129 Memorial Drive

Eumundi QLD 4562

Here's a home that's simply divine! Not only is 129 Memorial Drive, Eumundi, a spacious family home with a heavenly aspect, green gables, wide wraparound verandahs and a glorious 3154m2 country garden, it is also the former Catholic church where a young Kevin Rudd once studied at Sunday school. This unique property - built in 1896 on a hilltop overlooking the town and moved to its current site in 1934 - is a local landmark that offers an unbeatable location just a stroll away from Eumundi's famous markets, shops and cafes. The historic, high set building provides seamless open plan living/dining together with a mezzanine, four bedrooms and three bathrooms. It is set back from the street in a fully-fenced, private garden that complements its air of mystery and romance.
Jasmine spills over the front balcony, riotous flowers dance in the garden beds and secret arbors await discovery within an orchard of 30 exotic fruit trees. The garden, created over the past 17 years, was featured on a television gardening show last year and is an integral part of the property's appeal. Visitors will be charmed from the moment they step through the front gate. Meandering paths lead to a broad, new staircase and, beyond, to two imposing, arched front doors. These doors, carved 121 years ago, open to reveal a large, living space, which is warmed in winter by a combustion wood stove and cooled in summer by fans and cross breezes. The interior retains a few original features: most notably, the impressive hardwood floors, pressed metal ceilings, and - centre stage - the church's altar, now re-envisioned as an island bench/breakfast bar in the oak and granite kitchen. There are two pantries, a 90cm stove, a scullery and off to one side, a dining room. There is also a downstairs bedroom and bathroom and new security doors leading onto three verandahs.
An open tread, central staircase, lit by a modern stained glass window featuring lotus flowers, leads to the mezzanine. This level is quietened by cork flooring and features a 'bridge' (with original altar rail acting as a balustrade) that connects the master bedroom and tiled ensuite bathroom to two other bedrooms and a family bathroom with hip bath and vanity. All have built-in robes and fans. A 1.5 kwh solar panel provides power and hot water. The property is connected to town water and has two 4,000 litre rainwater tanks; several raised vegetable beds, a garden shed, shade house and under house parking for 1-2 cars.