Mystery US expat buys landmark heritage Brisbane home
This property at 175 Fernberg Rd, Paddington, has sold for $4.5m to an Aussie expat.
An expat living in the US has outlaid $4.5 million for a landmark property in Brisbane’s Paddington, and plans to spend up to another $3 million in renovations to transform it into their dream home.
Place Estate Agents Paddington principal Tim Douglas said the buyer was keen to return to Australia after “adding their personal touches” to the house at 175 Fernberg Road, which dates back to the 1860s.
He would not reveal the buyer’s identity.
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The view from the property at 175 Fernberg Rd, Paddington.
“This is an awesome result and a great price,” Mr Douglas said.
“While this is a beautiful property, it is unrenovated and needs work.
“The new owner is keen to move in with his young family once the renovations are
complete and enjoy life in beautiful Brisbane.”
The dining room in the home is currently used as a music room.
The heritage property has been for sale for nearly three years.
“It sat on the market for some time because the buyer needed to have not only the vision, passion and energy to take on this project, but also deep pockets!” Mr Douglas said.
“This home deserves to be one of the best in Brisbane and I believe it will be.
“Apart from wanting to live in such an iconic house, another factor which weighed
heavily in the buyer’s decision to come home was that it’s also an investment in a
safer lifestyle when it comes to COVID-19.”
The historic home has sweeping verandas that capture the afternoon breezes.
The historic house, which sits on a huge, elevated 1634 sqm block with sweeping views
of the CBD, was originally built by workers from the UK to live in while they worked
on the nearby Governor’s residence.
Mr Douglas said the property, which was also once a B&B, had been owned for
some time by Liz and Stephen Hall, who operated Paddington’s former Kookaburra
Cafe.
“I had quite a lot of interest in the property, both locally and internationally, especially
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from potential buyers in Hong Kong and Singapore,” he said.
“While the property needs a bit of work, the expat, who engaged a buyer’s agent,
soon fell in love with its location — and the grandeur and scale of the house.”
From the street, 175 Fernberg Rd, Paddington, has a commanding presence.
On the entry level of the home, there are reception and entertaining rooms with high, pressed metal ceilings, a formal lounge and a dining room that is currently used as a music room, with French doors opening to a sunroom.
There is also a library on this level and a large drawing room, which has been converted into self-contained accommodation, complete with its own entry, kitchenette and bathroom.
One of the living rooms in the historic home at 175 Fernberg Rd, Paddington.
The kitchen at the back of the home enjoys 270 degree views and features a huge meals area, with an open fireplace — one of five in the house — and an adjoining casual sitting room.
A grand timber staircase leads to the upper level, which accommodates four large bedrooms, each with its own bathroom.
Deep verandas capture breezes and offer a peaceful spot to relax and drink in the city views.
There is additional accommodation and a gym at the back of the property, opening onto a single size tennis court.
One of the bedrooms in the house has an open, freestanding bath tub.