preserved the home’s original style.
“The owners hired a heritage architect to create new spaces that complemented the original structure while respecting the home,” Stephen says.
“It still has a sort of understatement about it, which I think people will really appreciate. It’s obvious that the home is high quality, but it’s quiet about it.”
Renovations have expanded the main level, extending the home out the back to seamlessly integrate with the property, significantly increasing the home’s space.
“They’ve also added windows to the North East to take advantage of the aspect as well as opening up the kitchen and connecting the family room to the deck, which is just spectacular,” Stephen says.
“The deck is covered with a rain-sensing Vergola, and of course, it’s shaded and cool in the summer.”
Beyond the deck, the property features a significant outdoor space across its 1123 sqm block, including a secluded swimming pool, spa, low-maintenance gardens, patio, and fire pit.
At 302 sqm, the internal living space includes a downstairs rumpus room, an upstairs family room, dining area, study, and a living room, providing a family with all the space they need to spread out.
It also features a double garage, a storage room, a workshop, an underground water tank, a back-to-base alarm system, an 8 kW solar system with batteries and underfloor hydronic heating.
“The amount of space across this home is quite special. The main bedroom, for example, is double-sized, with a large walk-in robe and an ensuite, and it sits behind a manicured hedge that looks out over Bass Gardens,” Stephen says.
Located on a quiet street in Old Griffith, this property boasts a perfect location in the inner south, with local amenities within walking distance.
“I really think this is the best place to live in Canberra. The green opposite is really nice, it cuts down on noise, and it provides a great view,” Stephen says.
“Anything a family could want is a short walk away. The Manuka shops are two to three minutes away on foot, and Canberra Grammar is about the same.
“This home is very special, it’s quite simple and understated in its presentation, yet everything it does, it does flawlessly,” Stephen says.
For more information on 11 Bass Gardens in Griffith, call Stephen Thompson on 0418 626 254 and be sure to check out all the hottest listings on Zango.
