Rare ‘untouched’ mid-century modern selling for first time

A Tasmanian home that looks almost exactly as it did in the 1960s is on the market for the first time.

The well-loved mid-century modern abode at 42 Heather Street in South Launceston is selling with a price guide between $499,000 and $549,000.

The average median house price for the area is $530,000, according to the Domain December 2024 House Price Report, released in January 2025.

The three-bedroom, two property was built by the original owner, who was a builder. .

He lived in the home with his wife and children. He died about 20 years ago.

Selling agent, Harrison Agents Launceston’s Jesse Denholm listed the home on behalf of the owner’s wife.

However, after she sadly also passed away, he is now selling the property on behalf of their children.

$499,000 to $549,000

42 Heather Street, South Launceston TAS 7249

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He said the home has a number of unique features, including its butterfly roof.

“There’s a lot of timber inside. There are doorhandles that I’ve never seen,” he told Domain.

“Underneath the floorboards the timber boards are like a spiderweb.”

He said the floorboard design had been created using estimated 5cm wide planks of timber – a truly painstaking, labour of love.

Another unusual feature of the home is the door between the kitchen and dining room. It doesn’t have a doorhandle, but instead swings back and forth.

The property, which is split across two levels, boasts more than 200sqm of space upstairs, “a rarity for homes of this era”, according to the listing.

“From the rear of the property, you’ll enjoy exceptional views over South Launceston and towards the city. Ideally located just a short walk to the Door of Hope and Pycsam complex, and only minutes from the Launceston General Hospital and CBD,” the listing reads.

All three bedrooms are on the top level, along with one of two bathrooms.

On the ground level, there is a garage with nearly 90sqm of additional space, including an additional bathroom.

Denholm described the home as “cosmetically very tired”.

“It’s pretty much untouched,” he said, adding the fixer-upper would be work.

“It’s too much work for some people”.

However, the amount of work the home needed hasn’t deterred everyone.

More than 17,000 people have viewed the listing with scores adding it to their favourites list.

He said the interest in the Heather Street property compared to his other listings, was “two or three times more”.

Listings with Harrison Agents Launceston are by appointment only.

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