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After selling her home of 30 years at auction, Piers knew she needed a sentimental reminder of her long-term home, using his passion for architecture to organise a beautiful sketch by Peter Richards.
“Many homes in our part of Brisbane are beautiful Queenslanders, which tend to draw a lot of admiration. In contrast, post-war homes often get a bit of a bad reputation. They're seen as less desirable, with more value placed on the land than the dwelling itself, but this particular property was a great reminder that there’s real charm and potential in these homes,” Mr Crawford said.
“Anne, the owner, had lovingly maintained it for over 30 years, and her care and personal touches have kept it in immaculate condition.
“I’ve often thought about capturing some of the beautiful older homes we sell through drawings. My wife is an architect and, through her, I’ve come to appreciate the uniqueness of Queensland’s vernacular architecture.
“It’s also how I met Peter Richards, whose urban sketches I’ve followed for years. His hand-drawn work has a timeless, slightly imperfect, but deeply personal quality - much like this home. That’s what inspired the idea to capture this particular property in a sketch.
“From the moment I first met Anne, it was clear just how much this home meant to her. The pride she took in caring for it over the years was truly inspiring.
“These days, many people are quick to only ask, 'is it a knockdown?' or 'is it a Queenslander?', but this home had soul. It reflected years of love, care, and a genuine connection to the place, showing off a side of Brisbane that’s often overlooked.
“Throughout the process, Anne placed her trust in my advice, and she was an absolute pleasure to work with. I’m so glad we were able to achieve a great outcome for her, helping her move on to the next chapter in the place she wanted to be.
“As a small gesture, I wanted to capture some of the energy and character she brought to the home over her 30 years in Holland Park, something she could take with her as a lasting reminder and keepsake.
“Receiving the sketch was an emotional moment when her tears welled up as the surprise sank in. It was truly special to witness, knowing we were able to genuinely move her with such a meaningful gift.”
Anne’s words:
“From my initial phone call to Piers to the finale on auction day, Piers was an absolute anchor for me as I embarked on the sale of my much loved home.
"Piers listened to my initial goals and was knowledgable, honest, and reassuring in answering my many questions throughout the process.
"I very much appreciated Piers’ integrity and high standards.”
