News Corp Australia Network

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A rare residential property by one of Brisbane’s most sought-after architecture firms is on the market for the first time in a decade.

Located at 8 Milne St, Clayfield, the home was designed by Adrian Spence and Ingrid Richards of acclaimed architecture firm Richards & Spence, which is renowned for its work on iconic Brisbane locations including Fish Lane at South Brisbane and the Calile Hotel.

The Calile Hotel was recently named in the inaugural World’s 50 Best Hotels list. It was the only Australian property to make the list, and was also named the Best Hotel in Oceania.

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The firm’s creative eye was also behind places such as Hellenika, Cloudland’s Rainbow Room, the Gasworks Market, Same Same Restaurant, SK Steak & Oyster and Bianca Italian Restaurant.

Property owner Jennifer Bergman explained that it was a sheer stroke of luck which saw her husband Michael engage Richards & Spence to design their family home at Clayfield almost 15 years ago.

“My husband had met Adrian and Ingrid through the construction industry and we were lucky to get them at a time in their careers when they were doing residential work,” she recalled.

“As soon as we saw their design we were in awe and we’ve been thrilled with the house ever since.”

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Set behind a subtle facade, the two-storey, five-bedroom home is constructed around a central

courtyard, allowing light to flood into the property and creating a flow between the inside and exterior.

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“It’s designed to be private, so you’re not looking out onto neighbours but instead onto greenery and there’s lots of natural light,” Ms Bergman said.

“When you’re downstairs with the sliding doors open, I just love how it feels like you’re outside even when you’re inside.”

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While the home has a minimalist aesthetic, it boasts a welcoming feel, with steel beams, masonry walls and travertine floors softened by an abundance of timber.

“Adrian said at the time the travertine would give it a soapy feel and the timber would add a soft natural texture,” Ms Bergman said.

“He was right and we were all so amazed with how the house finished up.”

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Construction was completed in 2011, with the Bergmans and their children moving into the property as their family residence.

Ms Bergman noted it had effortlessly accommodated her family in the period since as her children transitioned from teens into adults.

“It doesn’t look big when you look at the footprint, but it’s so usable as there are lots of areas to retreat to,” she noted.

“The bedrooms are quite separate and large, and they’ve also been ideal for those times the children have come home as adults.”

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Central to the property is the galley-style kitchen which opens up to a dining and living area overlooking an outdoor entertaining terrace and swimming pool.

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“The kitchen is really the hub of the home and it’s just a lovely place to be with its view of the courtyard, entertaining area, and the formal lounge with its fireplace,” Ms Bergman said.

“I’m a big cook and I love having family over for meals, so I spend a lot of time there enjoying the view while everyone congregates around the kitchen bench.”

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Looking back on her years living in the architect-designed home, Ms Bergman said it was an experience she felt fortunate to have had.

“It’s such an enjoyable house to live in and I feel whoever moves in next will love it,” she said.

“Even on a grey day it’s a place that feels like sunshine with so much light and greenery to look out on, and it’s been such a joy to call it our home.”

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The Richards & Spence designed property at 8 Milne St, Clayfield, is set to go to auction on October 27.

It is listed with Place New Farm agents Heath Williams and Nathan Briggs.

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