A landmark 1880s cottage set against the backdrop of the towering Thornclyffe Residences in Queensland's Kangaroo Point is on the market after a New York-style transformation by its owners.
The heritage listed Thornclyffe House was restored by developers Kenlynn, with the home's original fireplaces having to be rebuilt using the same technique and materials used in the 1880s.
Meanwhile, the modern apartment building was designed by architects Ellivo to curve around tiny cottage at its base.
The three-bedroom Victorian-style Queenslander was purchased off-the-plan in 2022 for $2.25 million by Anne and Colin Lewis, who were able to put their own spin on the interiors of the home prior to moving in.
"We had never had an older home before and we didn't want to alter the original parts of it," Mrs Lewis said.
"We discussed whether we wanted to do antiques or go very modern and I wanted to go very modern," Mrs Lewis said.
The couple brought in designer Gary Hamer to help style the interiors, with the couple's brief centred around creating the atmosphere of New York-style cigar and supper clubs.
The result is dark walls, ornate fireplaces and statement light fixtures alongside the home's original dark timber floors and leadlight windows.
The furniture was also chosen according to the Lewis's brief and in some cases, custom-made for the space.
Buyers have the option to purchase the furniture alongside the home for an additional $150,000.
The single-level home also has a modern kitchen, two updated bathrooms, an internal laundry and a wrap-around balcony.
Parking, a storage cage and swimming pool are in the Thornclyffe Residences building, easily accessible by a lift.
"It's been a wonderful experience, a lot of fun and wonderful to see it come to what you imagined it would be," Mrs Lewis said.
The couple also had the gardens re-landscaped, transforming the "Queensland garden" to more subtle landscaping and plant choices, in keeping with the home's style.
"I love the home and where it is and I think it's really come out beautifully," Mrs Lewis said.
The couple, who consider themselves "country people", are now selling to move interstate.
"We want to go back to the country, as much as I love the location and love the house, Colin and I want to move to the Hunter Valley."
Place Bulimba selling agent Ally Edmonds said the property was unlike any other she has seen.
"It was originally sold off-the-plan by me," Ms Edmonds said.
"I watched it go from quite a rundown little cottage to fully restored by the developer and what Anne's done is the icing on the cake. She has taken it to the next level."
The property goes to auction at 10am, Saturday, June 1.
