Grange, QLD
1930s Family Hub Home
Jim Martin reflects on his family home after his grandfather decided to move to the biggest hill he could see.
“My grandfather lived in Victoria Street, but after his home was destroyed by the floods in 1930, he decided to move to the biggest hill he could see. It’s been the only family home I’ve ever known and it’s now in its third generation, so I really want a new family to come in and create some amazing memories like we had.
When my grandfather bravely headed to Europe for the Second World War, various members of my family moved in to the house to help my mother, it became the family hub.
Since then, my mother has used some innovative ways to improve the home, including using bricks from a knocked-down Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital building to build a wall in the backyard, allowing the home to be across two levels. I remember rolling down the hill before that wall was built and skateboarding down the steep decline, it made you feel alive.
“When my grandfather bravely headed to Europe for the Second World War, various members of my family moved in to the house to help my mother, it became the family hub.”
I have to say the view is breathtaking. It’s been a pleasure watching the Brisbane skyline change over the years and the landscape on offer now is just wonderful to look at. This is a close-knit community with the catchment area for Wilston State School a real bonus. I remember when the trams used to service the area, but you now have Newmarket rail station close by, and excellent road access to Brisbane or up north.
We’re very sad to be leaving, but I’ve been a life saver for more than 30 years and I patrol the beaches of the Sunshine Coast, so my life's up there now. But I live happy in the knowledge another family can make memories here.”
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