First residents move into repurposed historic Yungaba House at Kangaroo Point

The first residents have moved into the riverfront Yungaba House estate, the repurposing of a heritage building at Kangaroo Point in Brisbane.

Built just two decades after Queensland became a separate colony to New South Wales, the 130 year old building recently underwent its residential conversion by Frasers Property. 

With its 3,000 square metre private heritage gardens, the building has been reconfigured to have 10 house-sized residences.

The home’s combine history and luxury with original woodwork, high ceilings, chandeliers, large wooden doors, modern kitchen and bathrooms, and high-tech security.

The grounds feature a 25 metre infinity lap pool, a gym and a covered barbecue entertaining area with private access to the river.

The Residences were priced from $1,795,000 to $4.25 million.

A young family from neighbouring suburb Bulimba has paid $3.6 million for Residence Five, one of the flagship homes of The Residences, following the highly-anticipated project’s official launch last month.

Spanning four levels, the three-bedroom home can be considered one of The Residence’s ‘penthouses’, incorporating its own turret with stunning CBD and Story Bridge views and an expansive basement level.

Residence five was the second most expensive offering, surpassed only by residence six, which was priced at $4.25 million at the east-facing riverfront site only 800 metres to the CBD.

The sales were off the plan two years ago, with two residences up for sale.

Place Kangaroo Point agent Simon Caulfield is asking for offers in the high $2 millions for Residence 10.

Spanning 425 square metres, the home features painted exposed brickwork walls, raked timber ceilings, solid hardwood timber flooring and a galley style kitchen.

Each of the four ensuited bedrooms opens to covered decks. The main living space flows to a wraparound balcony with views of the Brisbane River underneath the Storey Bridge. 

Residence 1 has been put up for lease by the owners, a couple who are involved in architecture and interior design.

After committing to a long-term project in New South Wales, the couple who split their time between Sydney and Brisbane, have sought a $2,250 a week tenant. 

North South Real Estate Brisbane leasing agent Tom Kralikas said the enquiry had been varied.

"Interest has been quite varied, with several local enquiries from downsizers looking to sell their current larger residences and move in to an exclusive, heritage listed property," Kralikas said.

"Additionally, I am working with several interstate business people who are relocating to Brisbane and are specifically looking for something unique."

Kralikas says there are very few comparable buildings to Yungaba House and the design of the property is truly stunning, with the modern touches complementing the heritage structure extremely well. 

The building on its construction in 1887 by colonial architect John James Clark was known then as Yungaba Immigration.

On arrival on the river, immigrants were ferried to Yungaba by way of smaller tugs where they were then accommodated before settling elsewhere.

During the late 1800’s Yungaba House was used to house and accommodate bush children.

It was added to Queensland's Heritage Register in 1992.

This article first appeared in The Weekend Australian.