Brisbane's ultra-modern treehouse

A property like this, so close to the corporate grind, simply doesn’t exist in Sydney or Melbourne.

The treehouse-like home, in a protected bushland setting, is only 8kms from Brisbane’s CBD on top of a hill with the most extraordinary views from the Glass House Mountains across the bay to the sands of Moreton Island.

In 2005, Kaye and Tom Brown happened upon the 2,825sq m property at 87 Gimba St, Mitchelton by chance.

“One Sunday afternoon we went for a drive and saw a sign saying ‘Land for Sale’,” Ms Brown said.

“We followed the directions and found this most amazing new subdivision, high on the hill at Gimba Street. The first thing we noticed was the view, we could see all the way to Moreton Island. The next was the semi-rural feel to the area and yet it’s so close to the city, the local cafés, shops, transport and schools. At the time we were living on 10 acres, and the large block with so much natural vegetation really appealed to us. We were hooked and purchased the land the next day.”

The couple spent the next five years planning their new home, inspired by the site’s outlook while working within strict regulations in regards to a Vegetation Protection Order.

“A developer wanted to put 120 townhouses on the site but the locals objected to it so they cut the area into just 15 building holds,” Mr Brown said.

“Council’s environmental department said to us that they wanted this house to look as though it’s just floated down and been placed among the trees. I think we achieved that.”

The Browns, who owned and operated a shopfitting business for 38 years, used their knowledge and experience to manage the near commercial-grade steel and glass construction.

“A lot of people comment on the home looking like it’s been placed among the trees,” Mr Brown said.

“My goal was to get a modern industrial look. It’ll never fall down or go anywhere, it’s so well built. It’s like an ultra modern treehouse.”

The easy living four-bedroom family home is cleverly configured to include a lower-level self-contained apartment.

A soaring open-plan living and dining level sprawls out to a large deck from which sugar gliders, stone bush curlews, wallabies and even a lace monitor are regularly spotted.

It’s hard to fathom this hidden and unexpected gem’s proximity to the city.

“We love it here and it’s so convenient to everything,” Ms Brown said.

“It’s private and the neighbours are so lovely, we even have street parties at Christmas time. There’s a real cafe society on nearby Blackwood St which is really nice, and we quite often just go down to the markets on a Sunday. It’s so close to the shops and just 15 minutes to the city by car. Plus we’re not far from top schools like Marist College Ashgrove, Mt Maria, Hillbrook Anglican College and many others.”

It’s now time to downsize for the Browns, who have their sights set on a sea-change to Caloundra.

Ray White New Farm sales agent Christine Rudolph is managing the for sale by tender campaign, which closes on Friday, March 1 at 5pm.

“Exceptional settings inspire amazing homes,” Ms Rudolph said.

“This is a completely hidden and unexpected gem, so close to the city but you really are virtually nestled in a private national park bordered by ranges and mountains. It’s ideal for that incredibly hard working professional person who wants to enjoy the tranquility of being close to nature yet still have the benefit of being so close to the CBD. Where do you find property like this right now so close to the city?”