A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of visiting a very original Queenslander porch and gable home nestled in the western suburb of Ashgrove. The current owners acquired the property last year and are the third owners of the three bedroom home since it was built in 1925.
Fellow house bloggers, Elizabeth from
Walk Among the Homes and Magnus from
A House in Auchenflower visited the home too. You can read the thoroughly interesting historical research (think links to XXXX Brewery in Milton) which Magnus has chronicled
here and admire the photographs which Elizabeth has captured
here.
I merely tagged along as a house voyeur. Professional sticky-beak. I was keen to see this home as it is a similar vintage to the Sow's Ear - it helps to fill in the blanks of what our home may have looked like originally. It was also good to see Elizabeth again who so kindly showcased the
Sow's Ear in her blog a few months ago and to finally meet the debonair Magnus.
This Ashgrove home would have to be one of the best preserved Queenslander homes I have visited, lovingly cared for and with very minimal changes to the structural integrity of the house. It is quite a special feat after 88 years.
My photographs do no justice to the home, but I wanted to capture some of the features which often disappear over time and which are so characteristic to the Queenslander. Thanks so much to the owners who were very generous in giving us free rein of their beautiful home.
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| dark stained fretwork breezeways above the bedroom doors |
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| Old power points cut into the dark skirting boards |
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| Bank of dark stained hopscotch casement windows in the dining room. It looks like the old casement stays have been removed over time. |
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| enclosed verandah/sleep out with lino floor covering and louvre windows |
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Back door landing with just the weatherboard lining and louvre window.
Notice how the back door is a double hopscotch pattern |
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| Back stairs with roof and external privacy screen |
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| original timber house stumps with tin ant capping |
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| Under the eaves which were interestingly (for me) unlined |
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| tin bullnose window hood with privacy screen |
I think 'professional sticky beak' is a wonderful phrase... Perhaps we should offer courses in it?
ReplyDeleteI loved the different features that you captured, gorgeous old home.
Thanks Elizabeth! Yes, I could do a TAFE course on professional sticky-beak. xx
DeleteLove originals. Love your 'noticing'! xx
ReplyDeleteYes, original homes are so rare and ought to be admired. xx
DeleteI started reading the article thinking "Oooh, another old Queenslander in Ashgrove just like ours." And then the penny dropped. ;-)
ReplyDeleteYou're more than welcome to come sticky-beak at our place any time. The renos might be a few years off yet, but we'll keep you posted!
Oh, and a big thanks to Magnus and Elizabeth, too!
DeleteThanks so much David. Your home is a beauty and I can't wait to see the next installment as you gradually make changes to accommodate your family. xx
DeleteGorgeous fretwork and nothing better than a long expanse of side verandah. Betsy has neither but luckily we still love her! mel x
ReplyDeleteThere is nothing nicer than a side verandah but a Qlder bungalow must equal it. xx
DeleteI love learning more about Queenslanders. I'd give my second-born child (safe to say, since I only have one) for all those louvered windows!!!
ReplyDeleteLouvered windows are very cool...but very glad to know your second-born was never in jeopardy. xx
DeleteI think this house is slightly older than ours...probably by about 10 years. There are lots of similarities though too. It is so interesting to see what others are doing with their houses.
ReplyDeleteThanks Carol. I love seeing other homes that are similar in vintage too. xx
DeleteLove all the original details, and that fretwork!!!
ReplyDeleteThat fretwork is just amazing. I was so envious as we have nothing like that in the Sow's Ear. xx
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