Project raises early concerns – now everyone’s smiling
A CONTROVERSIAL development at 3 Walton Street has given the North Toowoomba area a new lease of life with three charming (and brand new) cottages now enhancing the neighbourhood.
‘Cottages on Walton’, proudly built by Golding Homes, consists of three standalone residences with one including the original verandas from the first cottage which was built on this site in 1879.
The buildings ooze the charm of yesteryear and the convenience of contemporary living for today.
Originally encountering some opposition, the development was overseen by Gashk Developments owners Michael and Carolyn Gaschk, but its merits soon became apparent.
“We’re preserving some of Toowoomba’s Heritage,” Michael said.
“There’s nothing like this in the city.” One of Toowoomba oldest workers cottages (circa 1879), set among beautifully mature Jacaranda trees, can now continue as a marker of yesteryear with some old photos and documentation of ownership dating back to 1927.
“The project has been a two-and-a-halfyear adventure for us,” Carolyn recalled.
“We took the old cottage reno as a Heritage overlay and added two new freestanding cottages.
“They feature kitchens with waterfall counters (with stone surfaces), a dishwasher, electric cooking and lots of cupboards.”
The appeal of the development was further enhanced with no body corporate, a solar powered gate and a shared driveway.
Low maintenance and fully landscaped, the project sits in a dead-end street, in walking distance to town and close to Northpoint Shopping Centre.
“It’s a great location — taking advantage of the coffee lovers precinct – and each cottage enjoys two spacious bedrooms, one carport and gorgeous high ceilings.
“We want to encourage others to build in character with Toowoomba, rather than cookie cutter units you can’t swing your cat around in,” Michael said.
“The concept suited all kinds of buyers – singles, mature people (that don’t want to move into a retirement village but want to downsize), young people working in town, young marrieds just starting out, or a parent and child.
“They’d also make a perfect B & B”. The stunning cottages were quickly snapped up, with all going under contract through Jacqui Walker of RE/MAX Success.