The lonely green metal gate at street level bears the name “Glenfruin”, but its cracked paint gives nothing away to indicate the grandeur that lies beyond the wall at 1 Brisbane Street.
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Built in the 1880s, Glenfruin was converted to an Italianate property in the 1920s.
It has undergone further renovation in the past seven years as the owners restored Glenfruin’s original features with the help of heritage architect David Denman, while adding their own modern touches to make it a welcoming family home.
Listing agent Rodney Rawlings from KnightFrank Launceston remembers visiting the property as a boy in the 1980s and jumped at the chance to see how it had changed since.
“All you can see is the red dome from the street,” Mr Rawlings said.
Once through the secure gate, Glenfruin is revealed, its restored Italianate plinths a formal nod to the property’s history.
“The owners have done everything they can to bring it back to its glory.”
Despite its imposing position on top of the hill between Brisbane and York streets, clever positioning ensures privacy once inside Glenfruin’s boundary.
The main entrance, beneath the dome, has kept to Federation style, but once inside the modern touches have converted this heritage property into a modern haven.
Bookcases line the library walls from the lime-washed floorboards to the original pressed ceiling, with stunning views across the Tamar River towards the city’s rural regions.
This level also includes the master bedroom and a modern take on the powder room of yesteryear across the hall – this one with its own striking chandelier.
Casual living and dining areas lead into the formal dining room one way, and the modern kitchen in the other direction.
Appliances are hidden throughout the kitchen, with its Italian marble bench reflecting the red bricks of the walled courtyard outside.
“It’s an easy house to live in,” Mr Rawlings said.
“It is the best known quality property to come on the market in the past decade,” he said.
Up the floating timber staircase are two more bedrooms, with a shared bathroom, and an office with two walls of glass.
Downstairs is a self-contained suite and entertainment area, with access to the balcony and manicured lawn.
Glenfruin was last sold in April 2011 for $815,000 and Mr Rawlings expects to reach a premium market through the agency’s national and international network.
KnightFrank is taking expressions of interest for Glenfruin until October 19.
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