Bob Chambers outside his church which he purchased in Nanango during the construction process. Photographer: Liam Kidston
An ambitious dream to renovate a church was always on the cards for keen home-flipping couple Bob and Robyn Chambers – but it wasn’t to be.
Robyn passed away in December 2016, prompting Bob to use his grief to create a legacy for her, purchasing a 1912 ex-Salvation Army church from Nanango in regional Queensland and undertaking a breathtaking renovation from a place of worship to one of Brisbane’s most luxurious homes.
Exterior of the home from the street.
The grandeur open-plan living space will wow buyers with its soaring eight metre high ceilings enhanced by exposed beams.
The spacious bedroom’s in the home leave plenty of space for the whole family.
Mr Chambers used his experience as a builder and role as director of GM Poles Pty Ltd to create a team fit for the challenge of building the home.
“I did this (as a tribute) for her – I undertook the project with my middle daughter and a mate of mine Peter McArdle from PTMA Architects,” he said.
“When we were moving the home down to Brisbane, it had to be driven 200km down to Brisbane in two pieces; the church itself and the roof.
“We also did a complete restoration of the steel beams of the church.”
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The home pays tribute to its history through retaining much of the original features including the church glass windows.
Step inside the spacious loft.
The transformed five-bedroom, four-bathroom home at 79 Buena Vista, Coorparoo, includes a 900-litre aquarium, media room, temperature-controlled Tasmanian-inspired wine cellar, a man-made river, a waterfall inside the kitchen/living area, heated indoor pool and a rock water feature.
The project took four years to complete and was featured in Channel 7’s renovation series ‘My Impossible House’.
The temperature controlled Tasmanian-inspired wine cellar.
Take a look inside one the home’s spacious bathrooms.
“It was a long stretch to get everything done; as we continued on with the project, its expenses increased,” Mr Chambers said.
“You’ve got the open arbour at the front with all of the lights – everything in the property is automated…the natural creek is a very impressive thing…it looks like a natural creek bed you can turn on straight from your phone.
A lot of thought was put into the property by Mr Chambers, his daughter and the architect to ensure the original integrity of the church was retained in the final product.
The kitchen includes a spacious breakfast bar, modern appliances, distinctive steel benchtops, and wooden cabinetry. There is even a view down to the Tasmanian-inspired wine cellar from the butlers pantry.
“It was always going to be something we sold after we completed the project. We have our home in Norman Park, which I still own.”
Mr Chambers already has plans for an extensive renovation project transforming a block of flats in Norman Park but plans to name the home after his late wife, Robyn, before it is passed onto the next owner.
QLD REAL ESTATE: The indoor heated pool allowing for year round swimming. – 79 Buena Vista, Coorparoo
QLD REAL ESTATE: View of the home from the rear – 79 Buena Vista, Coorparoo
Duke Realty Bulimba sales director Sam Patterson has described the architectural marvel as one of the best homes he has ever put on the market.
“It is amazing the quality of the construction; it is one of best homes I’ve ever been in,” Mr Patterson said.
“The floorplan allows for dual living; many buyers coming through the property are families with older kids.”
The home has two separate wings to the central part of the house.
One lucky buyer will also take advantage of the proximity to schools such as Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Loreto, Villanova, and Holland Park State School.
The property is currently accepting offers from buyers by negotiation.
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Source Link: https://www.realestate.com.au/news/i-did-this-for-her-tradesmans-spectacular-coorparoo-church-conversion-in-tribute-to-late-wife/
‘I did this for her’: Tradesman’s spectacular Coorparoo church conversion in tribute to late wife:
Bob Chambers outside his church which he purchased in Nanango during the construction process. Photo…
