34 Princeton Street shows just how special a mid-century renovation can be when there is as much appreciation for the original home as ambition for what it could become. Warm, stylish and full of personality, this classic Kenmore home has been transformed by leading Brisbane architect Billy Dawson into something quite exceptional - and, given Billy was renovating it for himself and his own family, perhaps that shouldn't come as a surprise.
What we love most is that the renovation hasn't come at the expense of the original house. Billy has a genuine passion for both renovation and mid-century architecture, and it shows. His design philosophy starts with "practicality first", but it's very clearly followed by an incredible eye for how a home looks and feels. Restored timber floors, natural materials, a palette of warm neutrals and tranquil greens all sit beautifully alongside fabulous new joinery, a seriously impressive kitchen and bathrooms that deserve to be shown off. There is a wonderful sense of calm and warmth throughout, but plenty of character too - it feels considered without being precious, and sophisticated without losing the relaxed informality that makes these homes so appealing.
And it works every bit as well as it looks. Four bedrooms, two bathrooms, kitchen, living and a large covered deck are all together on the entry level; the living room doors retract completely into the wall to open the room to the front garden; the kitchen connects straight to the deck; and beyond is a heated magnesium plunge pool, established gardens and a flat lawn ready for kids, pets and backyard games. Downstairs adds double car accommodation, masses of storage and a large lockable multipurpose space, while outside your front gate some of Kenmore's best schools, cafés, shops, services and public transport are all within an easy walk.
Houses with this combination of architectural character, fabulous presentation, family practicality and genuine walkability are few and far between in Kenmore. 34 Princeton Street is guaranteed to sell at auction on Saturday 5 September, if not before, so be super quick to view.
INSIDE THE HOUSE
• Beautifully renovated and extended by leading Brisbane architect Billy Dawson, with the character of the original mid-century home very much intact;
• Enjoy the ease of having all four bedrooms, both bathrooms, kitchen, living and covered deck together on the entry level;
• Restored original timber floors bring warmth and character throughout, finished in a beautiful satin sheen;
• Cook, gather and entertain around the fabulous new kitchen with engineered stone benchtops, induction cooking, electric oven, dishwasher and exceptional storage;
• Pull up a stool at the oversized eat-in island, with comfortable seating for up to six;
• Pass food, drinks and conversation straight through to the deck via the large gas-strut servery window;
• Open the living room almost completely to the front garden, with large sliding doors and retractable insect screens disappearing neatly back into the wall;
• Retreat to a lovely main bedroom with floor-to-ceiling glazing overlooking the rear deck and garden;
• Make a statement with two fabulous new bathrooms - including a terrazzo-inspired ensuite and striking family bathroom with skylight and warm terracotta-toned tiles;
• Keep everyone comfortable with Mitsubishi Electric air-conditioning and ceiling fans to all four bedrooms and living;
• Discover even more downstairs with a large, lockable multipurpose room currently used as a gym/rumpus, separate laundry and extensive storage;
• Reimagine the multipurpose space as a teenage retreat, serious home gym, studio, home office or home-based business, with scope for further development subject to approvals.
OUTSIDE THE HOUSE
• 607sqm block;
• Step straight from the kitchen and living spaces onto the large covered rear deck for effortless everyday outdoor living and entertaining;
• Cool off - or warm up - in the mosaic-tiled, heated magnesium plunge pool tucked beautifully into the established gardens;
• Let children and pets make the most of a surprisingly generous, perfect for backyard games;
• Enjoy the privacy and tranquillity created by established landscaping surrounding the rear garden;
• Open the living room directly to a separate front garden/courtyard, bringing greenery, light and fresh air right into the house;
• Find another shady outdoor space beneath the rear deck with a generous covered patio;
• Relax knowing both front and rear yards are fully fenced, including a remote-controlled driveway gate;
• Park easily with secure double car accomodation and direct access to the lower level.
THE LOCATION
One of Princeton Street's greatest advantages is just how much of everyday Kenmore life is accessible on foot.
• Start the morning with coffee at multiple coffee shops including Good Grace and Bru Cru just metres on foot from your front door;
• Give younger children an easy 350 metre walk to Kenmore State School or 10 minute walk to OLR primary;
• Older students can make their own way to Kenmore State High School, only 900m away;
• Leave the car at home for groceries, specialty shopping and everyday essentials with Kenmore Village just 400 metres away;
• Be on your way to Indooroopilly, UQ or the CBD in minutes, with Moggill Road public transport only 300 metres from home;
• Walk to the gym, cafés, restaurants, medical services and a huge range of everyday conveniences in the heart of Kenmore.
ABOUT THE ARCHITECT
34 Princeton Street was designed and renovated by Brisbane architect Billy Dawson, principal of Billy Dawson Architects. To see more of Billy's work and learn about his approach to architecture and renovation, visit www.billydawsonarchitects.com.au/.
