Photos: Supplied.
Nestled along the picturesque Queens Esplanade, Thorneside, the house at number 112-114 boasts a rich tapestry of history, woven by the hands of the Alexander, Redfern, and Johnson families. This story begins in 1917, when Ned Alexander, a man heartbroken by the loss of his sons in the First World War, purchased a block of land for each of his daughters.
On one of these blocks stood an old high-set timber house. Ned, with the help of his son-in-law Stanley Redfern, who married his daughter Elizabeth, dedicated themselves to improving this quaint abode. The house quickly became a beloved weekend retreat and holiday destination for the family. Boating, fishing, and swimming at the sandy beach below what is now Mooroondu Road became cherished family traditions.
In 1959, a significant change occurred when Elizabeth’s house in Windsor was resumed for the construction of several service stations. Forced to find a new permanent residence, Elizabeth and her bricklayer son, Doug, moved into the old house at Thorneside. This marked the beginning of a new chapter for the family in this cherished location.
As the family expanded, the house witnessed the laughter and joy of Elizabeth and Stan’s daughter Lorraine, her husband Harry, and their children. The serene surroundings of Thorneside provided a perfect backdrop for family gatherings and celebrations.
By 1960, Doug embarked on a labour of love, constructing a low-set red brick house on the adjacent block. The entire family, including Harry and his son Ross, the current owner, pitched in to complete the house by 1961. With the new home finished, Elizabeth and Doug moved in, and the old high-set house was subsequently demolished.
Elizabeth’s passing in 1986 marked the end of an era, but Doug continued to live in the house, dedicating himself to cultivating impressive vegetable gardens that became a source of pride and joy for the family. Doug’s efforts ensured that the land continued to be a place of growth and sustenance.
After Doug’s death in 1999, Ross inherited the property. For a short time, the house was rented out, but eventually, Ross and his wife Alison returned from North Queensland and made the house their home.
Today, as the property at Thorneside goes up for sale, it carries with it a legacy of resilience, family bonds, and cherished memories, offering a unique opportunity for new owners to become part of its storied history. From its beginnings as a humble timber house to its transformation into a beloved family home, this property is a true Thorneside treasure, waiting to continue its legacy with a new chapter.
112-114 Queens Esplanade, Thorneside, is for sale through Queensland Sotheby’s International Realty.
Phone 0418 885 523 or 0424 182 732 for more details.
