Renovated Queenslanders are seeing a "huge revival" with home buyers drawn to their high ceilings, spacious rooms and wrap around balconies.
Swanky contemporary design may be a hot trend in today’s property market, but there’s still a place for classic, old-worldly style. A lovingly-renovated Queenslander in Ascot called “Valhalla”, built in 1906, encompasses just that.
Kelly Logan and her solicitor husband Rob Hynes spent more than five years searching for their perfect property, but one look at “Valhalla” and they were besotted.
Having had their hearts set on a big block, they were thrilled at the sprawling 1215 square metres of elevated land; the full-sized north-south facing tennis court was simply a bonus.
Kelly Logan says she has loved living in the Ascot home. Photo: Robert Shakespeare
“It’s been a wonderful thing to have and we absolutely love it. Unfortunately, we are all hopeless at tennis,” Logan laughs.
Thankfully, their renovating skills are anything but; what they have achieved in restoring this house to its original grandeur within a contemporary setting is quite stunning.
Now, the couple plan to start from scratch on another property. “After seven years of renovating here, we’ve bought another old home in the area and are going to start all over again,” Logan says. “We love the challenge.”
Perfect property: A classic Queenslander at 18 Ormond Street, Ascot. Photo: Supplied
Brimming with original period features such as leadlight windows, high ceilings and intricate fretwork, the 18 Ormond Street property had an intrinsic charm but needed some serious updating.
With two small children, the couple renovated slowly, taking the time to carefully consider every detail. Seven years later, they’re finally finished and bursting with pride at the result.
“We wanted to take our time so we could get to know the house first and get everything right. I wanted to be true to the history of it and make sure everything we did was authentic,” Logan says.
Labour of love: The Ascot renovation was a seven-year project. Photo: Supplied
“I think that’s what has enabled us to retain that elegance that is so important for older homes to have.”
The house is a place of true beauty. Contemporary luxuries have been subtly and artfully woven into the fabric of the home, with fixtures like Perrin and Rowe tapware, marble bench tops and custom-built cabinetry lending a quiet sophistication.
The rooms are light-filled and uplifting, thanks to the high ceilings and oversized double-hung windows and french doors throughout.
35 Bayview Terrace, Clayfield. Photo: Supplied
The kitchen is a highlight for Logan, who designed the room.
“I put a lot of work into it and made some big decisions. I was pretty nervous, but I’m so happy with the result. It’s a wonderful, gorgeous space that is so practical, perfect for entertaining.”
The house has been filled in underneath and includes a home office, bar and formal and informal living and dining spaces. Breezy wraparound verandahs and a covered outdoor terrace overlook an enormous in-ground swimming pool and manicured lawns.
“I think what I love most is the way the house is so spacious, yet still has little cosy places,” Logan says.
“The charm and history of an old house cannot be replicated – it has such a wonderful feel.
“I always feel like I’m on holiday here; it’s that peaceful and private.”
Kelly and Rob’s property is located at 18 Ormond Street, Ascot, Queensland 4007. It will go to auction on February 11, 11am. For more information contact the agent: Michael Spork, Ray White Ascot, 0408 776 759.
See more of this property at Domain
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Agent Jason Adcock says this impressive Queenslander is on the best street in Indooroopilly, in Brisbane’s inner west.
“This is the best in the entire suburb by a country mile – houses here sell for up to seven or eight million,” he says. “You’re within walking distance of the best private schools, shops and amenities.”
Location aside, the house is stunning. Generously proportioned spaces and luxury fittings throughout lend this home a sense of indulgence, yet pared-down interiors and original period features ground the home, giving it a relaxed and familial warmth.
It’s massive – 730 square metres of internal space – but cleverly designed and zoned for anything from intimate gatherings to large parties. It includes a heated swimming pool, wet bar, fully equipped media room and a large entertaining deck with city views.
See more of this property at Domain
Family haven: 35 Bayview Terrace, Clayfield. Photo: Supplied
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The picture-perfect facade of this circa 1900 Queenslander belies an even more beautiful interior.
Perched high on 11484 square metres in a sought-after Clayfield street, it has been meticulously renovated, agent Alma Clark says.
“It’s been restored and adapted for modern living, I’d call it a haven for growing families,” she says.
Period features such as pressed metal ceilings, wide timber floorboards and fireplace have all been lovingly preserved, while an extended floor plan includes five bedrooms, study, four bathrooms and living areas.
A stunning contemporary kitchen leads out to the covered deck overlooking the pool and established landscaped gardens, where there are sprawling expanses of lawn for the children and/or pets.
See more of this property at Domain