26 Aston Street, Toowong QLD 4066

Auction Location: On-Site

Nestled into the hillside with a commanding presence high above Toowong, this traditional residence bestows all the hallmarks and grandeur of times past, with a superb redesign that is both elegant and purposeful. Set across two impeccably presented levels each with their own magnificent full-width deck, this home is a very rare find and is sure to exceed your expectations, delivering versatile, multifunctional living and entertaining spaces for the largest of families.

In perfect consonance with the classic character, reimagined spaces have been brought to life by Brisbane interior designer Ellie Ramsay, of Blake & Taylor. Living here is easy, supremely comfortable and tranquil.

Capturing views of the Brisbane River and the city’s skyline, this elevated 726m2 allotment offers the desirable prestige and convenience this premium inner-west location affords, in a quiet street and shouldered by majestic old trees.

A refined fence design and wrought iron gates offer total privacy, security and sophistication, and little is given away as you enter through the gatehouse and are welcomed onto the cobblestoned pathway and past formal terraced gardens that frame the front of ‘Owimbah.’

This 135 year old Queenslander is rich with heritage features that have been beautifully restored. VJ linings, four metre ceilings and wide polished hoop pine floorboards flow throughout the original upper level. The wide hallway with its ornate archway leads you on a walk where rooms that are grand in size and steeped in history fall to the left and right.

The owners have transformed this house in the time they have resided here to suit their needs and desires, extending its floorplan to take full advantage of the elevation and views on offer. Light-filled living spaces evoke a designer influence and are tastefully adorned with quality finishes. Two working cast iron fireplaces, original glazing and French door openings stand as reminders of the colonial era.

At one corner, a conservatory styled breakfast room with banquette seating is a delightful spot in which to welcome the day while looking out through the canopy of a towering jacaranda.

Cooking for friends and family should be a pleasure, and this country styled kitchen with its bespoke white cabinetry and timber benchtops is filled to the brim with clever inclusions and practical shelving and drawer storage. A 900mm Ilve freestanding gas range with mantle surround is joined by a Miele steam oven, Miele coffee machine and Bosch dishwasher.

A passthrough from the kitchen to the laundry provides access to an electronically controlled dumb waiter, where groceries can be transported directly from the garage level to the heart of the home. For those that love to indulge in crafting or sewing and value the importance of fully-featured, practical laundry design, this bright, air conditioned space with an abundance of built in cabinets, Sheila Made pulley operated clothes airer and wall mounted TV cabinet is nothing short of exceptional.

The sizeable master suite is situated at the front of the home, where French doors open to the verandah with its smooth, dark finished timbers, fringed by manicured hedges. This beautiful room has a private dressing room and ensuite with luxurious marble topped vanity and white high gloss and natural stone tiled surfaces that see modern merge flawlessly with traditional.

Two further bedrooms are located on the upper level, one with private study, the other, a grand sized, versatile north-east facing room that has a sitting area, ladder accessed mezzanine loft and the home’s original fireplace with its decoratively tiled surround. An elegant family bathroom and separate powder room conveniently service this floor.

Stunning in its sheer size, an enormous arched window feature forms the backdrop to the internal timber staircase, filling the void with light. Descend to the newer ground level living and accommodation areas, where there are three bedrooms, a library/reading room and large rumpus with kitchenette facility that rests beside the remaining original fireplace’s brickwork.

Providing luxurious guest or dual living accommodation, this private level opens directly to the second deck, a vast covered space to sit and read, casually dine or simply relax. Step down to the landscaped, lawned area or swim in the glistening, solar heated inground pool with its adjoining sun terrace.

There is an enclosed double garage, large purpose built workshop area plus additional off-street driveway parking, if required, behind the remote gates. Whether you work from home, run a business, have teenagers or ageing parents living with you, this home offers private and very functional spaces, separate entry and an abundance of cupboards that cater for all.

It is the extra touches and attention to ensuring that this home works well and without compromise, that make this grand old Queenslander so unique.

A large bank of solar roof panels, under house garden water tanks, instantaneous gas hot water and split system air conditioners to most rooms are responsible, energy efficiency inducing additions for these times, while the traditional verandahs, window hoods and decorator inspired plantation shutters maintain inside temperatures. Video intercom control at the gatehouse monitors visitors to the property and alarm security protects the property when you are not there.

‘Owimbah’ is indeed a landmark home in a fine location, situated only a few minutes from Toowong Village, Brisbane Boys’ College, the University of Queensland and Wesley Hospital. Offering a perfect inner-city lifestyle, the Brisbane River with its walk and cycleways are nearby and the CBD is conveniently less than 4km away.