6 Norman Street

West End QLD 4810

Don t get me wrong...it has all those taken-for-granted basics...three bedrooms, two bathrooms, one with spa, kitchen/dinette, lounge, dining, Foxtel, NBN, fully air-conditioned, blah blah...but its unique location and exceptional and innovative renovation work makes it stand out.
The current owner recalls: I can remember my first inspection 15 years ago. The house was the pits. We went looking elsewhere...this was to be an investment property. But after further disappointments, I decided to go back and have a second look. It was still the pits but I asked the agent if I could get up on the roof and have a look. I spent an hour up there. The peace and quiet and magnificent views over the historic West End Cemetery and Castle Hill were to die for. I was sold. This unique piece of real estate in Townsville became a labour of love and a two-year renovation. Sitting in the spa gazing at Castle Hill is still a highlight 15 years on.
Needless to say the current owner and his partner moved out of their Aitkenvale home, which then became their investment property, and moved into what they lovingly call The Cemetery House.
The photos are evidence of their fastidious and creative work. The use of timber, Meranti and Pine, is wonderful....and let s not forget those Hoop Pine floors.
The private, front courtyard overlooking the Hill, the double front bedroom with purpose-built study, overlooking the Hill, a smaller front bedroom, the master bedroom, overlooking the Hill, with walk-in robe that flows onto the main bathroom and separate toilet, the kitchen with a stainless steel 90cm, five burner cooker, dishwasher and walk-in pantry, the large laundry.
And approximately 167 square metres under roof.
But for me, the renovation piece de resistance has to be the conversion of a large, old shed out the back into a totally self-contained utility, living area complete with bathroom and space for a Queen s size bed, lounge and entertainment area...as the photo depicts.
Open the back door and you re onto the covered, back deck and landscaped backyard...covered by the 25 square metre upper deck with magnificent views of...you guessed it...The Hill.
Did I mention The Cemetery House is at the right end of a cul de sac, is two minutes walk from West End Primary, a two-minute drive to Castletown and a 15-minute walk to the CBD. The owner informs me that the circumference of the cemetery is one kilometre...for all you dog owners.
Oh, and last, but by no means least, not a blade of grass to mow...