Why our homes are so Far North of rest
ALICIA NALLY
According to RE/MAX Cairns principal Tony Williamson, no one can go past a veranda.
“Especially on a Queenslander, these are becoming an extension of a home’s living space,” he said.
“When I was growing up in Cairns I don’t think we had those big verandas, but most people had them.
“More and more people are fitting them out with a big barbecue set, or outdoor kitchens worth $10,000, plasma televisions, fans. I see some people’s verandas are better than inside the house. They give people a chance to relax and take advantage of our beautiful climate.”
The Hills hoist also rates a mention, according to Real Estate Institute of Queensland Far North zone chairman Tom Quaid.
“However there are very few new homes that still get them unfortunately – everyone has gone to fold down ones attached to an external wall both for space and cost,” he said. “The sense of space you get from Queenslanders, the air flow from underneath and having a good indoor/outdoor flow, particularly when you have a nice big timber deck, is also great.
“Having lived in Europe for a while in a number of different homes there was always a very distinct cut-off between inside and out – which you start to appreciate when its freezing cold. It was kind of cool having a basement, though.”
It may not be for everyone but the proximity to wildlife is also a unique part of homes in the Far North, whether they host visits from curlews, frogs, butterflies or snakes.