Return to a world of graceful living, when adults could enjoy a social hit of tennis and retire for drinks on the verandah while children played in the safety and privacy of splendid walled gardens. It was a world enjoyed by a privileged few, and it’s waiting for your family in Clayfield.

This extraordinary residence, set on 1,215m² over three separate titles with an astounding 30-metre street frontage, has been extended and partly refurbished over time yet retains the integrity and dignity of its era.

Built in 1916, the home has all the defining period features of Queensland’s popular and iconic homes, as well as the architectural dimensions required by a modern day family. Not to mention the space outside – a full size, fully lit synthetic grass tennis court at the rear, private in-ground pool at the side and a beautiful grassed garden at the front – perfect for small children to play in.

On the outside, a striking gabled façade, four separate sweeping verandahs, massive windowed expanses and a handsome brick front perimeter wall set the scene for the elegance that lies within.

Inside, beautiful wide, pine floor boards, intricate parquetry, picture rails, architraves and a brick fireplace complement the 3.3 metre-high ceilings and delicate archways.

The home encompasses four bedrooms, two bathrooms, a formal arched lounge and dining room, kitchen, and family living-meals room on the upper level, as well as a study, rumpus, laundry, third bathroom and dual side-by-side car port on the lower level.

Vital to the way we live today, the home is both a family haven and an entertainer’s delight, with the floor plan fostering a sense of intimacy in the family and formal areas, while opening out into an expansive living area adjoining a practical kitchen and two separate decks. There is also a fantastic cool verandah on the lower level overlooking the court and close to the pool for entertaining during tennis and pool parties.

The real surprise of this home is its elevated north-south position. While the north-facing front verandah captures sweet summer breezes and warm northern sun, from the southern end of the home is a most charming suburban view.

This leafy aspect across the roof tops of Ascot toward beautiful Hamilton Hill seems so close there is a sensation of almost being able to reach out and touch the trees thanks to a huge 4.8-metre cathedral ceiling in the main living room featuring floor to ceiling windows.

The bedroom accommodation is very functional, with the master suite opening out onto a side verandah for lovely breezes, as well as accessing a walk-in robe and newly refurbished modern bathroom with two-way access.

Each of the three other bedrooms has its own study alcove/play room – ideal for school aged children or babies and toddlers alike. A second bathroom is accessible from the family living room and services the children and guests.

The rumpus and office on the lower level offer a precinct where teenagers can retreat and/or the base for a home business, with clients able to enter this area separately through the carport. This is also the ideal service entry to the home, with just a few metres to go up the stairs and into the kitchen and main living area.

While the home is clearly a much-loved and well-laid out family home, there is enormous potential for extending and refurbishing the home, taking it to the next level of grandeur. Demolition and re-building of the lower level is an option for those who would like to increase the number of bedrooms or family living space to incorporate a media room or guest retreat. It is also possible and easy to modify the upper floor plan to further enhance the home’s livability.

What cannot be changed is the home’s optimal position, located in the coveted Ascot State School catchment, just a few hundred metres from St Agatha’s Catholic Primary and St Rita’s College, and a short stroll to glorious Oriel Park and the Lancaster Road shops – home of the legendary Vanilla Pod cafe. It’s also ever so close to St Margaret’s and Clayfield College.

Ascot is also renowned for its other lifestyle amenities including Portside Hamilton and Racecourse Road, which are only a few minute’s drive from the home, easy access to the city via the Inner City Bypass and Brisbane Airport, only 4km away.

Of course, the future holds many more exciting things for this area, with the Albion Mill development aiming to provide a similar experience to James Street and Portside Hamilton.

These grand character homes are enduring and always in demand. They showcase the craftsmanship and materials of another era; they are solid and climate-friendly; they accommodate modern amenities while maintaining timeless style; and their enduring appeal adds genuine long-term investment potential.

Don’t miss your opportunity to become a part of this home’s history – and to shape your family’s future.