Author Shannon Edwards // Place Bulimba
After moving into her forever home as a young girl, Patricia Coral Mackee (affectionately known as Coral), has lived in her Frank Street house for 92 years!
There must be something pretty special about the place to have kept her around for so long, right?
“I wouldn’t leave the home if I didn’t have to, but at age 97 I think I’m in need of a little extra help every now and then,” says Mrs Mackee.
We spoke with Mrs Mackee about memories from her time in the home. Now for sale, she shares what she thinks the future homeowners will love about the property.
Tell us about your time at the home?
My father Edmond Smith came to Australia from Germany and settled in Brisbane.
My father, with his wife and 5-year-old daughter (that’s me), he built and moved into 26 Frank Street in April 1925.
I then lived here with my parents, got married, and had my own son - all in the home.
My father passed away first but my Mother lived with me in the house until she was 97 (my age now). She moved to an aged care home and died at 103.
My husband has passed away and my disabled son now lives in a home where he has the care he needs.
We’ve had many good times in the home and a few tough ones as well. Over the years, I got to know all the neighbours and we would all help each other out.
If someone was going to the shops they’d check if anyone needed anything before they went – it’s a fantastic community we’ve got here.
I remember once a newly married couple moved in next door. During the day I heard the new bride crying. She was upset as she didn’t know how to cook and had no idea how she going to cook dinner.
I went over and helped her that day and most other days for a couple of months to teach her how to cook. Her husband never knew I had helped. We became very good friends but they moved many years ago.
As a child I remember the dusty dirt road. Every afternoon and on the weekends all the children would play out in the street until dark.
We had fun, we were safe and all looked after each other.
What do you think is special about the home you live in?
The home has high ceilings, faces south and has lots of windows so it’s nice and cool in summer.
My favourite spot is out on the north-facing back deck so I can sit in the winter's morning sun and capture all the best breezes in summer.
From the back deck you can see over to the rugby grounds of Bottomley Park. Up until after World War II, Bottomley Park was a dump and a lot of military vehicles and equipment were buried in there after the war.
Today, it’s a busy place with rugby games and training all through Autumn and Winter.
After living here your whole life, what have you grown to love about Norman Park?
I love the people and the transport. From my place I could walk to the train or the bus and be in the city in under 15 minutes.
I also love the fact that as we are close to the river we get great breezes.
The nice thing about Frank street still to this day is that it’s such a nice family-friendly street where kids play outside and ride bikes and scooters up and down the footpath.
What sorts of people do you see moving into the home?
I really hope a young family with a few kids move in.
I’d love to see them restore the home and make it into one of the best homes in the suburb. It’s ideal as it’s actually already a big home but could be much larger if people decide to raise it up and build in underneath.
The big block will also leave lots of room for kids and pets to play and even plenty of space for a pool.
We spoke with agent Shane Hicks who, as a resident of Norman Park, comments on what’s special about the area.
This desirable Norman Park position is within walking distance to bus and train stops, cafes, restaurants, day care and the new Coorparoo Square development that will include food markets, cinemas, cafes and an entertainment precinct.
The home is in the popular Coorparoo primary school catchment area and just five kilometers from the city in one direction and the same to Westfield Carindale in the other.
What opportunity does this property present to the future home buyers?
Built in 1925, the home features a very traditional layout with VJ walls, polished floorboards, high ceilings, breezeways and timeless features throughout.
Underneath the current façade you’ll find original weatherboards and a beautiful front and side verandas.
The home has character overlay, making it an ideal renovator for a family that would love an 810m2 block and a beautiful Colonial style Queenslander this close to the city.
Those looking for their dream Queenslander to have as their forever home a can buy, renovate and raise to become their family home - this is the perfect opportunity.
