A grand house used as a monastery for almost than 50 years has come on the market, giving Canberrans a unique look inside for one of the first times in decades.
Located on Canberra's golden mile, 28 Mugga Way has been used as a place of reflection and worship.
But, like most historic Red Hill properties, that doesn't preclude it from beauty.
The eight-bedroom, six bathroom home is made of brick, with dark timber features throughout.
Tudor-style panelling on the walls, ornate fire places and diamond leadlight windows are markers of this historic space.
The property was used as a monastery by Canberra's Carmelite Sisters from 1975 until earlier this year.
Carmelite nuns practised a life of contemplation and prayerfulness in the monastery.
A reading room towards the centre of the house is evidence of this, as is a simple chapel, which was added to the building after it was turned into a monastery.
Selling agent Andrew Chamberlain, of Blackshaw, said it was one of the most unique properties he said taken on.
"The chapel space is very unusual. I'm not sure I can recollect the last time I sold a house that quite had this layout," he said.
"The timber panelling and a lot of the original features is something that will be sought after."
Unusual, too, was the demographic at the first open home for the property, Mr Chamberlain said.
"Obviously there were buyers, but there were also people who had been connected with the building in a spiritual sense for a long time and wanted to have a last look through," he said.
The nuns now reside at a monastery in Melbourne, and Mr Chamberlain said the Mugga Way residence was no longer needed.
The house has history dating back even before the Carmelite nuns moved in.
It was built by journalist Joe Alexander in 1936.
Former prime minister William Hughes sold Alexander - who was known as the king of the press gallery - the land to build on.
Fruit trees were planted in the garden soon after it was built. They are now mature and large on the site.
The property has been updated since Alexander lived there, including by architect Paul Archibald in 1992.
But the luscious gardens on the 1.2 acre block have continued to be lovingly tended to by the nuns.
The internal floor plan is large, too. A second kitchen off the chapel allows for a private function space.
An office and several sitting rooms also contribute to the size.
Mr Chamberlain said it was a real honour to sell a property with so much history in one of Canberra's most sought after locations.
He is working alongside Mario Sanfrancesco, who is known for sealing deals on some of the most expensive houses in the capital.
A reserve price is yet to be set, but Mr Chamberlain said he expected the property to go for around the $8 million mark, in line with recent sales nearby.
Unlike other large abodes in the area, it had not attracted embassy interest because of the character and layout.
He said some updates would be needed to be made to suit the needs of most contemporary buyers.
In the right circumstances, the house may be demolished to make use of the land.
