Queensland may be better known for its swimming pools than its fireplaces, but with snow on the horizon – yes, snow – the owners of these homes might just get the last laugh.
A polar air mass could settle directly over South East Queensland within days threatening to bring hail, heavy rain, damaging winds and even snow.
Weather chasers are saying the winter storm could dump as much as 15cm of snow on the Granite Belt and Northern Tablelands.
That would be white gold to Aussie ski fields.
![Snowflakes](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 1280 720"%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Bailey Osbaldeston, 5, with Brialee James, 9, at Snowflakes in Stanthorpe on July 5 – Photo Steve Pohlner
The full effects are expected to be felt on Saturday, with snow seekers already booking out accommodation in Stanthorpe and its surrounds.
Brisbane is expecting a top of 16C on Saturday, the Gold Coast 18C and the Sunshine Coast 17C.
On the Granite Belt, Stanthorpe is expecting a low of 1C and a high of just 12C while Toowoomba is chasing a high of 11C following a low of 5C.
Up north, Cairns will record a high of 25C on Saturday, Townsville 20C and Mackay is tipped to top out at just 17C on Friday followed by 20C on Saturday.
Bureau of Meteorology senior meteorologist Harry Clark said if current modelling persisted, there was the chance of snow falling on the highest points of the Granite Belt.
“In terms of snow potential in Queensland, it’s still just a chance on Saturday,” he said.
Mr Clark said it depended a lot on the coldness of the air mass, with the modelling “jumping around a fair bit”.
So let’s take a look at some of the best fireplace set-ups on the market.
1. PULLENVALE
On a 1.01ha block, this substantial home boasts both a pool and a fireplace, covering all bases.
It also has large double-glazed windows to keep the summer heat out and the winter warmth in.
There is also a centralised ducted HVAC system with a seven-zone climate control configuration.
50 Airlie Road, Pullenvale
2. NOOSAVILLE
Snow is unlikely in this surf location but the owners of this muliti-million dollar residence will easily ride out any cold blast.
It has Jetmaster fireplaces in both the upstairs and downstairs lounge areas.
There is also a terrace with a plumbed-in gas fire pit and an alfresco area with a gas fireplace and BBQ.
If that isn’t enough, you could always climb into the home’s dual ovens.
It is listed for sale for $18.25 million.
71 Wyuna Drive, Noosaville.
3. BROADBEACH WATERS
On the market for offers over $15 million, this Hampton’s-inspired estate is ready for summer and winter.
Yes there is a pool and a private pontoon and sandy beach but for that one day a year when Queenslanders get out their Ugg boots and best winter flannies, it also has a sauna and a master suite with an electric fireplace.
The living room also has a Mezzo 1600 Gas Fireplace by Jetmaster.
51 Beverley Crescent, Broadbeach Waters
4. REESVILLE
Situated on 8.62ha, Elysian Ridge comprises a 1200sq m luxury residence.
It has underfloor heating in every one of its six bathrooms.
There is also dual feature gas fireplaces in the living and dining zones.
362 Reesville Road, Reesville
5. MONTVILLE
In the Sunshine Coast hinterland, it does get chilly in winter.
And this architectural masterpiece on 49 acres has those cold winters nights covered.
It has a pool, gym, cinema, games room, a sunken lounge and a firepit terrace.
And there is a statement fireplace in the main lounge area.
435 Balmoral Road, Montville
6. CHEVALLUM
Under offer after being listed for $11 million, the award winning Chateau Immanuel is blend of Tuscan design and Hollywood opulence.
Situated on 10 acres, it has seven statement fireplaces.
There are Portugese hand carved stone fireplaces in the reception area, formal living room, family room and dining room.
There is also feature fireplaces in two of its five bedrooms and another one located in the alfresco entertaining area.
And if that’s not enough, you could always climb into the industrial oven.
25 Glenn Vista Place, Chevallum
7. NORMAN PARK
Listed for sale and on a 1770sq m riverfront block, Falconwood is on the market for the first time in 32 years.
The five-bedroom prestige home boasts a private pontoon, a self-contained boat house and an swimming pool and deck suspended above the river’s edge.
The Spanish Mission-style residence has numerous character features.
On the residence’s third level is the opulent master suite which has its own sitting room with a fireplace, a study and balconies that provide exceptional river and city views.
130 Wynnum Road, Norman Park
8. GOONDIWINDI
There is no denying that its can get as cold as brass balls out this way.
On a 18.03ha block sits Ulawanna Estate, a six-star country lifestyle home inspired by a Hampton’s retreat.
The heart of the home is the open-plan living space which seamlessly flows out to the north-facing poolside area and southern lagoon-view entertaining zone.
This area also features a statement copper fireplace.
Other places to escape the cold include the vintage games room with bar, man cave and the river bar featuring power, a fire-pit and a jetty.
63-69 Ulawanna Road, Goondiwindi
9. BRIDGEMAN DOWNS
On 1.07ha sits this grand eight bedroom, six bathroom estate inspired by Como House in South Yarra in Melbourne.
Following extensive and meticulous renovations completed in December 2017, the grand residence has a pool, tennis court and an outdoor kitchen, ideal for those balmy summer nights.
But when winter does arrive, however brief it may be, there is also a refined dining room with an original fireplace.
49 Priestley Road, Bridgeman Downs
10. KANGAROO POINT
This three bedroom apartment overlooks the Brisbane River and we all know what can be like when the brisk August winds come in for a blast.
The sub-penthouse is located in the Castlebar Cove compex, and is accessed via a private lift.
At the heart of the home is the expansive living area, complete with a fireplace, which opens out onto the covered balcony which wraps the entire river frontage of the residence.
Castlebar Street, Kangaroo Point
AND A FEW IN PLACES THAT WILL PROBABLY NEVER FLICK A MATCH …
MILLSTREAM, CAIRNS REGION
On the market for offers over $1.5 million is this 25.6ha property complete with a custom-built five bedroom residence.
The main living space features a double-sided wood fireplace creating the perfect ambience to the main living area and the master bedroom.
Just a short stroll from the home towards the riverbank is a heated spa.
Address available on request, Millstream
PORT DOUGLAS, CAIRNS REGION
Given Port Douglas is the go-to place for many Victorians in winter, it is hard to imagine this fireplace would get much of a workout.
And I was just there — in the pool.
Now under offer and called The Caribbean, another place unlikely to need much heat, the residence literally has a flow-through design inviting in the balmy tropical breezes.
But there, in the spacious living area is a fireplace, albeit it is not part of the sale.
31 Ulysses Avenue, Port Douglas
BUSHLAND BEACH, TOWNSVILLE REGION
There was a saying when I lived in Townsville: “Winter came and went on a Wednesday”.
In other words, this electric fireplace, going by that logic, might be switched on maybe once a year.
On the market for offers over $799,000, this Hampton’s style home may have a fireplace, but there is no pool for the other 364 days of the year.
32 Deedes Crescent, Bushland Beach
HALIDAY BAY, MACKAY REGION
Believe it or not, it actually did snow in the Mackay region in 1965.
Snow was reported at Dalrymple Heights, 65km west of Mackay.
It is the only tropical snowfall location on record in Australia.
So maybe the owner of this Haliday Bay residence is a bit of a prepper – preparing for the next shock snowfall.
It does have a pool and airconditioning for the other 60 years between flurries.
11 Blue Beach Boulevard, Haliday Bay.
BOWEN, WHITSUNDAYS REGION
Another favourite region for winter refugees down south, the Whitsundays region is known for its azure blue waters and balmy breezes.
But the owner of this contemporary farmhouse is prepared for all weather, including a cold blast.
There is a grand media room with a striking stone-clad gas fireplace and an outdoor firepit.
414 Bootooloo Road, Bowen
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