It appears The Block couple Leah and Ash haven’t put down the tools since their shock last-place Auction Day result, when their home failed sell at auction after not receiving any offers over reserve. But, the experienced renovators have since re-proven their renovating prowess, having started their own Boutique Design Studio The Milton Project and completing a own mammoth 1930s home renovation in their home town of Brisbane. In a series of striking images shared to Instagram, Leah and Ash announced they had decided to sell the meticulously restored Queenslander, a renovation project that occupied their last five years. “What was once meant to be our forever has become part of our journey,” they say, “and now it’s time for another family to carry her forward.”
Breaking the suburb record for the year, Leah and Ash’s renovated home at 66 Wassell Street, Wynnum sold at auction for an impressive $3,001,000 over the weekend – a far cry from its original purchase price of an estimated $750,000 back in March 2020. According to listing agent Alex McEwan of McGrath, it was the extra thousand dollars that really made the difference – “they got the two red chairs in the breakfast nook thrown in,” he shared.
Built in 1934, the original home was a single-storey, relatively untouched weatherboard house, with a bright blue kitchen, wraparound verandah and positioned on a lovely, quiet corner block in the shade of lush trees. Now, after undergoing several major renovations and structural changes, it is now completely unrecognisable.
Clearly unafraid of a major overhaul, the couple added serious value by lifting the original home to create an entirely new ground floor, one that spills out onto a generously-sized backyard, entertaining patio and mineral pool, turning the once-humble cottage into a spacious family entertainer. Now, completely rebuilt with multi-generational living in mind, the five-bedroom, four-bathroom Queenslander home at spans 991 square metres and embodies the character of the local area. “Along the way we’ve uncovered stories of the family who first built her, and we’ve added our own chapter to that history,” they say.
As for what’s next for the pair, the couple plan to continue on their renovation journey says Alec McEwan, and have already purchased another fixer-upper home just around the corner.
Tour Leah and Ash’s 1930s Queenslander
View from the street
Positioned on a leafy corner block, the signature Queenslander home on its 991 square metre block enjoys an impressive 55 metre street frontage.
The rear
A true entertainer’s delight, Leah and Ash’s outdoor area, with a tiled patio, mineral pool and spa, and manicured lawn, is the perfect place for both young children and keen hosts. Upstairs, the vaulted back deck with soaring ceilings makes the perfect vantage point to keep an eye on those down below.
The kitchen
Enjoying idyllic water views from its enviable bayside position, the kitchen is full of natural light and prevailing breezes. Fitted with a stone countertop, five-burner gas cooktop, and integrated dishwasher, it has all the mod-cons you could possibly need.
Kitchen
A galley kitchen with the dining room tucked behind, it was designed to capture the stunning north-east views.
Entertaining area
Downstairs, the open-plan entertaining area with soaring ceilings and wall mouldings is fitted with a stone dining table, bar/kitchenette, and herringbone flooring, and leads directly to the manicured gardens and pool area just outside.
Bedroom
One of five bedrooms, including two primary suites with luxurious ensuites, they all feature built-in storage, air conditioning and ceiling fans, perfect for the Queensland heat.
Pool
It wouldn’t be a Queensland home without a pool!
