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BEFORE: 116 Barton Road, Hawthorne, QLD.
It was called the ‘avocado’ house for good reason, but now it’s blossomed into an architectural masterpiece that’s as different to its previous self as chalk and cheese.
The major home renovation project in Brisbane inner suburb Hawthorne has been so transformational it’s about as different to its previous self as chalk and cheese.
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AFTER: Lighter, higher and brighter.
The Queenslander at 116 Barton Road, Hawthorne, was described as “an exceedingly rare opportunity” when it hit the market in its “raw” state two and a half years ago.
At the time it was a single storey, two bedroom, single bathroom, single car park house, on a block overgrown with weeds.
The first thought that came to her head when Belinda Smith spotted the “gorgeous old home” was.” she deserves to be restored properly”.
The next though was “oh my god, that’s a lot of hard work and a lot of concrete but what a great big block”.
“Whenever my husband and I were talking about it, we called it her ‘the avocado house’. She was just a grand home waiting for some TLC again.”
With two kids, a greyhound and a Jack Russell along for the ride, she and husband Brendon Smith got to work on plans to transform the property which was surrounded by million-dollar homes, creating a whole new design for the site, raising the home to legal height with council approval, expanding and upgrading everything.
BEFORE: The backyard.
AFTER: Amazing repurposing of space with the original home in top right, raised and built underneath.
“My husband was building for a client across the road and saw its potential to restore it to its former glory. With so much history and character we knew it would make an amazing family home with incredible character, and we were ready for a new family home for ourselves and our boys as we had been living in an older Queenslander for a few years,” Mrs Smith said.
“We didn’t have any real concerns as we knew we wanted to retain the original home and restore it to its former glory, which would help retain the beautiful street facade. We felt the home deserved to be there as it stood when it was first built. It had a lot to give back to the street.”
AFTER: Dream open plan style.
Her first tip for anyone wanting to take on such a project she joked was “marry a builder”.
“Finding a great architect is imperative. Be patient. Surround yourself with an amazing team of people. Stay true to your ideas. Be ready for lots of hard work. Make sure everyone is on the same page with your level of expectation to finishes.”
She said the property was “a home again”.
AFTER: Very sleek and modern way to live. QLD. Picture: Supplied.
“I still shake my head sometimes when I see something from a different perspective. It’s a gorgeous home to make lasting memories in. We feel it’s the essence of Queensland living. Open roomy areas, just fantastic for family lifestyle.”
AFTER: The pool zone next to the original house which has been raised.
Her favourite part was the outdoor area that they carefully designed.
“The seamlessness between the kitchen, dining, living and the outdoor area makes it all one huge welcoming space.”
After all their hard work, the family decided to sell in preparation for a move to the Sunshine Coast. “We thought it might be a good time to do it.”
AFTER: Queenslander charms celebrated in the original house.
Asked if she’d take on such a project again, Mrs Smith said “never say never”.
Real estate agents Paula Pearce and Mikaela Crone of Place Bulimba described the home as an “architectural masterpiece” — embracing indoor-outdoor flow, natural lighting, wide open spaces and double height ceilings.
Lush elements were added like mixed spotted gum and Italian tile flooring, loads of timber and ways to make the most of tropical greenery.
There are five large bedrooms, including a master retreat that has a wraparound walk-in robe, and even a second living area designed to create a private wing for the children for movie nights.
The property has been set to go to auction on Wednesday November 6 at 5.30pm.
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Features:
116 Barton Road, Hawthorne, Qld 4171
5 bed 4 bath 4 carparks
820sq m block
Auction Wed Nov 6 at 5.30pm
C BUS home automation system
Scullery
New Guinea Rosewood Aneeta Windows
Solar panels
Ducted airconditioning
Security cameras with alarm and electric front gate
Four car lockable garage with built-in storage
Fully-integrated study with hidden wiring
Full irrigation system
Double glazed Bluish Breeze sky lighting
Bora Professional Range including Teppanyaki