Standing testament to the elegance and grandeur of times past, fine Queenslander design and character rich in tradition,welcome to one of Chelmer’s first and most distinctive homes, the c. 1890 built ‘River House.’

This is, without doubt, an exceptional place to call home. Stately formal rooms, wide verandahs with tranquil garden outlooks, refined entertaining spaces and private, luxurious accommodation areas come together to present an exquisite, covetable Laurel Avenue acquisition opportunity that cannot be missed.

Preserved, nurtured and respected throughout its 130 year history, this late colonial residence has remained true to its origins, maintaining a splendour within and outwardly exuding a time-honoured graciousness, sitting upon its 1636m2 of estate like grounds.

Laurel Avenue is regarded as Brisbane’s foremost address, home to heritage, stature and exclusivity. The owners have described the absolute privilege of living in this home, in this location, where magnificent, heritage-listed camphor laurel trees planted at the turn of the 20th century form a canopy above this admired section of the avenue. Listed in the National Trust’s Register of Significant Trees, two of these majestic trees grow at the front of ‘River House.’

With imposing white pillars and picket fence, manicured lawns and hedges and a wisteria covered arbour, this property is classically beautiful, lending itself to extravagant garden parties, intimate dinners and poolside entertaining.

Lattice batwing gates frame the entrance to the front verandah, its deep hardwood deck wrapping around two sides and offering perfect spots to enjoy a morning coffee and later, a pre-dinner drink. Step through French doors into a grand living room and be greeted by traditional VJ linings and high ceilings, intricate room dividers and wide hoop pine floorboards. With an ornate cast iron fireplace and a crystal chandelier overhead, this dignified formal living area is one of many, as you will discover.

Walking through this residence, you will begin to appreciate the history held within its walls and can perhaps imagine the receptions and banquets that would have occurred here. The central dining and servery rooms convey an unmistakeable formality that special, fine dining occasions, even today, demand.

Featuring pendant lights with ceiling roses above that draw heat upwards and out through a roof vent, decorative fretwork breezeways and fanlights above doorways, and an elevated design to encourage airflow under the floors, thisQueenslander passively keeps temperatures as cool as possible. Today, installed ducted and zoned Carrier air conditioning, additional split systems where required and ceiling fans, maintain climate comfort during the height of ourBrisbane summers.

Casual areas to sit and read, to comfortably relax and watch TV are situated within the enclosed verandah sleepout, with lined ceilings, plantation shutters and striking black and white checkerboard patterned tiling. As one of the owner’s favourite spots to enjoy elevated views over the garden and to the neighbouring mango trees, you are sure to find your own unique purpose for these very versatile spaces.

A library and study room adjoins the front verandah, with French doors opening outward to offer a location for rest and private reflection.

Following the hallway, under three 19th century pendant lights and into the informal dining room and kitchen; a recent renovation has mindfully ensured that the new blends sympathetically with the older period styling, so as not to detract in any way from the grandeur.

The traditional walk-in pantry store with cupboards to the ceiling, blends harmoniously with the new soft closing cabinetry in soft cream and topped with a sumptuous 40mm marble stone. A Smeg five burner induction cooktop, Miele combination oven and microwave set at the perfect height together with a Miele dishwasher, offer superb functionality, the pleasing outlook from the kitchen’s window, a bonus.

Six bedrooms in total are spread across both levels of the residence, providing generous, blissful accommodation places for family members and their guests. The elegant master suite with walk-in-robe is situated at the front of the residence; a bay window dressed in luxurious, heavy designer drapes. Marked character features continue, the light-filled ensuite seeing the solid timber washstand, fine marble and louvred details maintained, with the inclusion of upscale fittings and finishes.

On this main level, there are three further bedrooms, a central, heritage rich bathroom plus a lavish guest suite that may present as an attractive granny flat proposition. A green, leadlight featured door designates the entrance to this sophisticated king-sized room with its own sitting area and verandah, large walk-in-robe, ensuite and elevated northern aspect taking in views of Ambrose Treacy College.

Internal timber stairs with a turned colonial era handrail lead to the lower floor, where another two, newly carpeted, modern bedrooms of considerable size await; secured for peace of mind by lockable shutters and Crimsafe screens. Opening via French doors to a covered, paved terrace, this quiet and very private ground floor accommodation zone is ideal for older teenagers and young adults who may be studying and/or working.

Two large adjoining laundry rooms with an abundance of built-in cabinetry, swimming pool user amenities and the vast areas of protected under house storage, hobby and potential workshop spaces, will astonish.

The inground pool and spa is set amidst a lush and well-established landscape; the gazebo, high fences, screening shrubs and mature trees affording a ‘secret’ garden atmosphere. Parking for multiple vehicles is provided, with a gabled roof double semi-enclosed garage, single car garage under house, additional parking under the terraced patio and positions along the length of the driveway, should they ever be needed. Remote gates at the street enable driver convenience, as does the handy turnaround bay, and full security of the home is monitored by a back-to-base alarm system.

This grand Queenslander has been freshly repainted and fastidiously maintained; a full roof replacement being carried out in 2007.

Chelmer, at 7km from the CBD, is only a few minutes from the designer stores and everyday conveniences of Indooroopilly Shopping Centre. With popular local cafés, boutique shopping and gourmet offerings nearby, enjoy a quick weekday coffee catch up or a relaxed weekend brunch or dinner in the company of good friends. The University of Queensland is a mere ten-minute drive by car and excellent public transport is a short walk away.

Iconic and treasured, the street appeal of Brisbane’s Laurel Avenue is beyond compare. Rarely offered for sale, properties of this character and significance are often held for generations within the same family. This is an opportunity to secure your own piece of history