Value buying: The most gorgeous Queenslanders outside of Brisbane

Some of Queensland’s most beautiful Queenslanders are outside of Brisbane — grand, stately homes built with no expense spared popped up in regional centres across the state, particularly in the later years of the 19th century.

Today they stand as stunning relics of that era and, better yet, they’re priced accordingly.  

For lovers of Queenslander architecture who don’t have millions of dollars on hand, June Frank, agent at Walker’s Real Estate Ipswich, advises buyers to look outside Brisbane for their dream home.

She says that when it comes to gorgeous Queenslander homes, Ipswich has the “greatest collection of historical properties of anywhere in Queensland”.

“Whether you’re after cute worker’s cottage or a historically significant landmark residence, Ipswich has them all,” she says. “Better yet, they’re a fraction of what you’d pay less than an hour away in Brisbane.”

Ms Walker is marketing “Elamang”, a circa-1895 Queenslander listed for $1.25 million, which she believes would be a standout historical residence anywhere in Australia.

“It would be difficult to find that property anywhere. It’s a stand alone house in any state, in any location,” she says.

“That house was built during the golden years of Ipswich which we’ve never seen the likes of since then. The wealth that people possessed here at that stage was incredible and it shows in the houses that were built at the time.

“We’re getting people from Brisbane who are moving here because they want the character, they want the land size, but they don’t want to buy exorbitant Brisbane prices.”

Local One Realty Maryborough agent Tom Hagan says that while interstate investors often make a beeline for the cheapest properties, the grand character homes attract interest from buyers in Tasmasnia, Sydney and Melbourne, all who want to relocate to Queensland.

“They get shocked when they see the sort of house they can get for the money, so they buy a grand home here, bank the rest of their cash, then use the house as a base to come back to from their travels,” he says.

Here are some of the most gorgeous character homes up for grabs around Queensland right now:

28 Quarry Street, Ipswich

28 Quarry Street, Ipswich Photo: Supplied

$895,000

This beautiful property has undergone a full contemporary renovation inside whilst maintaining its original features.

From the stunning leadlight entry hall to the iron balustrading on the verandahs, to the back-to-back fireplaces — the character has been beautifully preserved and incorporated into a modern sophisticated interior. 

There are three bedrooms, two bathrooms, sleep out, formal and informal living areas and a separate built-in office. The brand new Hamptons-style kitchen flows out to a deck which overlooks the level backyard and swimming pool.

Set on a sprawling 1265 square metres, this light-filled, elegant home is within walking distance of Ipswich Hospital.

Agent: June Frank, Walker Real Estate Ipswich 0423 426 942

6 Watson Street, East Ipswich

6 Watson, St East Ipswich Photo: Supplied

$1.25 million

“Elamang” was built for a local businessman in 1895 as a present for his new wife. He was so devoted to her, according to historical documents, that he named the streets bordering the property for her — one bearing her name and the other his name.

Victorian romance aside, the house itself is a testament to the exceptional craftsmanship of the time. No expense was spared when it was constructed and it’s been beautifully preserved, still featuring 13-foot ceilings, etched ruby glass, Italian marble fireplaces and 14-inch skirting boards. Having been converted into four flats at one stage, the current owners spent decades painstakingly restoring it back to a family home. Its proportions are huge and it now has six-bedrooms, a maid’s quarters, formal and informal living rooms and is set on more than 2500 square metres of land.

Agent: June Frank, Walker Real Estate Ipswich, 0423 426 942

9 Fletcher Street, East Toowoomba

9 Fletcher St, East Toowoomba Photo: Supplied

$1.95 million

Glorious old homes are scattered throughout Toowoomba but nowhere more so than in its prestigious eastern suburbs, where this stunning circa 1870 character home resides.

Set among beautifully landscaped gardens on 5303 square metres of land, the house is a sprawling landmark and features pressed metal ceilings, ornate gable features, wrap-around verandahs, five bedrooms, three bathrooms and a separate pool or guest house. It’s also got a championship-sized floodlit tennis court.

Webster Cavanagh agent Kirstie Smolenski says home of this calibre are highly sought in Toowoomba.

“It’s a different market up here and people from out of town are often surprised at the prices, but a lot of our high end is heavily supported by the rural sector; farmers who send their kids to private schools in Toowoomba to board need a base,” she says.

Agent: Kirstie Smolenski, Webster Cavanagh, 0427 579 592

290 Lennox Street, Maryborough

290 Lennox Street, Maryborough Photo: Supplied

$549,000

Strictly speaking, this landmark home isn’t a Queenslander but it is a truly stunning example of 1920s architecture. Featuring beautiful timbers sourced from the historic Wilson and Hart sawmill, it’s steeped in history, with gorgeous craftsmanship on display at every turn.

A highlight would have to be the original living and dining rooms – stately, oversized rooms with ornate ceilings, bay windows, timber panelling and stained glass features throughout. As a home, it has four bedrooms, an enclosed wrap around verandah with additional studio room, in ground pool and garage with workshop.

Agent: Tom Hagan, One Realty Maryborough, 0438 769 721

366 Queen Street, Maryborough

366 Queen Street, Maryborough Photo: Supplied

Offers from $1.1 million considered

Baddow House was built in 1883 by Edgar Thomas Aldridge, the “founding father” of Maryborough. Christened “Aldridge’s Castle” by some locals, it’s a two-storey Victorian villa, totalling 896 square metres under roof, which overlooks the Mary River.

It’s a phenomenal home by anyone’s standards and the owners are responsible for restoring the property to its magnificent state.

The exterior and interior walls are rendered triple brick, while the floors are crows ash and hoop pine and the joinery is red cedar. There are six fireplaces, internal archways, stained glass, numerous bay windows, six bedrooms, three bathrooms, two sitting rooms, dining room and a library. Set on two acres of landscaped grounds, Baddow House is a piece of Queensland history.

Agent: Joy Fox, Sprake Real Estate Maryborough, 0438 463 480

18 Calton Terrace, Gympie

18 Calton Terrace, Gympie, is listed at offers over $250,000. Photo: Supplied

Offers over $250,000

Those on a budget and wanting plenty of character will see the value in this 1930s character home positioned in one of Gympie’s premier locations. Perched high on the hill overlooking the town CBD, it has street appeal in spades, with its original gabled roof line, bay window and detailed verandah fretwork. 

Inside features high ceilings with tongue and groove walls and timber floors. It has three bedrooms, a large sleep-out or fourth bedroom, living, dining and a large front verandah. Agent Warren Steele says it’s been recently painted but needs some updating inside: “(It’s) rock solid and prime for a classic makeover; opportunities like this are rare,” he says.