A marathon 90-minute auction event yesterday resulted in a sale price of almost $1.6 million for the Strathnairn Charity House.

It’s been dubbed ‘the house that hearts’ built and on Saturday, hearts were full in Strathnairn as auctioneer Sandra Masters’ hammer came down at the charity house to thunderous applause.

The four-bedroom architect-designed home, predominantly built by women, sold at a festival-style auction event for $1,596,600 following an entertaining tussle lasting over one and a half hours.

• Strathnairn Charity House championed by women for local charities (2 March 2023)

Existing Strathnairn residents Naresh and Pavithra were the lucky buyers and were over the moon to be able to stay in Ginninderry while helping local charities.

“We know the environment and we didn’t want to move away from Ginninderry, and it’s wonderful to be the owner of the first Charity House in Strathnairn,” said Naresh.

Proceeds from the sale of the home will now be donated to local charities including Hands Across Canberra, Pegasus Riding for the Disabled, Karinya House and Canberra City Care Charnwood.

The Ginninderry Joint Venture and Master Builders ACT collaborated on the design and construction of the charity house while the build was led by Kane Constructions. Over 60 subcontractors and trade suppliers donated time and materials to deliver the home.

Master Builders ACT CEO Michael Hopkins said it was a proud day for Canberra.

“This project has united local industry with significant contributions from a wide range of contractors and suppliers,” he said.

“It’s also been an incredible opportunity to showcase the role of women in construction and our hope is that it will inspire many more women to consider a career in the industry.”

Ginninderry’s Head of Community, Marketing and Communications, Marcus Mills-Smith said the house attracted significant interest leading up to the auction.

“Our partners at Zango report that the home was one of the most viewed listings in Canberra over the marketing period and attendances at open homes were very strong.”

“I particularly want to thank our ‘Zango dream team’ of five female sales agents drawn from a range of Canberra’s leading agencies – they became incredible advocates for the home and their commitment to getting the best outcome for our charity partners was obvious.”

Hands Across Canberra CEO Peter Gordon said the impact of auction proceeds on the selected charities and the communities they serve will be significant.

“I have been humbled to see the support provided by a wide cross-section of the construction industry together with the absolute commitment of all project partners to deliver a high-calibre home,” Mr Gordon said.

“Our mantra at Hands Across Canberra is to give where you live, and this project is a shining example of that.”

“These are organisations that are making a genuine difference in our community and I can’t wait to see the ripple effect that will now flow from the Strathnairn Charity House.”