23 Gonzales Street Amity, Brisbane, QLD, Australia

It is impossible to pigeonhole this sophisticated and distinctive north-facing island home. The spellbinding blend of contemporary and Gothic Revival influences is lavish and imposing. This enchanting haus and magical garden would not be out of place in Europe. And yet this exceptional stone and wood residence is curiously located in a quiet street at Amity, North Stradbroke Island, 16 km from the mainland. The meticulous design with modern needs has been a labour of love by the owner builder over a period of twenty-plus years. The timelessness and adaptability to Australian conditions are both whimsical and inspiring. Medieval elements with nautical island touches make this property so unique and memorable. Ideal as a dreamy holiday home or perfect for permanent residents. The charming exterior, coupled with the inviting interior, offers both refined and rustic appeal. The steep pitched roof, high-raked ceilings with exposed beams are representative of the extraordinary build quality throughout. Configured over three levels, the elegant entry is via the front porch on the middle level, through the double timber doors, into the cavernous living room. Stunning recycled Wool Stores hardwood flooring, solid central staircase, built-in under-stair display cabinet, an exposed porphyry stone fireplace, wonderful stained-glass windows, and an oversized antique chandelier, offer the ultimate ambience.


NOTABLE FEATURES
- 4 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms (both dwellings) - 3 car accommodation (2 car lock-up, plus carport) - Basement rumpus plus multi-purpose rooms x 2 - Kitchen with granite benchtops, bi-fold doors, pressed metal splashback - Falcon cooker, stainless steel fridge and rangehood - Kitchen cabinetry, vanities, windows made from red cedar timber - Prominent use of granite benchtops, bathroom walls, and flooring - Brisbane porphyry (tuff) used for fireplace, kitchen servery, pizza oven - All timbers salvaged or recycled, milled with a portable Lucas Mill - Day beds in bedrooms 2 and 3 have storage compartments underneath - Piano is a functioning pianola, with paper rolls - House construction all solid core, masonry filled concrete blocks - Three entries to the house have solid granite block steps - Island stone walls in courtyard, garage and front wall - Rendered with local island sand - Decorative pyramidion capstone features throughout - Fire pit with adjustable cooking rack, turtle-shaped stone pizza oven - Entertainment area, multi-coloured lighting - Herb and vegetable garden, fruit trees, irrigated watering system - Portholes and nautical items collected over 50 years - Each dwelling individually metered for electricity - Total under-roof area 490 sqm approximately, 699 sqm lot, 20 m frontage - Solar panels on main house are for the second dwelling - Provision for water tank on the fireplace side of building - Walking distance to beach, boat ramp, jetty, picnic grounds, swimming enclosure - Easy access to Amity Tavern, convenience store, community club/bar/bistro - Distance to Dunwich 16 km, distance to Point Lookout 19 km Amity (also known as Amity Point) is a coastal village on North Stradbroke Island's northwestern point. It has a permanent population of approximately 450 people. Amity was so named after the ship 'Amity' which arrived in 1824 to establish the first European settlement in the area. The island is accessible from the mainland by vehicular ferry (45 mins) and water taxi (25 mins). It is known for its laid-back lifestyle, virgin forests, diversity of flora and fauna, and pristine beaches.

This remarkable property with two residences, the main house plus a self-contained stand-alone dwelling, is without peer. It is incomparable in the clever blend of architectural styles, use of recycled, salvaged and beachcomber timber, island and porphyry stone usage, and the exceptional quality of the build. The display of sophistication and complexity, attention to detail, and sheer inventiveness is unparalleled.