A classic old Southport cottage built during World War II has attracted 80 groups through its first day of open inspections.
The luxuriously renovated house – which is now home to a New Zealand businessman and motorist enthusiast – lured dozens of buyers through its doors last weekend sparking hopes the once humble abode could get a top price when it goes under the hammer on March 30.
Selling agent Jim Sherrah, of Lucy Cole Prestige Properties, put its popularity down to its historical ties, award winning renovation and location in Southport’s exclusive TSS precinct.
He said its heritage dated back to 1944 when it was commissioned by The Southport School college master Clarence Bell.
It was riddled with termite and dry rot infestation when Auckland property developer Peter Sundberg bought it in 2009.
It aligned with his passion for objects of a bygone era which includes his substantial collection of 120 motorbikes and 20 rare motor vehicles including a 1957 ruby red Chevrolet corvette sports edition.
“It wasn’t nice but it was original and I just like old houses really,” Mr Sundbery said.
He sourced Dani Buchanan Architect to reinvent the history, retain the integrity and design the renovation which was carried out by Bryce Rogers of Ground Control. It went on to win the 2010 Queensland Master Builders Gold Coast Regional Award for Home Renovation/Remodelling Project.
It aligned with his passion for objects of a bygone era which includes his substantial collection of 120 motorbikes and 20 rare motor vehicles including a 1957 ruby red Chevrolet corvette sports edition.
“It wasn’t nice but it was original and I just like old houses really,” Mr Sundbery said.
He sourced Dani Buchanan Architect to reinvent the history, retain the integrity and design the renovation which was carried out by Bryce Rogers of Ground Control. It went on to win the 2010 Queensland Master Builders Gold Coast Regional Award for Home Renovation/Remodelling Project.
“I had patterns made up of the cornices so they could be replicated because we took the walls out and I wanted to retain the original. It’s all new but completely as it should be,” Mr Sundberg said.
“A girl from Mt Tamborine spend days putting red glass into the tulips in the breezeways. I see things like that I think `yeh, it’s special this place’.”
The renovation fuses the warmth of its original cottage charm with a raft of modern conveniences, the rawness of industrial warehouse stylings and the functional luxury of hotel comfort. It is also infused with inimitable personal taste which sees vibrant splashes of race car red at Mr Sundberg’s instruction. He named it Bell House in tribute to the original owner.
The house sits on a 597sq m block on the corners of Radford and Charlton streets, just metres to TSS and Ferry Rd Markets.
“It’s a special place and I do love it and if I had more time to spend there I wouldn’t sell it,” Mr Sundberg said.
“I’m a businessman and it will be sold, I’m not just putting a toe in the water to see if there is a buyer — I’ll sell it.”
Original article published at www.qldpropertyinvestor.com.au by Shae Johnson, Gold Coast Bulletin 12/3/2014