Blackwood Revival: The Beginning
A Home with History
Nestled in an inner Brisbane suburb, Blackwood House is a classic 1910 worker’s cottage set on an expansive 800-square-meter block. Like many homes of its era, it was originally a modest dwelling, featuring two bedrooms, a kitchen, and a living room, with an external outhouse typical of the time. At some stage in its long history, the home was extended to include a third bedroom, but much of its original charm remains intact.
This home is rich in period details that tell the story of its past. Breezeways above the internal doors allow for natural ventilation, a clever design feature that predates modern air conditioning. Fretwork arches elegantly frame the internal walkways, while tongue-and-groove vertical joint walls add character to every room. The original sash and sliding windows, adorned with amber and green stained glass, cast colorful reflections throughout the space—small reminders of the craftsmanship that defined pre-war architecture.
Despite its architectural charm, the house had seen better days, and that’s where our journey begins.
Why We Took on the Renovation
Restoring an original Queenslander has long been a dream of mine. Growing up in Brisbane, I’ve always admired these iconic homes—their character, craftsmanship, and the way they reflect the city’s history. Many of the homes in this area stand as a testament to Brisbane’s early settlement, with the suburb itself first developed as farmland in the 1850s.
Beyond our love for heritage restoration, the location made this project even more appealing. The house is perfectly positioned in a lively pocket of Brisbane, close to bustling cafes, restaurants, bars, and amenities. My husband and I have a passion for developing properties, and this home presented the perfect opportunity to combine our love of design with a project that respects and preserves the city’s architectural heritage.
The Challenges We Face
From the moment we walked through the front door, it was clear that this home had suffered years of neglect. The paintwork was peeling and faced, and termite damage had left parts of the structure compromised. The front deck was riddled with rot, panes of original stained glass were cracked, and sections of the floorboards in what had been used as a kitchen were beyond repair.
Beneath the house—previously enclosed and used as a storage area—flooding had created significant issues that would need to be addressed. An internal staircase, an unfortunate remnant of a past renovation, needed to be removed to restore the home’s original integrity.
The exterior was equally in need of attention. Overgrown trees, including invasive species, left unchecked for years—needed removal and pruning. Before any renovation work could begin, we spent weeks clearing rubbish and debris, reclaiming the property from years of wear and neglect.
The Vision for Blackwood House
Our goal is to restore the original home in a way that is sympathetic to its history while enhancing its functionality for modern family living. It is essential that we honor its heritage details—this is, after all, what makes the property so special.
The existing structure will be carefully reconfigured to create a thoughtful and cohesive layout. Upstairs, the home will feature three bedrooms, including a master suite with an ensuite and walk-in robe, a family bathroom, and a comfortable living area.
To accommodate contemporary living, we will raise the house and construct a lower level that will feature an additional master suite with a walk-in robe and ensuite, a dedicated office, and a large open-plan kitchen, dining, and living space. The living area will seamlessly open onto an outdoor entertaining space, complete with a pool and a lush subtropical garden. Clerestory windows will flood the space with natural light, creating an effortless connection between the indoors and the surrounding greenery.
The final result will be a home that blends Brisbane’s architectural history with the needs of modern living—a space that preserves the past while embracing the future.
Follow Along
This is just the beginning of our journey with Blacke House. Over the coming months, we’ll be sharing updates on the renovation, from design decisions to construction progress. If you love heritage homes, thoughtful design, or the transformation process, we invite you to follow along.
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