Margrit Allen of ReMax Cairns is selling 14 Queen Street, Parramatta Park. Picture: Brendan Radke
The former home of a landmark Cairns business owner will go under the hammer this weekend, complete with retro fixtures and finishes.
RE/MAX Real Estate Cairns agent Margrit Allen will take 14 Queen St in Parramatta Park to auction at 10am this Saturday, with the current owners committed to selling the classic Queenslander.
The four bedroom house on a 405sq m block was the former home of Sydney Turner and his family from 1947 to 2024.
14 Queen Street, Parramatta Park
Sydney was the founder of Turner Home Appliances at Portsmith, which closed its doors 2022 to make way for Officeworks.
At the time, third generation manager Brendan Turner called it a bittersweet moment.
“The business has passed through three generations which is rare,” Mr Turner said.
He said in that 1936, Sydney, along with his silent partner Texan Robert Lee Hearn, opened a store in Mossman selling bicycles and gramophone sets.
They opened a store in Cairns called Hearn and Turner, but Mr Hearn left Cairns for Brisbane after two years, and the business was renamed Sydney H Turner.
During the 1950s and 1960s, Mr Turner had the franchise for STC Appliances and opened stores all over North Queensland, from Townsville to Atherton.
His son Gary took over the business in 1978, with Brendan taking the helm in 2012.
The art deco kitchen
Now, the owner of former Turner family home is set to pass the immaculate Queenslander into new hands.
“Serious buyers should prepare to bid – the sellers are committed to selling,” the listing says.
On a corner block, the residence offers “authentic charm”, including high ceilings, stained glass casement windows, ornate cornicing, French doors and timber floors.
The airconditioned living area also features bay windows.
There are four spacious bedrooms, two retro bathrooms, an art deco kitchen, and an enclosed balcony with custom floor-to-ceiling screens.
A very colourful bathroom
Downstairs is also fully enclosed and comes with a lock-up garage.
The current owner purchased the property back in November 2024 for $1.03 million and then split the block, selling off the backyard.
The house was rented out.
It has immaculate Queenslander features
RE/MAX Real Estate Cairns broker owner Tony Williamson said that sale was confusing the market.
“When it last sold it was two titles,” he said, adding that the current property for sale was the Queenslander on a 405sq m block.
“What we are saying is that here is an opportunity to get one of the best Queenslanders in Cairns at a very affordable price.
“Queen St has a lot of proud owner-occupiers and it is one of the best streets for Queenslander homes.”
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Another retro bathroom
Since the three week capaign launched, Ms Allen said that the bulk of interest had come from owner-occupiers.
“It was extended in the 1960s and has two bathrooms which is unique for a Queenslander of its vintage,” she said.
Mr Williamson added that its location was also a major drawcard.
“You are just one suburb from the CBD,” he said.
“We are really excited to be selling a quality property like this one.
“Everything is on your doorstep.”
It now sits on a 405sq m block after the current owner sold off part of the block
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