Paul and Anita Brown, with daughters, Olivia, 11, and Penelope, 6, transformed a derelict cottage into a luxury home in Auchenflower. Picture: Liam Kidston
Seasoned renovators Anita and Paul Brown are part of a wave of gentrification that has positioned the inner suburb of Auchenflower as a market leader this spring.
Prices in the riverside hotspot surged close to $200,000 or 11 per cent to a new high of $1.93m over the three months to September, the strongest quarterly result for houses in any Brisbane suburbs, according to PropTrack’s latest report.
Ms Brown said the area had surged in popularity over the past 10 years as boutique developers transformed traditional cottages into showstopping homes, attracting multimillion-dollars offers from families drawn to its leafy streets and top-rated local schools.
The Browns have listed their home via an expressions of interest campaign. Picture: Liam Kidston
“They started with taking the little old Queensland cottages and turning them into something quite magnificent in the early days, and that gave other renovators confidence,” Ms Brown said.
“We try and find a decent-sized block of land as close to the city as possible, because that will yield a really good return, based on the fact that it is going to cap out with all the development that is happening in Brisbane with the Olympics coming up.”
Ms Brown and her IT engineer husband have listed their latest project, a stunning six-bedroom, four-bathroom home at 112 Annie St, Auchenflower, with Place Nundah agents, Thomas Coussens and Drew Davies.
The three-storey build named Aura
The steep block affords spectacular city views
The couple’s fourth and most ambitious undertaking after 14 years flipping homes, the property, named ‘Aura’, was described by the agents as “one of the city’s most breathtaking homes”.
Purchased for $1.44m in 2021 as a derelict shack on a steep block, it’s been reimagined in extraordinary scale, with the renovation alone costing more than $5m.
“The house literally shook as we walked through it. Most people wouldn’t have looked twice, but we saw an opportunity,” Ms Brown said.
“We saw a chance to take on the challenge and create something truly unique, with the most incredible sweeping city views as our reward.”
The family has enjoyed the past year living in the home before getting set to take on a new project. Picture: Liam Kidston
There’s a seamless flow between indoor and outdoor living zones
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The project required raising and moving the house, and the original one-year timeline stretched past three amid skyrocketing build costs and pandemic delays.
It’s been a family sanctuary over the past year for the couple and their two daughters, Olivia, 11, and Penelope, 6.
Ms Brown said the family stays in each home they upgrade once completed until the property is at their prime, gardens blooming, when they go to market.
But with local prices jumping, they knew it was time to list.
Recent sales in the same street include $3.45m for near-new architectural home, and a small-scale cottage renovation snapped up for $2.025m.
The kitchen has a backlit marble splashback, integrated appliances, and a butler’s pantry
The Browns’ residence on an elevated 645 sqm parcel features sculptural interiors and flexible living zones, along with a granny flat, wine cellar, spectacular entertaining spaces, and tropical gardens.
Downstairs, a private family wing has its own lounge, bedrooms and terrace leading to the pool, while the upstairs master bedroom has a freestanding bath, rainfall shower and balcony.
There’s also a huge laundry, three secure garages and balcony with outdoor kitchen.
“This home is about more than just finishes and features, it’s about liveability,” Mr Davies said.
“It’s rare to find a property that delivers both scale and warmth, with spaces that work for every stage of life. Aura is that home.”
The campaign closes with top offers due by Friday, November 1.
The lower level opens out to another entertaining area and pool
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