Grand slice of Ascot history for sale

A GRAND Brisbane dame has just come on the market with Ray White Ascot agent Damon Warat and it’s sure to create a buzz for it’s blue ribbon pedigree and dress circle address.

The six bedroom classic home at 5 Mayfield St, Ascot is called Wyuna which means “clear water”.

Subdivided in 1901 from the original Mayfield estate the original home was extensively refurbished under the supervision of leading Brisbane architects, Derek Trebilcock and Ivan Gastaldon with interiors by John Croft and Kylie Mann.

Ray White Ascot elite agent Damon Warat said a unique feature of this elegant home was its expansive wrap around verandah which showcases the sweeping district views.

“Wyuna is a home that’s been been designed to meet the needs of a growing family. The home offers a floorplan that can easily adapt to the many stages of family life, including two family living,” he said.

“The backyard is magic with a large pool plus a grassy strip and a tennis court. It’s very unusual to have such a big yard in the heart of Ascot.”

Owner Maria Fleming and her husband have lived at Wyuna with their children since 2000 and undertook a significant renovation.

“My theory is that houses choose their owners. The two preceding owners of the

home had each had four children - two girls and two boys. When we agreed the contract to purchase we had three children - two sons and a daughter. On completion of the contract, our daughter was on her way so we became the third family in a row to live here with 4 children (two boys and two girls). Coincidence? We looked at a number of large family homes with tennis courts at the time but none spoke to us in quite the same way. We were instantly captivated at our first inspection,” Mrs Fleming said.

“When we moved in, our furniture had yet to arrive from the US and our children were running around playing hide and seek and giggling in these cavernous, empty formal rooms. You could almost hear the floorboards creak and the house let out a contented sigh as if to say “ahhh they’re back!”

Now the Fleming children have grown and are moving on with their lives.

“We have created many happy memories in this home but it is now time to give others the opportunity to enjoy living here.”

The brief to the architect was to create a wonderful family home with separate areas for the whole family to enjoy without crowding each other.

The 18-month long project replicated features from the original home - with high ceilings throughout, generously proportioned rooms and woodwork/ joinery sympathetic to the original structures of the home.

One of the biggest challenges was the extensive earthworks - more than 20 trucks full of earth were removed in order to ensure a level rear yard.

The elevated north facing front verandah has seen many parties over the years and is a wonderful quiet reflective space.

“On the hottest days of the year we can sit out here comfortably and on winter days it is a great place to warm up,” Mrs Fleming said.

“My favourite view of the garden is the knot garden, best viewed from the front verandah or from the billiard room.” The property was once owned by Frank and Frances Leslie South from 1914-1943 and newspaper stories mention numerous parties on Wyuna’s extensive verandahs. Their son Frank Leslie (Jnr), was awarded a Flying Cross for distinguished service.

The expression of interest campaign closes on Wednesday October 16 at 3pm.

Features:

• 6 bedrooms with ample closet space
• 3 bathrooms plus powder room
• Large formal living and dining room
• Numerous informal living and dining areas
• Full home automation with distributable audio, keyless entry, video intercom,
• electric front gate and CCTV
• Two study/office areas with external access.
• Flood lit tennis court
• 17m swimming pool
• 130,000 L concrete underground water tank
• High perimeter fences
• Ducted air-conditioning and Vacu-Maid
• 130,000L underground water tank with pump and garden irrigation system
• Double garage, parking for additional car and boat trailer.