There’s something quintessentially romantic about Queenslanders.
The sprawling verandahs, the ornate detailing, the VJ walls and gleaming timber floors: it all harks back to a time passed but far from forgotten.
Luckily, Brisbane and its surrounds are full of these classic character homes brimming with old-world charm and fascinating histories.
The list below is just a handful of the most gorgeous homes on offer right now.
26 Empire Vista, Ormiston QLD 4160
Price: Offers over $1.7 million
6 bed, 4 bath, 3 car
Agent: Team Solomon Estate Agents, Solomon Soner 0414 535 249, Tomas Soner 0416 099 361
This spectacular mansion is set on a massive 1222-square-metre allotment, and features all the trimmings of a picturesque Queenslander estate.
With views of bushland and water that stretch as far as the eye can see, the property forms a private retreat from which to enjoy the stunning natural surroundings and timeless architecture of the home.
Agent Solomon Soner said the historic home, which was built in 1888, was a rarity in today’s market.
“It’s a gigantic house — it’s a 19-square home — and it’s very private, overlooking the whole bay with 270-degree views and a northeasterly aspect,” he said.
“Plus, there’s the charm of having a very old Queenslander which has been obviously raised and renovated.
“We don’t really have Queenslanders which are bigger than 15-square. For most of them, people have to add on to make them work, but this one was originally one of the biggest, nicest homes in all of Brisbane.”
37 Redfern Street, Woolloongabba QLD 4102
Price: $1.6 million
4 bed, 3 bath, 2 car
Agent: Belle Property South Brisbane, David Thomas 0421 329 166, Bettina Jude 0401 002 897
This double-storey home — known as Launceston — was built in 1880 and forms an historic original piece of Woolloongabba’s architectural puzzle.
Featuring breezeways, fretwork, ceiling roses and ornate windows, the design has all the tell-tale signs of a classic home, but it’s the more unusual details of the property that set it apart.
The house features a striking combination of pressed tin, brickwork and wood, while the kitchen, bathrooms and living areas all incorporate modern, high-quality appliances and finishes — after all, what’s a wrap-around verandah without motorised blinds?
Added luxuries include the 2.5-metre deep Magna pool, four-person sauna and wine cellar with racking for a mere 800 bottles.
76 Nathan Terrace, Yeerongpilly QLD 4105
Auction
5 bed, 3 bath, 4 car
Agent: Ray White New Farm, Alex Bowman 0414 168 197, Hamish Bowman 0410 044 463
On the market for the first time in 26 years, this property — originally called Burlington — is home to a host of quirky traditional features, including VJ walls, stained glass windows, French-style windows and original timber doors.
These charming details are paired with bright, striking colours and light-filled interiors to give a sense of warmth and character.
Its outlook is particularly special, as the 750-square-metre property backs onto three hectares of protected natural parkland, creating a gorgeous view from the spacious verandah.
The large in-ground pool and surrounding established gardens also make for an exotic outdoor retreat, shrouded in all the beauty of Queensland’s natural landscape.
349 Bridgeman Road, Bridgeman Downs QLD 4035
Price: Offers over $2.5 million
7 bed, 4 bath, 10 car
Agent: NGU Real Estate Head Office, Emil Juresic 07 3103 0726, Kelly Tickle 0481 601 793
This sprawling mansion is somewhat of a hybrid: all the adornments of a Queenslander but constructed entirely out of brick.
With two fireplaces, multiple living spaces, 10 garages, a self-contained guest pavilion and several outbuildings, the property is more of a homestead than a simple house and is intriguing in both its uncommon design and expansive floor plan.
Agent Emil Juresic said the unusual property was almost beyond description in its melding of styles.
“I sell a lot of luxury homes all over Brisbane, but this is one of the houses I can truly call a home, because you can see it for every kind of family,” he said.
“It is a Queenslander but it doesn’t have traditional timber cladding.
“When you walk inside the house, it has really high ceilings, the special ornamental cornices, the kitchen is really homey and it’s got timber floors, fireplaces — it does have really warm features.
“One of the special features is the entire home is surrounded by beautiful verandahs, so you can have a morning coffee outside in any part of the house.”
Source: www.domain.com.au