Cultural icon. An enduring symbol of progress and promise. A testament to ingenuity, adaptability, workmanship and attention to detail.
Just as the iconic Rosie the Riveter captured these qualities for a whole generation of pre-1945 women, these descriptors are equally applicable when describing the character of the humble Queenslander-style home.
It is why Duke Realty director and selling agent Sam Patterson allowed this character to inspire his latest marketing campaign for 94 Bolan Street and why he believes this property also continues to offer enduring appeal and charm.
Honouring the factories and shipyards that formerly dominated the Bulimba streetscape, Patterson has chosen to embrace this home's unique and storied location. Describing both the property and its former long-time owner with whom he had struck up an acquaintance as enduring examples of strength, resilience and the promise that hard work leads to opportunity, these are also the features he believes will hold future owners in good stead as custodians of this humble abode.
And, of course, while these days, Bulimba is very much considered prime real estate, Patterson is clear that promise and potential are ultimately what he is selling when it comes to this particular interwar-period character home.
"These homes really do stand the test of time," Sam explains. "But this house isn't really your traditional character beauty. It requires someone with vision and imagination who can look past the outdated aesthetics and see the potential for how this property can be transformed to create a beautiful new home."
Of course, just one inspection reveals exactly what Sam is talking about as one encounters what may well be one of Bulimba's last remaining little 'fixer uppers'. Requiring equal parts lipstick and heels and hammer and hard work, both cosmetic and structural improvements will hold plenty of promise, not least as a result of the generous proportions of an 810m2 block.
Calling for more than a little elbow grease, this is indeed a home where one can really flex their design muscle, as long as they are also prepared to roll up their sleeves and get their hands dirty in order to reap the rewards. The end result promises not just a labour of love but also a triumph of endeavour in transforming this slightly tired old Queenslander into a generous, comfortable and welcoming family home.
Boasting two large, high and wide gables to form a distinctive roofline, this humble abode naturally lends itself to the modern hamptons-style renovations that the surrounding suburbs confirm are definitely in vogue. In fact, with a number of mint renovations coming off the production line in the neighbouring streets of this sought-after locale, few chances remain to afford such opportunity at an entry level price for a rare, larger block.
With solid bones, features such as original VJs and a bay window provide hints of more austere forms of decoration, though beauty is more so to be found in the house's particular functionality. A well-defined floorplate sees a natural delineation of living spaces oriented to the north, with bedroom spaces aligned in their own separate wing. Storage also abounds courtesy of the side carport and enormous rear shed, while plenty of room still exists to extend both out back and below. However, it is the dwelling's wide, East-facing front sunroom that also lends the home considerable value, hosting a rare enclosed internal staircase proceeding from the downstairs built-in front entry, but also capturing beautiful morning sun and soothing breezes directly off the water as it capitalises on direct river views.
A stone's throw from Oxford Street and a relaxed walking distance to the Apollo Rd ferry terminal, this home is positioned mid-way down a quiet, closed-end street terminating at the Bulimba Barracks. Located in an evolving precinct, the property is perfectly poised to benefit from the future Barracks redevelopment as it reinvigorates the local area and reclaims river frontage and parklands for communal use. In catchment for a number of the area's esteemed public and private schools, this property represents an opportunity to establish a family home and enjoy all the lifestyle features of its well-connected location.
So, should you have what it takes to rise to the challenge of possibility and potential, do not hesitate to give Sam Patterson a call. Armed with vision and skills to make the most of this unique opportunity, pack your tool kit, assemble your work force and capitalise as you build your future prosperity all while undertaking a true labour of love that will see another pre-1945 cultural icon take on a new life of her own.
Inspection by appointment welcome.
