Melding the seemingly disparate design of a former Hastings Street cottage from the 50s, by incorporating a contemporary sensibility without compromising any features at its current location, was indeed an inspired masterstroke.
The riverside legend, which was moved in the 80s to a quiet cul-de-sac, is perpetually admired and easy to see why. Much of its beautiful Queenslander-style character and provenance has been retained, plus it is so close to the Noosa River and the walkway leading to Gympie Terrace with parallel foreshore.
A Pandanus with its stilt roots makes a makes a bold statement on the nature strip by the front gate, which leads up the garden path to the front verandah. Also enjoying the perfect north-westerly orientation is a river stone-edged aqua-coloured pool with decking on two sides.
Step inside. Subtle earthiness establishes its roots in the warm toned Satinay flooring, and white VJ-profile walls and ceilings, also multi-paned windows are part of the original organic aesthetic.
A wood-burning fireplace complements the over-sized, open-plan living and dining areas, as does custom-built cabinetry and a banquette. The hub of family life and every women’s dream is an on-trend Hamptons-style kitchen such as this one in 2-pac white and soft grey with brass handles, stone-topped island bench/breakfast bar, butlers double sink, gas cooktop and more.
Abutting the kitchen is a sink for just-caught Noosa River fish, to pop straight on the barbeque and enjoy on the pool terrace.
Along the hallway, a bedroom to the left is one of five, and a bathroom is on the right.
Upstairs is an addition to the original build. With a north-easterly aspect is the master suite with walk-in robe, an ensuite with walk-in shower that looks out to Poinciana trees, plus a living, maybe yoga space. Both have louvres and shutters plus there are sliders out to the covered verandah where views over the lock and weir river system, sunsets and summer breezes are second-to-none. Another bedroom has nursery written all over it.
Adding a further dimension to the rear of the property, is a purpose-built 2-bedroom hideaway with sun deck in-between, bathroom, back garden, and storerooms, suitable for guests, artists, multi-generational family, running a business, maybe lucky teens. It is cleverly conjoined to the home by a super-sized alfresco entertainment area with a lawn for kids and pooches, barbeque, cool room for the party platters and all the necessities to make it a popular zone, whatever the family occasion.
“This really is a blue-ribbon waterside location and a seriously characterful big family home,” enthuses Tom Offermann Real Estate agent Eric Seetoo. “It engages visually with the surrounding prestige residences in Laburnum Crescent and is perfect for walking, cycling, fishing and boating enthusiasts.
“Literally on your doorstep is the cycle and walkway which goes under the Gympie Terrace bridge to the Noosa River foreshore. The Noosa Yacht and Rowing Club with its kid’s learn to sail classes and Noosa Ferry stop is almost a neighbour, Gympie Terrace is well known as café and restaurant central and nearby are transport links for school-age children.”