Aleisha Dawson, Property Journalist
Jump in a tinny and cruise along the river — all from your back door step.
Most families dread the school run – but for one Brisbane family, it meant jumping in a tinny and cruising along the river.
TennisGear founder Mark Bloomfield is selling his waterfront home in Norman Park, after 13 years in a street where his children grew up travelling by boat to Anglican Church Grammar School, known as Churchie.
Top offers for 34 Gillan Street, Norman Park close November 17.
The property has a floating pontoon rather a jetty.
“The boys both went to Churchie and used to take their tinny to school,” Mr Bloomfield said. “They thought it was awesome.
“It was a pretty special way to grow up.”
The school commute was one part of a lifestyle that kept the family in the same pocket for more than a decade.
Mr Bloomfield bought the property in 2019, having previously built a home in the street.
“We liked the street so much that when this house came up, we moved two houses up,” he said.
“This house was bigger, more open and had more bedrooms.
“It also has a floating pontoon rather than a jetty, which makes getting out on the water easier.”
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With his children now adults, Mr Bloomfield is preparing to downsize.
The five-bedroom Queenslander is being marketed by Paula Pearce and Jodie Cevallos of Team PP of Place Bulimba.
Ms Pearce said the property offered buyers a connection to the river that went beyond the outlook.
“The family’s school commute tells that story beautifully,” Ms Pearce said.
“Here, the creek is somewhere to explore, fish and head out from, rather than simply something to look at.
“With a private pontoon and access to the Brisbane River and Moreton Bay, buyers can make boating part of their weekends without having to pack up and drive to a ramp.”
Set on 564sq m, the double-gabled home combines restored Queenslander character with 394sq m of indoor and outdoor living.
The home looking from the backyard.
A 6.3m void, expansive architectural windows and Blackbutt timber floors distinguish the interior, while the kitchen features an 80mm stone island, butler’s pantry and premium Bosch appliances.
Three living zones include an upstairs retreat with a dual-sided fireplace and a dedicated media room adjoining an executive office area.
There is also a climate-controlled wine cellar.
Ms Cevallos said the home balanced space for a growing family with places to gather.
“You can have children watching a movie, someone working from home and friends over without everyone competing for the same space,” Ms Cevallos said.
“The outdoor pavilion gives you another generous entertaining area, with a kitchen and electric blinds overlooking the heated pool.”
Beyond the landscaped garden and fire pit area, the floating pontoon has shore power and water connections and can accommodate a vessel up to 36ft.
For Mr Bloomfield, the lasting appeal has been the combination of the creek and the community.
“You don’t have back neighbours, you see boats going past and we’ve always liked the people in the street,” he said.
Top offers for 34 Gillan Street, Norman Park, close on November 17.
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