Here in Pullenvale you have stumbled across one of Brisbane’s finest examples of High Victorian History, which was restored about ten years ago, with architectural assistance, to surpass its former glory, and create an impressive 700m2 (75sq) family residence just 15km from Brisbane CBD.

This home was previously the rectory of St Andrews Anglican Church in Vulture St South Brisbane. To paraphrase Wikipedia, a rectory is the residence of a minister of religion and is normally located next to the church. Many rectories are of historic interest or even importance. In some countries where they were often rather grand they have now been sold off by the churches and, in England, the “Old Rectory” is very common as a comfortable home for the upper middle-classes.

It is situated on a very private 2.5 Acre allotment including natural bushland, where you will feel a million miles away from the rat race.

You will be greeted by a traditional oiled cedar front door with a stained glass Cross of St Andrew above, opening to a dramatically wide hallway, often used as another living space when entertaining.

To your right, you will find the very impressive and extremely elegant three formal rooms, which can open up to form one huge room nearly 50 feet long. With soaring 12 foot ceilings, complimented by a series of large sash windows, natural light illuminates the entire room and offers beautiful bushland views. The full height windows open out to the wrap-around verandahs creating the ultimate indoor/outdoor living.

The entertainer will delight in the grand feel of the room, a sure way to impress your guests. The two original fireplaces beautifully compliment the room’s elegance and charm. It is said that Edward, Prince of Wales (later King Edward VIII), was entertained here during his 1920 Australian Royal Visit. To commemorate the prestigious event, the Anglican Church is said to have named the front room ‘The Royal Parlour’.

Each of the three bedrooms in the main house are very generous in size with the master room boasting a walk-in robe and ensuite. The other two rooms both have built-in robes and a bathroom each. All bedrooms have access to the surrounding wide verandah through the full-length sash windows.

The north facing open plan kitchen overlooks the 13m saltwater pool and the meals area and opens to a large deck where you will find yourself relaxing in the afternoon. With quality fixtures, granite bench tops, oversized stove and a generous walk-in pantry, the master chef in your family, will be rather comfortable here. Complete with a fireplace, this central family kitchen and eating area will become the heart of the home.

To keep you comfortable all year round, reverse-cycle ducted air conditioning has been installed throughout for the modern family.

The new extension was designed by Project Designs Architects in the same style and gives this section of the house an almost resort-like feel with two separate pavilions wrapping around the pool effectively enclosing it to form a functional courtyard.

One pavilion was designed as a games room and is big enough for a full-sized billiard table. Sliding glass doors frame the view of the pool and really bring the outside in, making it a great space for entertaining.

The second pavilion could serve as a granny flat or teenager’s retreat, with a large bedroom, ensuite, and a kitchenette/laundry. This room also opens out to an elevated deck overlooking the pool area.

Downstairs there is lockup car accommodation for six vehicles, a secure storage facility and a further storage area that could be easily enclosed and turned into a media room.

The residence is surrounded by 2.5 acres (1ha) of native and sub-tropical gardens, which is serviced by an extensive automatic sprinkler system for easy care. There is a 22,500 litre tank and a bore, though the house is supplied by town water. There are no formal lawn areas for ease of maintenance, though there is a flat area beyond the gardens that would accommodate a tennis court. Extensive lawns, however, can be arranged by the owner, if you require it, by filling and grassing a gully along the northern side.

A further 2.5 acres (1ha) adjoining the property is also available for sale for offers over $599,000. There is a large building pad ready for use, and established rainforest gardens beside the drive which were planted 20 years ago. The block is also very private with beautiful natural bushland settings.

With its suite of formal rooms, grand proportions and graceful air, The Rectory was always intended to be an impressive residence. However unlike other stately homes in Brisbane, The Rectory has managed to transcend time, maintaining its charm of yesteryear, unlike many historic homes that have had a number of incarnations during their life resulting in significant structural alterations. With the addition of the large pool, decks, games room, additional bedroom with ensuite, and ducted air conditioning throughout, this historic residence has been cleverly upgraded to suit the modern family, while maintaining its stately charm and 1800′s character.

Moved to the present site in 2002, the home was built in 1887 by the Colonial Architect J.H. Buckeridge, Diocesan Architect of Brisbane who came to Australia highly recommended by the Archbishop of Canterbury. ‘The Rectory’ is believed to be one of only two surviving examples of his domestic work.

All the original period fittings, ceiling roses and fireplaces remain, while a sympathetic renovation has seen this home truly become one of a kind.

- 4 large Bedrooms
- 4 Bathrooms
- Master Bedroom with walk-in robe and ensuite
- Second Bedroom with ensuite
- Second & Third Bedrooms also have built-in robes
- Fourth Bedroom is a self-contained pavilion with ensuite
- Third Bathroom is next to both the third bedroom & the pool and could easily be made ensuite to either or both
- 5 Living Areas in total
- Quality Kitchen with eating area & opening to deck
- Formal Living Area can be divided into 3 rooms (14.5m by 6.4 m approx.)
- Games Room Pavilion (4.8 by 7.3m) overlooking the pool
- Extensive wrap around verandahs and decks throughout
- 13m Salt Water Swimming Pool
- 6 Car Remote Lockup Garage
- Bore water in addition to town water for the gardens
- 2.5 acres of private bushland

Property Code: 1924