Scenery, serenity and absolute seclusion. With commanding outlooks toward distant mountain ranges and the lights of the city, this grand, reproduction Queenslander sits with presence and style atop a blissful bushland sanctuary where wallabies and koalas visit regularly. Blending harmoniously into its pristine environment, the residence features wraparound verandahs, 3.2m ceilings, formal and family rooms, rumpus and office. The property is home to an enormous infinity-edge pool that juts out of the landscape, established ornamental and orchard gardens and a versatile, barn-style shed with loft living, gym and music-making spaces.
Undeniably private, this substantial lifestyle acreage, its must-have comforts, inclusions and minimal land maintenance requirements will impress. Hidden completely from the road, the property’s driveway curves and opens onto a large, level site, where lawns and landscaped gardens welcome and lead to the home.
Designed and master-built by Courage Homes in 1990, this immaculate, modern Queenslander stands prominently at the highest point of the 46,800m2 allotment and grants panoramic views from wherever you stand. Aspects take in Flinders Peak and Mount Barney by day and recognisable city and suburban localities by night, with the sunsets nothing short of breathtaking. The land once formed part of one of Upper Brookfield’s original large-scale cattle properties.
With an array of outdoor entertaining areas and landscaping exclusively designed by Darryl Mappin, the setting is quite spectacular and filled with a collection of unique plants. There is an open-air poolside sundeck and covered pavilion, hedge-framed walkways, a wisteria and grape-covered arbour and a gentle-flowing water feature.
A wide, bullnose verandah runs across the front and two sides of the residence, cooling, shading and protecting the interiors from heat and inclement weather. Formal living areas are situated at the front of the home, with a log-burning fireplace edged by a black marble hearth and mantel shelf.
Imported, sealed terracotta tiles flow through frequently lived-in spaces and the multi-user office, there are sumptuous travertine finishes to the ensuite and newly renovated main bathroom and laundry, and plush carpets in bedrooms and the games and media room. Timber sash windows and French doors, hand-painted cabinetry and the formal styling and soft furnishings used throughout remain sympathetic to the classic Queenslander character.
The kitchen is central to a casual living room and breakfast area, with either side opening directly onto the covered verandah. Incorporating rich granite benchtop surfaces and European appliances, featured are a Smeg cooktop and rangehood, a Miele dishwasher and a Bosch pyrolytic wall oven complete with a warming drawer. There is a fully integrated Fisher and Paykel fridge/freezer combination and a coffee and tea-making area.
All four built-in bedrooms have been tastefully styled and have spectacular views. The master retreat is quiet and restful, is situated separate from the children’s level and enjoys vistas of Flinders Peak and, as night falls, the twinkling city lights. Accommodating a king-sized bed, this parent’s suite has French doors leading to the verandah, a walk-in-robe and an ultra-private, travertine marble adorned ensuite with a deep bath.
Teenagers will love the enormous games and media room on the lower level and the fully lined loft space within the separate, four-car-capacity barn. Versatile for all ages, these fantastic, open-plan spaces offer gym and play zones, movie-watching and relaxed gathering areas for when friends are over and creative, study or band rehearsal spaces. The loft has a kitchenette and built-in bench seating, with parking for two vehicles or trailers and a large workshop underneath. Those carrying on a business from home will see the functionality and potential that this purpose-built building presents.
Parking for another two cars has been provided in the main garage, with an additional workshop or art and craft area in front of the vehicle spaces. Practical storage is located throughout the home. Keeping up to date with modern security, the entire home is protected by an alarm and smartphone-monitored camera system.
Naturally cool due to the elevation and insulative properties, the passive cross ventilation ensures that this home’s ducted air-conditioning and ceiling fans are very rarely needed. With a 3kW solar inverter system and over 130,000 litres of rainwater collection for house and garden irrigation system use, utility costs are minimal.
Collect eggs daily from the custom-designed chook house and enjoy produce from the veggie gardens and the many established fruiting trees on the property. Included are citrus varieties, pomegranate, banana, peach, mulberry and pineapple plants.
Beautiful Upper Brookfield is home to large acreage estates and has a genuine community feel. Only 30 minutes (20km) from the CBD and 35 minutes to Brisbane’s Domestic and International Terminals via the Legacy Way Tunnel, the convenience is exceptional, and the lifestyle, refreshing. The nearest major shopping centres are Kenmore Village and Kenmore Plaza, located a 9-12-minute drive away, with Indooroopilly Shopping Centre only a few minutes further on.
The locals, of course, stop into the Brookfield General Store for a morning coffee after the school or bus drop-off, and then to Brookfield Produce or Brookfield Gardens for any animal and garden supplies, plants and garden décor, with lunch with friends always an option at Wild Canary.