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THIS art deco masterpiece in the heart of dress circle Ascot called Lancaster exudes all the elegance and luxury of a bygone era.
Ray White New Farm agent Christine Rudolph said the landmark home at 78 Kitchener Road, Ascot has been meticulously cared for by its owners for almost 20 years.
It was designed by one of Brisbane’s most celebrated architects Charles H. Griffin and built on an 825sq m block in 1938. Griffin was famous at the time for designing homes of that style, with a trademark cream textured finish above a red brick base and red Wunderlich roof tiles.
Ms Rudolph said four bedroom main home was complemented with a fully self-contained guest house near the pool. This brilliant use of space has a loft bedroom, kitchenette, ensuite and dining room.
“The two-storey home underwent a seamless extension by its owners, opening up a kitchen and casual living area to a massive outdoor entertainment area toward the back of the property,” Mr Rudolph said. Traditional features have been maintained throughout the house, from the wrought iron front entrance gates, through to the interiors which include ornate cornices, crystal chandeliers, double French doors and leadlight windows.
Just beyond the entry foyer, decorative glass French doors lead into a formal dining room, with a bank of leadlight windows, timber floors and a crystal chandelier all adding to the old-world, classic charm. The kitchen has granite benchtops, Miele and Smeg appliances and ample storage space. Lancaster is a lasting legacy to the original Griffin design. He became well known in Brisbane for this style of home which he felt conveyed a “feeling of solidity” which he felt was missing from Queenslander homes.
Owners Carmela and Paul Balbuziente, chartered accountants, have lived at 78 Kitchener Road, Ascot for almost 20 years. “We love the whole layout of the house. The way it flows from traditional Art Deco to more family style living. I have a large family and it’s been the most perfect fit. Especially with the self contained teenage quarters out the back,” Mrs Balbuziente said.
“Being in Ascot, we are so close to everything. The one thing we enjoy most is being able to walk to and from everywhere.
“Over the last 20 years we raised our family here from young adolescents to adults, we celebrated many milestone events, including birthdays and weddings. However, our most special event was introducing our three beautiful grandchildren who have played a big part in this house. Especially with the pool and outdoor area.” The Balbuzientes say they are selling as it’s been a dream of theirs to be close to the water.
“Now the kids are older, we are able to make this change.” The property is set down for auction on-site on June 1 at 1pm.
