ONE of Brisbane’s original homesteads built in the 1890s has undergone a faultless rebuild and attracted a record number of buyers to its first inspection for its impeccable classic style and total wow factor.
The property called Dalmuir at 10 Lama St, Chelmer's - in Brisbane’s affluent leafy western suburbs - has been completely transformed by its current owner William Brice and his wife Shona and is now for sale.
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Ray White Sherwood agent Adriana Cameron said the luxurious five bedroom home property with four entertaining areas and three bathrooms was “utterly faultless”.
“We had more than 70 people at the first open home, which is huge, a record. Many locals who had watched the renovation unfold and knew the history of the home were excited to see it so beautifully restored,” Ms Cameron said.
“Interesting fact that although it’s a perfect family home, there were many downsizers looking as the home is all on one level and a very manageable size.”
Dalmuir is one of the original homesteads in this popular suburb built by the famous Frew Family in 1893. The whole area was once in fact known as Frew Estate.
Robert Frew, who died in 1930, was well known among Queenslanders for his presidency of the Queensland Tennis Association, often referred to as the father of Queensland Tennis. The former Milton Tennis Centre is named in memory of him, Frew Park.
Current owner William Brice, who has lived in Chelmer for more than 40 years, said he’d admired the house his whole life. “We bought the house less than two years ago and embarked on a massive renovation, a total rebuild in fact from the ground up. It was a huge labour of love,” said Mr Brice, whose family co-founded the Brisbane success story Wotif.com which sold to travel giant Expedia six years ago. Mr Brice, who has owned the international vehicle relocation business called Imoova.com for the last 15 years, is an experienced developer who has always had a passion for property.
“We spent about six months working with Brisbane City Council’s heritage department to totally rebuild the house in sympathy to its character,” Mr Brice said. “We negotiated with council to allow some modern conveniences - like an ensuite - but we have essentially built a very modern house that works for a family but still retains its heritage appeal. “We have four children, so I built the house for our family, with plenty of zones.It’s 130 years old, and it will now last another 130 years.”
The build process took 12 months given everything had to be rebuilt, including every leadlight window and sash.
The homestead originally had a tennis court in front of it and faced Railway Terrace, what is now called Honour Ave, until it was moved to front 10 Lama St. The impressive street presence with a traditional white picket fence and landscaped gardens has been long admired by locals across the western suburbs.
From the foyer, you’ll be immediately drawn to the ornamental original fireplace and freshly laid solid pine floorboards which continue throughout the home. The property also has a formal lounge for private gatherings, but no doubt most of your time will be spent in the combined family and living area, overlooking the kitchen. The galley-style kitchen is perfect for entertaining with European stainless-steel appliances including: 600mm and 900mm Ilve gas oven, Ilve 9 burner gas cooktop, and semi-integrated Miele dishwasher. Other standouts include a Carrara marble island benchtop, American walnut island benchtop feature, and a scullery with built-in shelving to keep unsightly clutter tucked away.
The outdoor room with built in wine fridges and vaulted lantern ceiling must be seen to be appreciated too. The inground pool is ringed by Travertine pavers, and floating steps allow easy access to the covered pool cabana. The immaculate property is set down for auction on-site on June 8 at 12 noon, if not sold prior.
