Queenslander lifts market to new level 

A TIGHTLY held 1930s Brisbane home, only ever owned by four families, is on the market for the first time in almost 25 years.

The Queenslander at 36 Annie St, Paddington was purchased by Jane Sherwin and Greg Mackay who were attracted to the property for its Queenslander features, its location and the lift.

“We both believe that our neighbourhoods are better when our homes are accessible for everyone, and we’ve also worked in the lives of people with disabilities,” Ms Sherwin said.

“With an elderly grandmother and back issues, we thought the lift was fabulous so when we were able to buy it, we did. We moved in straight away in November, 1994.”

The original cottage had been updated somewhat but it was still on its stilts with a cracked concrete base, and the old concrete laundry tubs.

“It felt like a family home, a solid house,” Ms Sherwin said.

“The first thing we fell in love with was the original timber panelling. They gave the gorgeous family cottage a gravitus and a warm feeling.”

In 2005, the couple made the decision to renovate the cottage which took around 10 months to complete.

“We lifted the house, added a family room, a fourth bedroom, an accessible bathroom, the workroom, two decks and enclosed the garage,” Ms Sherwin said.

“We also used a crane to move the lift and ensured that the downstairs level was completely wheelchair (and pram) accessible while still attractive.”

The result is a large family home with rare mobility access and all the appealing hallmarks of a traditional Queenslander.

But best of all, the house comes with its own private water-powered lift making it one of the few accessible homes in the inner-city.

The upper level is designed for family living, where a sizeable u-shaped kitchen blends into light and airy living and dining rooms and out to an elevated back deck overlooking a flat yard below, a rarity in Paddington.

Upstairs also contains the large master bedroom with ensuite and built-in-wardrobes, two other bedrooms and a family bathroom with terrazzo flooring and a full-sized bath.

A self-contained lower level includes internal garage access, 920mm wide doors, a fourth bedroom, separate wheelchair accessible bathroom and a large second living area with covered deck.

“There’s something extremely lovable about this home, which I think is not just to do with its location but also its feel,” Ray White Paddington’s Judi O’Dea said.

“It’s changed hands only a few times so there’s something magical here that makes people want to stay.”

Ms O’Dea said character aside, 36 Annie St is a functional family home.

“The floor plan includes four double-size bedrooms, three separate living areas and two lovely verandas,” she said.

“It’s designed to accommodate a variety of people, has a beautiful playable backyard, and has also been freshly painted inside and out.”

Ms O’Dea is taking 36 Annie St, Paddington to auction on Saturday, April 6 at midday.