Property of the Week: 8 Robertson Street, Toorak

After a popular Brisbane plastic surgeon scored an NBL star’s period Paddington home in 2022, he performed a major facelift on the 160-year old Queenslander.

Now that the mansion has had its makeover, the luxury five-bedroom property is back on the market with a March 14 auction date.

The quintessential Queenslander at 49 Reading St was to be a fixer-upper project for Brisbane Bullets player, Aron Baynes and his wife, Rachel.

The couple had bought the 1634 sq m property – also known as The Governess – in 2021 for $4.5 million, with plans to undertake the renovation themselves.

Award-winning builders Graya were engaged to restore the estate to its former glory, but the game changed for the Baynes, who sold it in 2022. Canadian-born Dr Justin Perron spent $5.8 million for the landmark residence, which came complete with a DA for Graya to give it their Midas touch.

That sale was negotiated with Josh Brown and Matt Lancashire of Ray White New Farm, who are again trusted with the marketing campaign. Because it is being sold under the hammer in Queensland, state legislation prohibits agents from providing a public price guide.

Currently, the house price record for Paddington is $11.8 million, set early last year for a fully renovated pre-war five-bedroom house on Garfield Dr The Governess is expected to smash through that price barrier.

“Given its size, its heritage and the extraordinary inclusions with a five-car garage, internal lift and impeccable renovation, I do believe it represents really good value. There’s just nothing like it in Brisbane,” Brown says.

The property, which spans four blocks on the corner of Fernberg Rd and Reading St, dates back to the 1860s and is known locally as the older “sibling” of Government House, given that it was designed by the same architect, Benjamin Backhouse and sits just across the road from the grander heritage estate.

Now with its new look, The Governess is considered one of Paddington’s most significantly transformed homes; one that oozes with the charm of yesteryear, but the sophistication of today.

Blending old and new, the reimagined residence balances past and present over three spacious levels, separated by a statement spiral staircase.

Several period elements have been retained, including the iconic balustrades and wide wraparound verandas, while there is also a long list of modern conveniences, from a state-of-the-art kitchen to full home automation.

Inspired by nature, the interiors reflect the neighbourhood’s surrounding colour palette, with rich green marble accents and warm walnut-toned cabinetry. High 3.1m ceilings and floor-to-ceiling glass have also been used to frame the city and treetop views.

The gatehouse and veranda arches mirror the curves of the entrance hall, which, in turn, connects the original footprint to the contemporary addition and open plan family area.

In the gourmet kitchen, there are Miele appliances, a vast 4.5m island workbench beneath a skylight, and a large, hidden butler’s pantry. This space flows out to the alfresco dining space, barbecue terrace, pool and fenced lawn.

The main living level also houses three bedrooms, a study, a powder room and a family-friendly laundry.

Up via a private internal lift, the accommodation level is home to a palatial primary suite with a sitting area, dressing room and a luxury ensuite with a fireplace. Besides the main bedroom, a smaller bedroom with an ensuite could make an ideal nursery.

On the lower ground floor, there is even more space for entertaining on a grand scale, including a wine cellar, wet bar, tasting room, and gym.

The Governess has a long story to tell, with a range of added extras, including home automation via Electronic Living, a five-car garage, mudroom, communications room, panic room, air conditioning, and security.

It is about 550m to Paddington precinct, 900m to Rosalie Village shopping and 3.5km to Brisbane’s CBD.

The Governess at 49 Reading St, Paddington will go to auction on March 14 at The Calile Hotel from 9 am with Josh Brown and Matt Lancashire of Ray White New Farm.