This remarkable residence, lovingly held by the same family since 1967, is a celebration of Australian design, landscape and creativity. Its bold transformation in 1999 by architectural firm Strine Design, later featured in House & Garden magazine, elevated the home into something truly unique, a place where architecture, colour and nature work in harmony.
At its heart sits the iconic kitchen, a sculptural centrepiece inspired by the bush itself. The leaf-shaped benchtop is both artistic and functional, complemented by quality Miele appliances including oven, built-in microwave oven and dishwasher, along with an electric cooktop and canopy rangehood. Throughout the home, the colour palette draws directly from the Australian landscape, with burnt reds echoing the outback and soft eucalyptus greens reflecting the canopy of Mount Taylor beyond.
From the moment you arrive, the sense of scale and thoughtfulness is immediate. The large formal entry, with soaring ceilings, highlight windows and built-in benches with storage, sets the tone for what lies ahead. Hardwood timber floors flow through expansive living spaces, each designed to frame the gardens and surrounding reserve. Light pours in through feature windows, drawing the eye to the tranquil surroundings and native plantings beyond.
Offering approximately 200m² of internal living, plus a further 68m² of garage and alfresco space, the home totals an impressive 268m² under the roofline. At its centre is an expansive open plan living, dining and kitchen zone that forms the true heart of the home. Generous in scale and beautifully connected to the gardens, this space is designed for gathering, whether it be relaxed family dinners, milestone celebrations or effortless entertaining with friends. The thoughtful layout is further enhanced by two large, separate living areas, including a substantial family room, allowing flexibility for growing families and the ability to enjoy both shared and quiet spaces. A dedicated home office with built-in shelving and beautiful garden views provides a peaceful workspace, while custom display shelving throughout adds both character and practicality. Comfort is assured year-round with ducted evaporative cooling, ducted gas heating and a reverse cycle split system to the front family room.
The main bedroom is a true retreat, generously sized and positioned to enjoy leafy outlooks, complete with walk-in robe and a light-filled ensuite. The main bathroom includes a bathtub, while thoughtful inclusions such as a walk-in pantry, walk-in linen, wine cellar, underhouse storage and a laundry with external access ensure everyday functionality is well catered for.
Set on an extraordinary 1,455 m² block backing directly onto Mount Taylor Reserve, the connection to nature is both rare and immersive. A private gate offers direct access into the reserve, while professionally landscaped native gardens, featured in Canberra's Open Garden days, wrap the home in colour, texture and birdlife. Running ponds with a charming bridge, vegetable gardens, olive and fig trees, and multiple seating areas invite you to slow down and enjoy the setting.
The front deck, beautifully framed and covered by a passionfruit vine, is a welcoming place to start the day, while the rear alfresco, overlooking the gardens, is ideal for long lunches and quiet evenings. An irrigation system supports the gardens, and Eufy security cameras provide peace of mind.
Completing the offering is an oversized double garage with remote door, space for a workshop, access to a rear single carport with additional storage, making it ideal for those with multiple vehicles, hobbies or a love of practical space.
This is not just a home. It is a work of art, a love letter to Australia's landscape, and an invitation to live immersed in beauty, nature and history, all within minutes of Woden.
A closer look at 65 Gouger Street, Torrens:
- Lovingly held by the same family since 1967
- Originally built and designed by AV Jennings
- Extensively renovated in 1999 by the architectural firm Strine Design
- Featured in 'House & Garden' magazine
- Backing directly onto Mount Taylor Reserve with private gate access
- Hardwood timber floors throughout
- Large formal entry with extra high ceilings
- Highlight windows and built-in benches with storage
- Custom display shelving throughout
- Two large separate living spaces
- Dedicated home office with built-in shelving and beautiful garden views
- Walk-in pantry and walk-in linen
- Wine cellar and extensive underhouse storage
- Iconic sculptural kitchen with leaf-shaped benchtop
- Miele oven, built-in microwave oven and dishwasher
- Electric cooktop with canopy rangehood
- Ducted evaporative cooling
- Ducted gas heating
- Reverse cycle split system to the front family room
- Sizeable main bedroom with a garden outlook and pelmets
- Walk-in robe and ensuite to main bedroom
- Light-filled ensuite
- Main bathroom with bathtub
- Front deck beautifully framed and covered by a passionfruit vine
- Rear alfresco with tranquil garden views
- Professionally landscaped native gardens featured in Canberra's Open Garden days
- Running ponds with bridge
- Vegetable gardens, olive trees and fig tree
- Chicken coop
- Multiple outdoor seating areas to enjoy native birdlife
- Irrigation system
- Oversized double garage with remote door and workshop space
- Access to rear single carport with additional storage
- Eufy security cameras
Key figures:
- Living area: 200m²
- Garage: 48m²
- Alfresco: 20m²
- Under roofline: 268m²
- Block: 1,455m²
- Rates: $5,573 p.a.
- Land tax (investors only): $11,898 p.a.
- Rental estimate: $800 p.w.
- EER: 1 star
- Year of construction: 1967
- Years of extension/renovations: 1999
