Tennis court homes are rising in popularity with the Australian Open wrapping up – but few have a history as interesting as ‘Rowan House’.
Also known as ‘Kunda’, the house at 36 Rowan Lne, Mount Mellum, is now 86 years old after its build in 1940.
Across its ten different owners, the property has undergone several restorations: including for its tennis court, which was once used by the military during World War 2.
Moya and Michael Bongers with their dog Eve, at their tennis court home with 86 years of history – including with dozens of soldiers from the Second World War. Picture: Lachie Millard
Currently up for sale with Ray White Maleny, it’s part of a tennis home sales trend that has more than doubled in popularity since before the 2020 pandemic.
The rising popularity of these homes was collected from reports by Ray White Data and McGrath, which found Queensland suburbs took six of the top ten suburbs for tennis home sales in the past 12 months.
Current owners Michael and Moya Bongers learned all about Rowan House when they moved in, thanks to a compilation of documents from the previous owner.
The home was built in 1940, and its court was shared with soldiers staying in the area: such as these US soldiers in 1942, before heading to Kokoda. Picture: Lachie Millard
“A lot of the history was given to us when we bought the property,” Ms Bongers said. “There are lots of local connections to the place … the guy who delivers our water says he used to ride horses around the area when he was a boy.”
One of the documents the couple received was written by Judith Buckler, daughter of original owner Iris Kerr.
“In 1942 the 7th Division returned from the Middle East,” she wrote. “They were camped all around the area … the soldiers were busy training and road building and made good use of the tennis court at Kunda.”
36 Rowan Lne, Mount Mellum, has had ten different owners and a series of restorations over the decades.
The home had previously been used as a Bed & Breakfast before its more recent vendors, and is currently being sold by Ray White Maleny.
The house has often been opened to the community throughout its history, and was even a Bed & Breakfast for a time.
“We know people who know the place because they’ve stayed here for weddings,” Mr Bongers said.
While the tennis court has occasionally been covered over the decades, the Bongers family brought it back to life with a new bitumen surface as part of their own restoration.
“It was a special place for lots of people,” Ms Bongers said.
Moya and Michael Bongers helped restore the court, and said they were proud to be a part of the home’s long history. Picture: Lachie Millard
“It’s not like we play three times a week, but when the thought arises we go out, and our grandchildren love it … it’s a lovely evening place to sit out while someone’s playing, and it’s got a beautiful view from the court.”
Now looking to downsize, Mr Bongers said the family would miss the tennis court as an easy-access space for recreation.
“[Tennis courts] on country properties, certainly on acreage, are a bit of a no-brainer,” he said. “It’s going to be used, whether you’re young, training or just into sports.”
“We’re going to be very sad leaving it … it’s still a strong, beautiful house after 86 years.”
English (US) · 