Burrandool evokes country grace from the moment you enter through the gatehouse onto the long driveway that bridges the creek and curves by the tennis court, natural rock swimming pool and exquisite summerhouse. A wondrous sight then greets you – a gracious, light-filled home atop the natural rise of the land.
This property is testimony to how inspired design can turn 2.5 elevated acres into an exceptional way of life. As the final project of revered Queensland architect the late John Dalton, Burrandool is imbued with the wisdom Dalton gleaned from a lifetime of creating award-winning designs and his unwavering philosophy of design for climate.
Every beautifully designed building on the property, including the guesthouse and summerhouse, embraces the purity of early Queensland architecture. The owner, who grew up on a sheep station near Cunnamulla, has felt at home amidst the lofty volumes, verandahs and banks of louvres that work together to bring in light, create shade and channel breezes.
The creation of Burrandool is based upon Daltons grand design. While the southern half of the property is kept as a private native forest set against the backdrop of Mount Coot-tha, the northern acre has been developed according to the original plan.
The rural feel of the grand design is exemplified in endless ways. The tennis courts pergola, draped with perfumed wisteria, conjures images of country tennis with drinks at sunset. The summerhouse is wonderfully rustic with western red cedar weatherboards, a fully screened verandah and, for natural airflow, it is crowned with a ventilation tower. The architect and owner hunted together for special timbers, old doors with coloured antique glass, light fittings and farm gates. The tennis courts entrance gate is sourced from Allora on the Darling Downs.
The sourcing of sandstone ledges was an inspired idea to create an unforgettable sight. Arrival at the home is a vision splendid. Broad sandstone ledges lead up to the welcoming home sitting serenely on the natural rise. At the top of the sandstone ledges, large sandstone pavers take you to the front verandah through established gardens of agapanthus, bougainvillea, hibiscus, grevilleas, roses, and camellias.
The steeply pitched roofs of the western red cedar weatherboard and masonry home are reminiscent of a grand country homestead. Two chimneys give a comforting sense of home and hearth. Almost every room opens to a verandah. The generous overhang along the northeast face keeps the house cool in summer. In winter, the morning sun warms the northeast facing rooms.
Step through the western red cedar front door inlaid with sapphire blue and citron yellow antique glass into the Formal Room. The beauty of Daltons design fills you with a sense of peace. The expressed beams carry your gaze up to the soaring ceiling. A wall of glass louvers encircles a grand piano and brings in views of trees against the backdrop of Mount Coot-tha. Gentle sunlight streams into the room. The parquetry floor gleams in the light. The fireplace is anchored between the lounge area and dining space. This is a beautiful setting for celebrations with family and friends. For large parties, guests can spill out onto the verandah and into the gardens.
The heart of the home is the open plan Family Area incorporating the kitchen, dining area and a cosy living area in front of the fireplace. The kitchen is a joy to be in as its filled with northeast views and breezes, European appliances, ample storage and benches that open to the indoor/outdoor dining areas. The Family Area opens to the northeastern verandah at one end and the southwestern courtyard and carport at the other. A study nook is well located between the kitchen and carport.
The sweep of the wide stairs to the bedroom wing and extra wide hallway further enhances the homes sense of spaciousness. The master bedroom has a view of the valley to the northeast with a door that opens to the verandah. The ensuite features a large bath and double shower. There are two walk in robes, one either side of the bedrooms entrance.
The other three bedrooms are generous in size with built in robes and large windows to the northeast or east. The bathroom is a good size with a separate toilet. The laundry is large with ample bench space and cupboards. You can step from the laundry to the courtyard and garden.
Across the courtyard from the house is the enchanting guesthouse. The fully screened living quarters is ideal for guests, extended family or a teenager or young adult wanting their own space. The large light-filled living room is a delight with views to the garden. Special features of the main house are repeated here the parquetry floor and up above, the expressed beams across the high ceiling. The queen size bedroom has its own verandah and ensuite.
Step from the guesthouse to the carport. While the carport has two undercover car spaces, the property has three more parking bays. A walk in shed, as well as huge cupboards, provide an enormous amount of storage room. Just beyond the carport, but still under the roofline of the house, there is a large gardening workroom and an air conditioned cellar that would make an excellent wine cellar.
Walk to the back garden and see plentiful fruit trees. The air is filled with birdsong. Under shady trees, a tree house and swing are built to last for generations. Steps lead down through a gate and onto a path through the private forest of native trees.
Burrandools established gardens are easy to care for with the irrigation system and 25,000 litre tank that holds both rain water and bore water.
This exceptional property is a three minute walk approximately to the corner of Carwoola Street where the 375 bus leaves for the city. It is a two minute drive approximately to Mount Coot-tha Forest where walking tracks, mountain bike trails, waterfalls and picnic spots abound. The rugby ovals of Wests Junior Rugby League Club are across the street.
Burrandool gives the generous feeling of country estate living and yet is located in inner city Bardon. A property of this calibre so close to the city is a rare find indeed. Do not delay your inspection.
FEATURES
2.5 Acres with Tennis Court, Swimming Pool and Private Forest
Established Trees, Level Lawns and Easy Care Garden
Architect Designed, Northeast Facing Home
Architect Designed Guesthouse, Summerhouse, Gatehouse
Large Indoor/Outdoor Living and Entertaining Spaces
Five Bedrooms Plus Study
Two Fireplaces
Ducted Reverse Cycle Air Conditioning
Two Undercover Car Spaces
Three Parking Bays
Town Water, Bore Water, 25,000 Litre Water Tank
Approximately 3 Minute Walk to 375 Bus Service
Approximately 2 Minute Drive to Mt Coot-tha Forest Walking Tracks
Approximately 3 Minute Drive to Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens
8.3 Kilometres to CBD
EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST
Closing 31 October at 3pm
(if not sold prior)