International buyers eye bungalow

By Josephine Gillespie

LONG admired for its striking architecture, the pending auction of Bowerlea has drawn interest from as far afield as Noosa, Singapore and New Zealand.

Action Realty Ipswich First National sales manager Paul Lambert said interest had been strong.

"The first weekend we had 36 people through," Mr Lambert said.

"It was a steady flow.

"I wouldn't be surprised if we had 200 people here for the actual auction."

Bowerlea was built as a Queensland timber variation of the popular Californian bungalow in 1929 for the widow of well-known Ipswich chemist WFS Fox.

Original features include plaster ornate ceilings, silky oak French doors, leadlight interiors, curved bay windows and decorative timber archways.

Sales consultant Rebecca Lambert said while inquiries had ranged from using the building as an art gallery, high tea room or residence, each potential buyer was seeking to restore the home.

"I think it's a combination of its uniqueness, position and prestige," Mrs Lambert said.

"We've had a lot of inquiries from people who have lived in the area for 30 or 40 years and remember the property in its original condition.

"It has been admired by local residents for decades."

Mrs Lambert said the three-bedroom home was in a prime position opposite Queens Park and had been in the possession of the current owner for about 20 years.

The property will go under the hammer at 2pm on Saturday, March 29, and early offers are invited.

It is open for inspection each weekend in the lead-up to auction, on Saturdays from 1-2pm and Sundays from 3-4pm or otherwise by appointment.

Potential buyers are encouraged to register before the auction due to the high level of interest it is expected to generate.