Falling in love with the Queenslander

Keeping a cool head is one of the first rules of property purchasing but when it comes to homes with a history, it can be hard to keep the heart in check.

Those adorable gables, that pretty lace fretwork and the wide verandahs; it’s hard not to fall in love with a Queenslander, particularly one that has been beautifully restored and updated.

While Brisbane buyers these days can’t get enough of their heritage homes, often paying a premium to have their own, it wasn’t always that way.

James Curtain, lead agent at Place Bulimba, said there was a massive trend away from Queenslander properties in the 1970s and 1980s when brick homes came into fashion.

“People were excited by the low maintenance involved in a brick home and during that time, timber homes really fell out of favour,” he said.

“But since then, design has moved forward and changed the way people live in Queenslanders. They’re now far more functional to live in than they used to be.”

Mr Curtain said the demand for period properties in Brisbane constantly outstripped supply.

“There’s a huge appetite out there for family homes with character on large allotments – but that often means that once someone acquires one of these homes, they stay for a long time,” he said.

“Whenever we list a grand Queenslander, we’re always confident it’s going to sell quite quickly.”

Ray White agent Cameron Crouch, who sells a mix of houses in and around Sherwood in Brisbane’s popular west, said buyers paid a premium for older homes.

“If you’re comparing two five-bedroom homes in Sherwood and one is a Queenslander and one is a contemporary home, you’ll generally pay more for the Queenslander,” he said.

“Where I’m selling, the majority of my buyers want a character home. Doesn’t matter whether they’re renovated or unrenovated; they want a Queenslander.”

Brandon Wortley, Ray White New Farm agent, said character homes had a timeless quality to them and their period features often made for very emotional buying.

“They’re the types of houses people really fall in love with. They’re often very pretty and they tug at the heart strings,” he said.

“There’s certainly a market for contemporary homes – but the reason people tend to gravitate towards the old homes is because they’re unique. A modern home can be built again. You can’t replicate the history of a 100-year-old house.”

Some of Brisbane’s most beautiful historical homes are currently up for sale. Domain has rounded up a few of the best to check out this weekend:

43 Oakwal Terrace, Windsor

Lovingly preserved: 43 Oakwal Terrace, Windsor. Photo: Supplied

3 bed, 2 bath, 2 car
Auction: Saturday, June 11, 10.30am
Agent: Travis Wentriro 0410 922 661, Ray White New Farm

Nearly 100 years old, this Queenslander home sits proud in a hilltop position in Windsor only three kilometres from the CBD.

Featuring a classic gabled roofline and wide lacework verandah overlooking Wilston and Eildon Hill, “Somerset” has been beautifully renovated and lovingly preserved; the original massive double-hung timber windows and stained glass front door open to a picture-perfect hallway complete with decorative fretwork and wide timber flooring.

VJ walls, stunning chandeliers and original fireplaces and casement windows feature throughout. The house has three bedrooms, two renovated bathrooms and a contemporary kitchen.

The property is within walking distance of the train, major bus routes, tunnel network and the Royal Brisbane Hospital.

257 Chatsworth Road, Coorparoo

Meticulously maintained: 257 Chatsworth Road, Coorparoo. Photo: Supplied

6 bed, 4 bath, 4 car
Auction: Saturday, June 11, 2.30pm
Agent: James Curtain 0404 056 564, Place Bulimba

This late 1800s home is a true colonial property estate that takes street appeal to a new level.

Meticulously maintained and lovingly restored, it sits on 1955 square metres of land tucked back from the road in a private and peaceful blue ribbon enclave of Coorparoo.

With its large circular drive flanked by century-old trees, the exterior is a lesson in period features perfectly preserved; from the wide timber verandahs with original wrought iron lacework to the double-height windows and stained glass front door, its character is evident.

On the inside, soaring ceilings, intricate breezeways and architraves, fireplaces and oversized rooms are testament to the homes heritage. With six bedrooms, four bathrooms and multiple living areas with grand proportions, it caters for the largest of families.

60 York Parade, Spring Hill

Standout: 60 York Parade, Spring Hill. Photo: Supplied

5 bed, 3 bath, 4 car
Auction: June 9, 6pm at 612 Brunswick Street, New Farm
Agent: Brandon Wortley 0447 269 591, Ray White New Farm

Character homes are typical of Spring Hill but properties like “Myrtle Lodge” are a standout. This circa 1890 house with a 4000 postcode is set on a massive 498 square metre parcel of land; this is practically acreage in Spring Hill.

The entire property is filled with character features, from the ornate archways and lacework balustrading, to the beautifully restored fireplaces and stunning polished timber floors – it has all been beautifully preserved and restored. The owners have managed to work the character of the home into a contemporary floor plan with open plan living and light-filled spaces. The house is within walking distance of the CBD and some of Brisbane’s most elite private schools.

63 Laurel Avenue, Chelmer

Best street: 63 Laurel Avenue, Chelmer. Photo: Supplied

6 bed, 2 bath, 2 car
Mid $2 millions
Inspection by appointment
Agent: Cameron Crouch 0400 743 351, Ray White Sherwood

Laurel Avenue in Chelmer has been voted as one of Brisbane’s best streets more times than any other, which makes this landmark homestead the more sought-after.

Owned by only two families since it was built in 1918, “Belnie” is a traditional Queenslander set on a 1612 square metre plot of manicured land.

With its 12-foot ceilings, VJ walls with traditional picture rails, double-hung windows and wide verandahs, it is a testament to the architecture of its time. Heritage colours have given way to a more contemporary colour scheme which give the house a beautiful warmth.