MOUNTAIN VIEW Circa 1912 – 1917 House on 1600 m2

Live the Dream in Mountain View (circa 1912- 1917) a unique Edwardian / Federation Residence believed to be the first solid concrete home constructed in Ipswich.

The residence is named MOUNTAIN VIEW because when it was built, it had approximately 330 degrees panoramic view, including the Great Dividing Range, the trees that have since grown in Queens Park and adjacent property in the past century now limit the view of the surrounding hills to approximately 210 degrees.

Located on the corner of Chermside and Blackstone Roads (with some of Queensland's finest examples of Heritage architecture) this magnificent residence is set in a prestigious and high profile position and is the envy of all who pass by.

From its impressive exterior, complete with open verandahs and imposing roof gables, fully landscaped grounds with magnificent views, through to its opulent yet comfortable interior design- the superlatives will just keep flowing off your tongue when you view this masterpiece. While an impressive, landmark property, Mountain View is not a listed property with either the National Trust or the State Heritage authority.

An ordinary working couple, who both had a vision, of the potential beauty that could be resurrected, currently own this excellent residence and, through hard work, their dream was fulfilled, thus making a significant contribution to the heritage character of the City of Ipswich.

The property offered comprises:

One built-on lot on 34.6 perches = (875.0 square metres)

Adjoining vacant block subdivided lot at 29 perches (733.4 square metres)

Total area of the combined lots is 63.6 perches (1608.4977 square metres)

Zoning is Residential / Freehold/ Single Unit Dwelling, the Local Government Authority is Ipswich City Council.

The property stands above original limestone retaining walls on the front west footpath alignment overlooking the original gateposts to Queens Park, and on the south footpath alignment the original limestone retaining wall and later added black basalt lower retaining wall.

The house has complex roof of hips and panelled gable verges. It is constructed from solid poured concrete, internal and external walls i.e. not a besser block type or concrete block construction. A magnificent residence exemplifying Queensland's interpretation of this architectural style of the late 1910 to 1920 built for a financially comfortable family in that era.

A wide set of 6 concrete steps, converging from 4.8 metres wide at the lower footpath take one up and then across the original intricately patterned tiled pathway, to a second similar set steps. These second 8 steps lead up to the open central house entrance bay, 2.2 metres wide, that is framed by double posts and battened arch above.

An L shaped open verandah encompass the entire western front on and half way along on the north of the residence with battened valances combined with elongated post brackets and on the south end of the front verandah, panels of lattice. The (now enclosed) verandah also originally continued similarly around the southern side of the house, being enclosed circa 1950s with a lower wall and upper glass louvres and remains so today.

The house is a study in interior design unique to plastered walls solid concrete house. It features a concrete moulded archway between living and lounge rooms. The pressed metal ceilings are of a different pattern in each room, i.e. 3 bedrooms, hallway, lounge and dining rooms

The grounds have been upgraded with the removal of 30 declared weed species trees returning the property to its original panoramic view state. The property to the rear has been redeemed, to a useful level area, from years of neglect and degradation, characterised by: collapsing retaining walls; sloping ground levels; and an overgrown old fibro shed. This area is now supported in the far corner by terraced Helidon Sandstone boulder retaining walls, 3 metres high, decreasing with the rise of the adjoining land to, 1.2 metres high at each end of the property s west and south boundaries.

The stepped boulder retaining walls have been planted with beautiful unusual flowering Australian native, drought proof shrubs, many on grafted root stock, which when in full growth, will provide a flowing wall of bird attracting colour. A drip watering system has been installed to all these shrubs.

This redesigned land area now provides sufficient room for the 3-car carport against another Helidon Sandstone boulder retaining wall behind and below the residence on the western side. This lower level is some 2.7 metres below the house level. A similar area is available on the adjacent vacant block separated by an original rock retaining wall, approximately one metre high.

The adjoining block, can either be used to build another house or build a tennis court and a swimming pool with one of the best views in Ipswich

MOUNTAIN VIEW provides an incomparable opportunity to indulge you with the relaxed, elegant living of a bygone era, while enjoying all the creature comforts that a modern lifestyle demands. There are ample living areas to enjoy in this prestigious premise.

The pleasant bathroom, a later renovation (circa 1950s), features terrazzo flooring, rectangular cream wall tiles and art deco style ceiling with multiple cornices, there is a built-in bath, a separate shower cubicle and a pedestal hand basin.

A comfortable stained timber heritage style kitchen (although of modern construction) with black glazed 300 by 300 millimetres tiles on the bench tops, and complimented by a huge glassed door hutch, is the joy of the present lady of the house. This was installed in 2004.

The main body of the house features 3.4 metres high ceilings, ornate ceiling roses. There is a floor to ceiling double hung walk through window, with leadlight surrounds that is fitted with a Crimsafe Security Screen that is top hinged with a failsafe latch at the bottom that allows emergency fire exit from the lounge to the front verandah.

The external walls are painted with Dulux 10 Lime White complimented by rich Cream trims. The original corrugated Iron roof is painted with top quality durable Dulux Smooth Cream roof paint. The timber-paling fence is also painted in Lime White.

The residence is a highlight of the district, and the colour scheme has drawn numerous compliments due to the dramatic change from it drab former colours.

The roof timbers and floor support timbers are as hard as iron and as good as the day they were installed. The roof has had its entire roof nails replaced by roofing screws at some stage in its life.

The wide entry hall services most of the rooms as it passes from the front entrance to the large rear family room,

French doors lead from two bedrooms to the wrap around front verandah on the north, and another from the lounge room door leads out to the enclosed verandah on the south, which has been enclosed with glass louvres as was typical of the 1950s and is currently used as a sewing room and office.

There is a maids room off the kitchen that can be used as an office or fourth small bedroom.

MOUNTAIN VIEW is located approximately two kilometres from the University of Queensland (Ipswich Campus), around one kilometre to Ipswich General Hospital and even closer to St Andrew's Private Hospital and Ipswich's medical precinct, and again approximately 1 kilometre to Ipswich's CBD.

When you consider acquiring Mountain View, you are considering a grand residence with virtually nothing to do as all the hard work has been done.

Walk to University 25 minutes- CBD 15 minutes- Queens Park 1 minute

Contact Details:

Graham Anthony and Gloria Thouard
Email: graham_thouard@yahoo.com.au
Ph: 07 3812 9112 or 0405 638 791