Three-time Olympic gold medallist Bronte Campbell lists home for sale

In 2016, Bronte Campbell’s house hunting wish list looked a little different to most buyers – her first home needed to be close to world-class aquatic facilities as she trained for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

While the vast majority of Australian buyers aren’t international swimming champions, the need for proximity to local amenities is something many can relate to.

The Coorparoo Queenslander-style home she settled in – which is now for sale – offers privacy and peace without sacrificing convenience. Located a 20-minute drive from the Brisbane CBD, the house is the epitome of relaxed and elegant living.

The covered front and back verandahs are set among trees, with city glimpses. And, in the safety of this quiet cul-de-sac, kids can run and play with reckless abandon.

“I grew up on a road that was a cul-de-sac, so it reminded me of that.” Campbell says, when asked what first drew her to the home.

Coorparoo has become a sought-after location in recent years for its connection to nearby parklands, public transport, shopping, dining and schools.

Listing agent Paula Pearce of Place Estate Agents Brisbane says prestigious schools have attracted more families to the area. In addition, an increasing number of buyers are prioritising lifestyle, moving away from larger cities in other parts of the country.

“Buyers are looking for walkability and connectedness to infrastructure,” she says. “Schools in the area, secondary schools in particular, have continued to grow in popularity, so we’re seeing more young families looking to buy here.”

With its white picket fences, VJ dado panelling and French doors, the home is move-in ready. The calming, neutral colour palette throughout is a blank slate for a range of design preferences.

“It’s a Queenslander replica,” Pearce says. “This means you get the charm and style of a Queenslander without the added maintenance.”

The house has a bright and airy feel, with a spacious layout and a kitchen and dining area extending onto a patio and large garden – perfect for hosting guests.

Campbell says she has loved entertaining on the outdoor deck, having dinner parties with friends and fellow athletes.

“I remember inviting mates around [after settlement], sitting on milk crates and celebrating with drinks,” she says. “At that stage, you’ve got no furniture but that’s part of the experience.”

The property has a generous four bedrooms and two bathrooms. Even living with three friends at one point, Campbell says that “somehow it never felt crowded”.

“I had a friend who worked in finance living downstairs for a while,” she says. “It’s a separate and self-contained living space, which worked well since we were on completely different schedules. They sometimes worked late into the evening, then I’d be getting up at 4am for training.”

It’s this versatility that makes the property a stand-out option in the market. If an owner-occupier moves in, the downstairs area — with kitchenette and bathroom — could offer independent living for a teenager, a young adult, elderly family members, or even a tenant. For investors, there’s the opportunity for a source of rental income.

The listing has a notable inclusion for those with an interest in sports: a signed team shirt from the Paris 2020 Olympics that Campbell plans to leave behind, as well as ample outdoor space for wellness activities.

“We added artificial grass in the back garden and it became my favourite place to do stretching and yoga,” she says. “It was much better doing recovery on grass, not hard bricks.”

Change is in the air for the swimmer, who is moving to Sydney. Earlier this year she got engaged to her partner, musician Benfield Lainchbury, and her business, Earthletica, has taken off.

“It’s bittersweet to be leaving my footholds in Brisbane, but it’s always a base to come back to with friends and family still here,” Campbell says.

“I’ll always be a Queenslander because that’s where I grew up.”

For Sale Prior to Forthcoming Auction

26 Landsdowne Street, Coorparoo QLD 4151

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