Originally built in 1874, and as such one of, if not the oldest surviving residential home in Gladstone, 'Vahreema' is a home of outstanding local importance. Assembled from an existing Gladstone house along with two other houses relocated from Charters Towers, the property was owned and inhabited by the Friend family for more than 90 years - some long term locals will recall the 'Friends' department store in Goondoon Street, a staple of Gladstone life through the early-to-mid-1900's. Following the Friend family, it became the family residence of Martin and Mary Hanson, the then-proprietors of the Grand Hotel along with Martin's position as the Labor Member for Gladstone for many years, a position he practiced from the front room/office of the home through a separate visitor's entrance. In 1998 the property was acquired by the current owners and was summarily renovated into the first Bed and Breakfast in town, winning multiple awards and hosting a variety of folk from around the globe. In recent years, the owners have ceased the operation of the property as a guest house and have been enjoying it, as the previous custodians had, as a private home. The time has come to downsize, so the opportunity now exists to own an unrepeatable portion of Gladstone's rich history.
The property itself is as grand as one would expect from its heritage. Offering 7 spacious suites all with separate sitting rooms and bathrooms, there is certainly no lacking of accommodations. The soaring ceilings, sumptuous timber floors, and tongue-and-groove walls hearken back to another era of quality and are complimented by the décor and colour schemes. The central sitting room and fireplace are a lovely core of the home and a wonderful space for a family and friends to come together and enjoy each other's company as so many in the past have clearly done. The position within the CBD provides convenience to all amenities and an easy walk to the waterfront precinct along with several restaurants, pubs, Library Square, and the Entertainment Centre.
For the gardening enthusiast, the grounds are beautifully landscaped and well established. There is plentiful flat yard space for kids and pets to play, and a secure fenced area housing the first private swimming pool ever installed in Gladstone.
Whether the next custodian utilises the property as a grand private residence or, with approval, re-establishes the guestrooms as a B&B operation, it will provide endless enjoyment for whomever resides within the walls. With so much detail to pore over and absorb, a written advertisement could never fully capture everything that is 'Vahreema', which literally translates to "happy home". An inspection is a must to fully capture the history, potential, and lifestyle on offer at 15 Yarroon Street - contact The Williams Team on 0418 783 961 to arrange.
