Set high above the Brisbane river, Fenella is a character house dating from 1901, a stately property imbued with a commanding street presence. The house was named using the Gaelic term for White Cliffs and features a symmetrically organised fascade and encircling verandahs: architectural elements typical of a Colonial-styled Queenslander from this period. Located in Borva Street, a cul-de-sac just 3km from the CBD it will appeal to those seeking a substantial period property located in a convenient, yet quiet, location.

Fenella enjoys sweeping views from both the front and side of the house, views that take in the Brisbane River and University of Queensland to the West, out towards Mount Coot-tha and the Ranges, and over West End to the North. Under the same ownership for nearly 20 years, this generously appointed family home has been extensively renovated and modernised. Recently re-roofed, freshly painted and with new bathrooms, it now awaits its new custodian.

Street access to the house is via electronic, secure gates, with paved stairs leading across the landscaped gardens to the centrally sited timber front door. A large brass key opens the front door to a black and white chequered hallway that sets an appropriate tone for the stylish interior beyond.

The lower level of the house is for the family, with generously-sized bedrooms, an office, and a media room. The family bedrooms have built-in robes, ceiling fans and white wooden shutters, and are sensibly located towards the side and rear of the house. The black & white themed bathroom (with a striking centrally located bath), laundry and linen cupboard are also located at this level. Ascending the imposing timber staircase, the upper floor is all about the views and the light.

Folding timber doors open the first floor to the encircling verandahs, welcoming in cooling river breezes, and filling the interior with natural light. There is a contemporary styled open-plan kitchen with an adjoining family dining area to the rear, a large lounge and living/dining area to the front, all visually connected by the patinated, polished timber floor. The generously sized verandahs are wide enough for outdoor entertaining; spaces to stand and talk whilst taking in the views or sitting and dining in style. The verandah is enclosed with intricate, wrought iron balustrading.

The master bedroom suite is located at the front of the house and has both a walk-through wardrobe and a spacious bathroom ensuite with an open shower. The black and white colour scheme re-appears here, visually linking the two levels of the house together. Completing the upper level, there is additional storage space within the roof, accessed with drop-down ladder from the reading area at the top of the stairs.

Externally, the gardens have been fully landscaped and are low-maintenance in nature. There is ample parking for three cars behind a secure entry gate to the side of the residence and easily accessed off Borva Street. The driveway has been recently epoxied with a complimentary black and white pebble appearance. There is a sunshade to the side of the house, a storage shed and water tank out the back and a circular washing line adjacent to the internal laundry.

Borva Street is a quiet cul-de-sac, lined with other fine homes; it sits flood-free, high above the Brisbane River overlooking the University of Queensland. Located off Gladstone Road, and just 3 kms from the CBD, it is minutes from well-known state and private schools, major hospitals, retail and restaurants precincts along with the cultural institutions of Southbank.

Contact Chris White on 0407 526 868 for private viewings.

• Digital furniture has been used in the accompanying photographs.