One of my friends is house-sitting for her brother who owns the most delicious piece of Brisbane modernist architecture hidden in the suburbs. She invited us over for morning tea one day while she was looking after this special home. The home is truly a gem gleaming brightly in its leafy surrounds.
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| Dining room with original copper light fitting. The glass walls slide open on to the beautiful outdoor entertaining area with view to the bush |
Built circa 1960s, the home was designed by well known Brisbane architect Robin Spencer as his family home and it sits sympathetically on the border of a forest conservation park. Floor to ceiling glass walls in the simple yet expansive structure is the most striking feature of the home - the glass curtain walls invite the outdoors in and makes the most of the quiet (except for the warring scrub turkeys) bushland setting.
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| A corner of the enormous living area featuring an iconic Australian Kone chair |
The amount of floor space is enviable - claustrophobia would never be a problem in this spacious home. A few of us were in awe of the amount of space, mentally calculating how we would furnish the home with our own full-to-the-brim furniture collections. The owner collects contemporary Australian art which is peppered throughout the well-curated house
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| Looking from the kitchen into the spectacular lounge area with its rock wall fire place. |
I loved the use of natural elements in this home - timber on the ceilings, walls and floors, rock fire place and glass to enable views of the bush from every room. The home exudes a real sense of warmth which can be sometimes lacking in homes of this size. It really is a beautiful family home.
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| Breakfast nook which looks out on to the front entry deck |
I also loved how the home has remained relatively untouched and that there is great respect for the original design. The owners have done substantial work to the exterior entertaining area - new decks, paving, fire pit and swimming pool - all of which blends nicely with the era of the home.
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| Family TV room |
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| Original tiling and tap ware in the ensuite. |
My photographs have really not done any justice to this wonderful home...but hopefully it gives you a taste of how amazing mid-century homes can be in the right hands.
WOW!!!! Simply stunning. It looks like a very tranquil place to live!!!
ReplyDeleteIt was stunning Trish. The location was equally as stunning. Xx
DeleteOh my goodness- I ADORE IT!!! It's stunning, how wonderful to see a homeowner who respecyts the original features of the home to such an extent that he even kept the yellow taps and original tiling in the bathroom. Original bathrooms are often the tell tale sign of a true devotee, in my humble opinion:-)
ReplyDeleteYou're so right about the "delicious" part, it really is!!!! Thank you so much for sharing it with us!!
I knew you would like it Tove. The tiling was amazing in that bathroom. I left the house quite envious! Xx
DeleteI am almost crying at how gorgeous it is. I could hug that family: they appreciate modernist architecture and so have maintained the house in all its original beauty and yet they have tastefully incorporated contemporary pieces. The place is also not over run with stuff (possibly there is oodles of storage?). I just adore it. I especially love the bathroom tiles and taps. They're my favourite pieces. I'm all inspired to chuck everything away and start from scratch. (I too imagine how my furniture would be arranged in other people's homes! Cheeky.) Divine. Good work all! Wish I could have seen it, but then I would have had to be dragged out kicking and screaming!
ReplyDeleteIt's a shame you could not be there! It was like a religious experience for me, reverently walking through each room. The bathroom ensuite was so cool...loved those tiles! xx
DeleteDamn - so sorry I missed this one! Looks totally awesome. I'm now starting to feel guilty about replacing my front door hardware. xx
ReplyDeleteIt was a great home. You'll have to come to the next get together! And don't feel guilty about the door hardware - replace it if you don't want it on the front door and put it on the cubby house door! Xx
DeletePerfect. All of it. *sigh*
ReplyDeleteThat is a breathtaking home! The structure itself is simply gorgeous, and the furnishings are perfect! I love all that beautiful wood paneling, and that bathroom is fantastic.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely morning tea experience, thanks for sharing......but didn't you leave your coat behind? You'll need to go back and get it! :)
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This is stunning! I adore the fact that this house is occupied by people who love & respect it. A dear friend of mine has the most gorgeous 1930's architect designed house which she has loved & kept the original kitchen & bathroom in its original design. Its a rare soul that can do this!
ReplyDeleteAs I said to you before, this is not my style as I grew up with much of it. However, I can respect & admire those who love it.
I love this. I want to move in!
ReplyDeleteI grew up in a country town where my father was the engineer. Spencer Architects won the tender to build the new council chambers. It was my first introduction to a real life architect ( Mike Brady being the only other known to me) and I remember being fascinated at the clever use of glass and space and light. To wonder through his own home though would be very special!
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