Thursday, March 12, 2009

#052-365 Classic

Okay so I'm a little different, I tossed up with architecture as a theme for this, but stuck with classic so Ladies and gentlemen let me introduce you to a "Classic Queenslander" This refers to the style that evolved to combat the general hot conditions that we live in here in "Paradise".

You can see that the central core of the house has the usual Pitched roof to handle rain and allow ventilation above the ceiling, but also see that the house is entirely surrounded by a wide flat roofed verandah that that both shades the house walls and those sitting out on the verandah as well as encouraging any breeze to find whatever entry it can into the house.

Almost as a rule these houses were raised, generally to allow further ventilation to flow under the house, but also to get above any flood water that may occur but also to dissuade (hopefully) snakes from entering the house. In the older (original) houses generally the floor boards were not butted together all that carefully, this encouraged up breezes and made sweeping a lot easier.

The house you see here was almost certainly not originally built here but moved to the coast by some retired farmer looking for a Sea Change but with the comfort of the home he had always lived in. This one in fact seems to be a luxury version with built ins on the verandah and the majority of the underneath closed in as well. A lot of money has gone into refurbishing this place, and at the back (hidden) is an Air conditioner which defeats the whole point of the place, but those with money tend to throw it around - but really the house doesn't need air-con.

The view in front of this place would most likely give it a Million $Aust + price tag and I have heard of people spending half a million refurbishing a house that would have cost $30,000 or less to build in the first place. I don't have anything in common with those folks though, cause apart from fixing up the gaps in the floor, (to keep the cockroaches out) I would want one just as they have always appeared, open underneath and with verandahs festooned with people cooling off with a refreshing breeze and a beverage of choice, as a community gathering spot. - LOVELY.

In answer to Tammy who thinks she can wind men around her little finger (you were much younger when that power waned dear!) If you want me checking out the interiors of Millionaires houses so you can do a sales pitch I get put on a stipend and a hefty one at that!
This little Black Duck didn't come down in the last shower. - I plan on emailing this reply to her Now hope it wakes her up.

17 comments:

Linda S said...

I think its a beautiful home and beautifully photographed.

Chesney said...

Being a real estate agent, this was a real treat. I love seeing different styles of homes in different places. One of my favorite things to do on vacations - too funny, huh? I would love to see the inside, would you mind asking?? LOL

Anonymous said...

It is a gorgeous home, and I enjoyed your explanation of the architecture, and how it adapted to fit the environment.

Clara said...

It is a beautiful house, Ron. Great image.

Edmund said...

Nice job on the image and another history lesson that I enjoyed.

~Val said...

Beautiful shot of a lovely home. Glad to hear it's probably safe from SNAKES (yikes!)

Thanks for the story behind the photo!

Anonymous said...

What a lovely home and great story behind the photo. You always keep us well entertained!

I wouldn't mind living in a house like that myself. As long as the snakes stay in their environment, I'd let them be.

You did a grand job on the photo and the tale.

Chesney said...

I don't think I had that power even when I was young...LOL! Here's what you do, you knock on the door, tell them your car broke down, and ask to use the phone. Hey you don't get to see the whole house, but the parts that matter, THEN, when they are not looking, pull out your micro camera, and wahoo, you got them! What kinda of soldier were you??

Anonymous said...

That is an amazing home! I love verandas. Interesting story about the design features of the construction too....

Debra said...

A very beautiful house. Much fancier than our Florida cracker houses that were built take advantage of the sea breezes. Great shot.

Anonymous said...

What a beautiful home! The opposite look of the buildings I've been shooting lately. Very elegant. A great shot, too!

Anonymous said...

I can almost see Scarlett O'Hara sittin' and swingin' and drinkin' her mint julet. What a beautiful house and what a beautiful job you did photographing it.

Anonymous said...

It's so beautiful! I love how you've managed to capture all the lovely details on the magnificent home with just a bit of tree in the foreground to act as a frame.
Just wonderful Ron!

Anonymous said...

A lovely and practical design and a wonderful shot. Except for the snake part I like the idea of sweeping stuff into cracks in the floor boards. It's fun to tour Australia with you.

DART said...

I really need to stop looking at challenge sites before bed---that snake talk has me delaying my zzz's as I don't want to see 'em in my dreams (nightmares). LOL A beautiful place (love the veranda) but not enough colour for me! hee hee

SysterLilli said...

Hihi! I love the sweeping part in your story! Suites me perfect! :)
The snake part... yaks! I think snakes are fascinating creepy. Love to look at them on TV or at the zoo, but I do not want to meet them at all out in nature.

Anonymous said...

A beautiful home and a classic shot of a classic! Reminds me of the homes in Charlston, South Carolina with the frills and verandas.