Renovate or Detonate!

For all those not in the know, a "Queenslander" is a term to describe a late 1800's to 1930's timber weatherboard house found predominately, and not surprisingly, in the state of Queensland and northern New South Wales, Australia. My husband and I first saw the listing of this 1930's cottage six weeks after the birth of our son and decided it was the house for us. It was in the location my husband wanted (near some of the best surfing beaches in the area) and the style of house I'd always loved.

The real estate listing was less than glowing in its description of the house, noting that it had "a few nicks and bruises". Upon visiting the house it was clear that the term "renovate or detonate" would have been more accurate. There was extensive termite damage, wood rot from a leaky roof (now fixed but the damage was already done), asbestos cladding over the tongue and groove (T&G) walls, a poorly constructed verandah, layers upon layers of 1960's and 70's era vinyl flooring (some was merely tacked over carpet underlay), a mismatch of styles (e.g. original timber hallway arch fretwork plus new garden gate iron type fretwork) and a pot-bellied stove in the centre of the walkway between the lounge and dining room.

Despite these "charming" additions, it was clear that the house had had some lovely period features and it's location near the top of the hill on a corner block, gave great potential for great valley and sea views if the house were raised. The fact that there are only some 56 (?) houses left in the suburb also meant houses were in demand so we put our offer in hoped for the best. 

Low and behold, our offer was accepted and we were now the proud owners of a house in need of major structural and cosmetic attention (see photos). So begins the story of our journey to renovating a Queenslander...