Canberra real estate: Award-winning Chapman home rises from the ashes to claim standout sale price
News Corp Australia Network
An award-winning, accessible Chapman home designed by the owner from his hospital bed has sold for an incredible $3.1 million – surpassing the buyer’s guide by $400,000.
But while the standout price is sure to impress, the story of 20 Chauvel Circle is one of remarkable resilience, courage and determination in the face of adversity.
The stellar home was created after John and Karyn Mason lost the original property on the block in the 2003 Canberra bushfires.
“But that wasn’t the only thing to hit the Mason family. John contracted a disease and ended up in intensive care while the fires were happening, so obviously couldn’t go and try and save the house because he was so unwell,” said selling agent Jonny Warren from Jonny Warren Properties – Dickson.
The home was rebuilt after the Canberra bushfires.
After more than eight weeks in intensive care, John was rendered unable to talk.
Believing her husband would pull through, Karyn started designing a new house that would suit their new-found needs and ensure his independence and John was able to help by using his eyes to communicate with the architect and interior designer.
The Chapman hold sold for sold for an incredible $3.1 million – surpassing the buyer’s guide by $400,000.
The single level home spans 380sqm of living space.
“Once John got out of ICU, the only way he could communicate was by blinking. He couldn’t talk, so the architect had to go into hospital and sit down with John and using one blink as ‘yes’ and two blinks as ‘no’ they designed the whole layout of this property,” Mr Warren said.
“Through their design, in 2005 it won the Master Builders Association Home of the Year. From John blinking and not being able to talk to creating an award-winning home, it’s truly remarkable.”
The four-bedroom, three-bathroom single level home spans 380sqm of living space on a generous 2456sqm block.
The home boasts four bedrooms and three bathrooms.
The house was awarded the Master Builders Association Home of the Year in 2005.
More from news
It has been designed to accessible standards with wide hallways, wheelchair accommodating amenities and a dedicated independent kitchen with a lowered bench, sink and in-built coffee machine.
The kitchen and family room exude a great sense of space with 2.7m high raked ceilings and an inviting view of the swimming pool, while the rumpus room has a bar area and bi-fold doors that lead out to the tiled entertainment space.
Mr Warren said the couple would be sad to leave the custom home, which had served their needs, but it was time to downsize as they moved into retirement.
MORE: What locked down Aussies now want to do