First time offered for sale since 1971, this highset home is so close to the beach in one of the Peninsula’s favorite streets. It was Dot’s home and there’s a lovely little story that comes with it.
Dot Schwenke grew up on a sheep station in Outback QLD. As a young girl she was one of the first borders at Soubirous Brigidine College (now Southern Cross College). As a girl, Dot fell in love with the Peninsula but school finished and she went back to the farm. Time moved quickly and Dot married, she had 3 very young children when tragedy struck, losing her husband in a car accident.
What happened next? Dot suddenly single and with 3 small children in tow (remember this is 1971) decided to return to her happy memories of teenage years. She wanted to give her kids the best chance of a good education and to live in a peaceful seaside village near the beach, so naturally Scarborough it was and this little property at 12 Herbert St became home for the next 50 years.
Now that Dot had secured a home she looked for work and as luck would have it she landed a job just down the road at the school where she previously boarded. The name Dot Schwenke is known by many who went to De La Salle or as we know it now, Southern Cross College. She worked in many roles at the college, including teacher’s assistant, for the next 50 years. Dot cared about the schoolkids who went through the College school. In particular she was dedicated to those kids who struggled to focus on their work or had limited English. She had a big heart and was loved by many because of this. Dot received the rare honour of being made an Affiliate De La Salle Brother for services to the order. Her family was named Redcliffe Family of the Year in 1980 in recognition of her raising 3 children on her own in this home.
So here we are, over 50 years later. Dot passed in 2024 from a short illness and its an honour to tell her story and help the family to sell this home. Owned since 1971, Dot was practical and for much of her life she needed to be frugal. This was born from necessity and practicality.
The home is largely original, Dot performed basic maintenance over the years to keep it solid, but much of it is the same as it was when purchased all those years ago. The home is built from timber weatherboards with a tile roof was built around 1956. We know this because the carpet was recently removed to expose the beautiful original timber floors and newspaper from 1956 was found underneath.
Upstairs there are 2 bedrooms, kitchen, living room, family bathroom and a sunroom. The floors are hardwood and unmolested. They will polish up a treat. High ceilings, casement windows all the original features are here. Downstairs there is heaps of storage across 3 rooms, a garage space, it's very basic but there is a second toilet & shower and laundry.
There is something very honest and warm about these old places. They remind me of a simpler time in Australia's history and of the genuine people that made this great country what it is today. Saying that, times have moved on and this home will suit someone who fancies their skills with a paintbrush a tool belt. There is so much potential here and you won’t have to fix other people’s handywork. Expect to replace things like the kitchen, paint the interior, polish the floors, maybe even paint outside, I would. The location also seriously makes this one very special, just moments to Queens Beach and all the popular Scarborough amenities including schools, cafes and restaurants, shops and transport.
We know how important location is. 50 odd years ago Dot knew as well. She knew this this spot was special and she wasn’t wrong. My thoughts, be like Dot. Don’t wait a minute to secure your piece of paradise. Contact me to arrange an inspection today AND if you are thinking of selling in the area ask us about our NO SALE - NO FEE marketing guarantee.
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