Hidden gem of Highgate Hill

THE modern masterpiece at 41 Derby Street, Highgate Hill is a feat of bespoke design, characterised by its generous proportions, luxurious features and high quality.

Ray White West End principal Luke O’Kelly says the statement home had almost 500sqm of living space and was tucked on a very quiet cul de sac.

“It’s like a hidden gem at the end of a quiet cul de sac with a council reserve next door that can never be built on and bushland in front of the house. Yet you are literally just a hop, skip and jump away from the South Bank Cultural Precinct and all it’s entertainment and dining options,” he said.

“The bars, cafes and restaurants of West End are just 1.5km away. You could leave the car at home for your commute to the Brisbane CBD and use the local bike paths, ferry or bus routes available from Dornoch Terrace and Gladstone Road.”

Retired geologist Michael Hawkins and his wife Amarzaya Gantumur have owned the house since it was new nine years ago but they undertook a renovation before they moved in.

“We have only lived there permanently for a few years but before we moved in we created a library area, plus added an extra bathroom, a gym, and put some feature walls in, plus a wine cellar, wet bar area and built in the garage too.”

Mr Hawkins, who worked in the mining industry in Hong Kong, said he was looking to get back onto the land and back into the cattle industry.

His wife, a lawyer who practised in Hong Kong, was enjoying looking after their two year old son.

“The house has something for family members of all ages, from the tranquil parents retreat, to the wet bar and wine cellar, the media room or just the multiple family spaces within the home plus the elevator makes access to all levels of the home a breeze. It’s ideal for both the elderly, the very young, or just for the convenience of not having to carry luggage upstairs after returning from vacation,” Mr Hawkins said.

“Either of the spa baths in the well appointed bathrooms are great for that post work out soak, or just to relax as and when you please.

“The styling of the house reflects a modern Asian influence reflecting the owners backgrounds and experiences living throughout Asia.”

“You can walk to the University of Queensland over the green bridge or walk to West End and Southbank.

“It’s like a secret pocket that is still within the Brisbane State High School catchment.

“Across the road there’s a big green space and gully that cannot be built in. It’s very quiet here with no road noise and no through traffic which is less than 10 minutes walk to be in the middle of things.”

The house has high-end features throughout including Italian imported limestone flooring, hand chiselled limestone on the walls, and direct lift access to each level.

“We find the house really good and the elevator access is great especially if you have a lot of bags or luggage after a trip. It’s got everything from a fully equipped home gym to a deep Japanese spa bath with 24 carat gold taps where you can have heated water up to your neck,” Mr Hawkins said.

“But I am a boy from the bush and so we are moving out onto a property west of Brisbane.

“We are looking at buying an apartment in Brisbane which can be locked up and left for six months.”

Elevator access to all levels of the home make access a breeze for all members of the family.

The chef of the family will relish using the expansive kitchen, which boasts the following features: unique granite benchtops, imported Italian laminates, breakfast bar, six-plate ILVE gas cooktop, oversized electric oven and integrated ILVE dishwasher, & built in ILVE microwave, & walk in pantry.

The proximity to the open-plan living area ensures ease of conversation & supervision of younger family members.

The living area opens onto a large verandah, which offers views across to Mount Coot-tha, and an ideal place for indoor-outdoor living, whilst the dining area opens onto a courtyard & further access to the back yard.