The stunning transformation of this 1860s worker's cottage could be yours

From the front, it’s incredibly unassuming.

This six-bedroom worker’s cottage in Queanbeyan’s east was once only a four-room construction; a lounge, two bedrooms and a kitchen. The bricks used to build it were handmade, and it features a gabled roof and skillion verandah, indicative of the Victorian era.

At the time it was built in 1860 you could hear the Queanbeyan River flowing at the rear of the property (you still can), and only four other cottages dotted the area known as Ford Estate.

Number 11 Blundell Street is pretty special.

It’s a home that contributes to the town's historic character, and has a strong association with Queanbeyan historical figures. The cottage was first owned by Thomas Mail and in 1887 John Bull (who became Queanbeyan’s Mayor in 1888) purchased it, though it was occupied by John Mayo. It has been the home of many distinguished pioneer families as well as Sir Murray Tyrrell, secretary to six Governor-Generals of Australia.

Over its 164-year history it’s been renovated and extended but also so lovingly cared for there’s no need for any major restoration work according to a Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council’s Heritage Advisory Service.

The four front rooms of the original worker’s cottage are now two bedrooms, and formal living and dining rooms, while the back of the house now opens up into a beautiful extension, built in the 1990s, that’s “a little bit like a tardis” according to sales agent Darren Bennett.

The extension includes two huge family and meals rooms, four additional bedrooms (including the master), a sitting room, a study nook and a craft room.

The 1018sqm block backs onto Blundell Park playing fields.

“You can literally open your back gate and there are two full-size soccer and hockey fields to hit or kick a ball around,” says sales agent Darren Bennett of Ian McNamee and Partners.

Beyond the fields is the Queanbeyan River, so close that the current owner carries his solo canoe across the fields and launches off the bank to paddle along the river.

“It’s honestly a really unique area of Queanbeyan and a really different way to experience the city,” Darren says.

“No-one moves from Blundell Street because it’s such a coveted spot, it’s quiet, it ends in a cul-de-sac, and people in the street have lived there for generations.”

Buying number 11 Blundell Street is a rare chance to own a piece of Queanbeyan history – which is both special and comes with responsibility.

The cottage pre-dates some of Queanbeyan’s first iconic buildings, including Byrne’s Mill (1863) and the Mill House (1883). The year it was built was the same year The Queanbeyan Age began publishing, with the population of the town standing at around 520 residents.

Original owner Thomas Mail and would have crossed the brand new Queanbeyan bridge on horseback and taken the steep ride home to Blundell Street.

“Heritage grants are available if you want to make changes to the home but there are, of course, a number of caveats around what you can and can’t do,” Darren says.

“It’s the oldest house I’ve listed and the interest so far has been significant.”

11 Blundell Street, Queanbeyan, goes to auction at 10am on Saturday 28 September 2024.

View the full listing.