23 Rupert Street, Windsor, QLD, 4030, Australia

Etched into Brisbane's rich early history, firmly held by only a few families over the past 130 years and capturing some of the most spectacular panoramas across the city from its prominent, inner north location, this very fine example of late Victorian architecture is now offered for sale. Set across a significant, near 1/2 acre hilltop estate, the exquisitely ornate and meticulously preserved residence presents elegance and stature on the grandest scale. The home features formal reception rooms, wide verandahs, 12 fireplaces, service wing, heated pool and separate, contemporary bungalow.

The form of this stately, two-storey residence was initiated by the original landholding owner's commission of renowned architect, G.H.M. Addison, who also designed such notable Brisbane works as The Old Museum, Bowen Hills, the Albert Street Uniting Church and The Mansions at 40 George Street.

A long-held family home that possesses wonderful memories of years gone by, be swept away by the romance of times past and the opportunity to acquire a slice of history.

The current owner's daughter recalls growing up within these walls, a childhood spent playing long games of hide and seek with siblings and friends within the vast interiors. Friends would love to stay and were always accommodated. Many grand celebrations and family weddings were held over the years, taking place on the verandahs and upon the expansively paved grounds, companioned by the far-reaching daytime vistas and evening lights of the city.

Hendra face brickwork, steep, slate clad rooflines, deep lattice friezes and intricate cast iron balustrades adorn the outside of the main residence. Within, the distinguished interior grandeur is heralded by elaborately designed leaded glass, detailed, dark timber dado panelling, rich, solid doors and architraves, and soaring internal ceiling heights and embellished Italianate-style double archways that are breathtaking to behold.

Original wallpapers still grace several rooms, with French doors, tall sash windows and formal, full-length drapes appearing throughout. Painstakingly preserved open fireplaces and mantelpiece surrounds, pull cord operated chandeliers and finely detailed, hand-crafted timber joinery in walnut, oak and mahogany are of a quality that is beyond compare.

There are opulently designed principal rooms situated on the lower level that originate from the grand, entrance vestibule and stair hall; a library, private study and formal living and dining rooms, all exquisitely decorated in period style and opening directly to the verandah. A bank-style strongroom that once held State Archive documents, stairs leading to a cellar carved into the landscape's naturally occurring porphyry rock, guest suite, bathroom and laundry form part of the ground floor.

From the twin arched stair hall, ascend the classically ornate, turned, dark timber staircase, with its reinforced, stained-glass ceiling and illuminating skylight above, to the upper level where six, individually styled family bedrooms are situated. Four are formal in detail, two have attic-style ceilings, and there are two renovated bathrooms, one featuring a spa bath.

The master bedroom with elegant sitting room and private dressing room is of the grandest proportions. Operative log-burning fireplaces connected to the home's four chimney stacks are located throughout this upper floor, while French doors allow rooms to open onto the breezy wraparound verandah with its filigree balustrades. Passive ventilation occurs within the early, but expertly designed residence, where warm air is drawn upwards through ceiling roses and elevated wall vents, while the dense, foot-thick internal walls naturally insulate, maintaining temperatures.

Modernised where appropriate to do so, additions to the residence include an eat-in chef's kitchen in stainless steel and solid timber designed by premium Brisbane cabinetmaker, Wyer + Craw, a full suite of Miele appliances, integrated Jennair fridge and plate glass windows to this, and the enclosed private patio, to permit stunning city views.

A billiard room with solid silky oak joinery and built-in drinks area perfect for family entertaining, is situated adjacent to the spectacular, paved outdoor terrace with limestone formed firepit, heated inground pool and walkway that leads to the two bedroom bungalow.

Ideal for extended family, a live-in caretaker or an au-pair to reside independently in their own stylish accommodation abode, the heritage place approved bungalow development is ultra-contemporary, set below the ground level height of the original residence. With expansive, timber framed sliding glass doors and windows to indoor living areas and bedrooms, the panoramas captured are equally as spectacular. There is an outdoor terrace for entertaining, stone topped cabinetry and Bosch appliances, study nook and two bathrooms.

The whole of the 1824m2 estate while prominent, is particularly secluded, situated at the end of an elevated cul-de-sac. Plenty of parking is available off-street, with garage parking for four cars. Cameras and a monitored security alarm system have been installed and the entire property is securely fenced.

This rare offering presents a once in a lifetime opportunity to acquire and retain an adored, grand family residence and estate that is steeped in history.