Idavine: A Federation-Era Classic Queenslander in West Ipswich

Idavine at a Glance

• Style. Federation-era timber Queenslander with ornate iron lace verandahs and decorative gables.
• Name. Named “Idavine” in 1913 after early owner Ida Retschlag.
• Heritage. On Queensland Heritage Register since 1992 for architecture, streetscape value, and residential continuity.
• Ironwork. Rare cornucopia-pattern verandah iron lace dating from 1892.

🔢 By The Numbers

• Address: 2 Burnett Street, West Ipswich
• QLD Heritage Register (listed 21 Oct 1992): QHR 600572
• Land: 618 m²
• Rooms: 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms
• Ceilings: 3.3-3.5 m
• Origin: £25 land sale in 1855 ($7,100 in 2025).
• Ironwork: Cornucopia pattern patented 1892
• Tenure: About 60 years in one family (1918-1970s)
• Sales: $80,000 (Mar 1988) to $490,000 (Sep 2019)
• Cluster: 3 state-listed houses on Burnett Street

Let’s wander through Idavine together and discover how this Federation Queenslander home blends craftsmanship, personal stories, and a 115+ years of quiet charm.

Take a walk around the front of Idavine on Google Street View.

📜 Origins & History

Idavine is part of the Baines Park Precinct heritage cluster. It includes Notnel, Berry Residence, Ozanam, Colthup’s and Penrhyn.

• First sale. In 1855 Henry Mort bought the allotment for £25.
• Berry era. In 1866 William Berry added the block to his home next door and used it as a productive garden.
• Nickname. The rise became known locally as “Berry’s Hill.”
• First house. By 1887–88 August Knopke built a modest timber dwelling on the block.
• Name. In 1913 Ida Retschlag became owner and the house was known as “Idavine.”
• Occupants. In 1914 Charles and Ida Retschlag were listed on Burnett Street.
• Neighbour. In 1874 Berry built a two-storey brick residence at 1 Burnett Street.
• Local context. West Ipswich, historically called “Little Ipswich”, sits next to the town centre.
• Site size. The property area is 618 m².

🏗️ Architecture & Design

Take a look inside Idavine (source: 2019 RealEstate.com.au listing)

• Type. A c.1910 Federation-era timber Queenslander.
• Structure. High-set on concrete stumps with a timber frame.
• Cladding. External walls in chamferboard with single-skin VJ boards to verandah areas.
• Roof. A short-ridged gable roof with crossing gables and a broken-back verandah skirt.
• Gables. Two front gables with carved bargeboards, fretwork and a turned finial.
• Iron lace. Verandahs use cast-iron balustrade panels with a cornucopia motif from 1892.
• Entry. Side stairs rise to double lattice doors at the verandah.
• Plan. A central hall with a timber arch and a pivoting glass fanlight.
• Rooms. Originally six main rooms opened off the hall.
• Ceilings. Several rooms retain pressed-metal ceilings and ventilated fretwork over doors.
• Windows. Tall sash windows with timber hoods protect from sun and rain.
• Kitchen wing. A former detached kitchen now forms an L-shaped rear wing.
• Amenities. The home has four bedrooms and two bathrooms.
• Nameplate. A painted timber “Idavine” plaque survives near the front door.
• Outlook. The verandah is close to the street and has a broad vista toward town.

⏳ Through the Years

• 1918. Ida Retschlag sold Idavine to Sophia Helena Lewis (née Runge).
• 1919–1970s. The Lewis/Runge family held the property for about six decades.
• 1920. Carl F. W. Runge owned 6 Burnett Street and added garden land to Idavine.
• 1988. The property sold for $80,000 in March.
• 2001. It sold for $165,000 in August.
• 2007. It sold for $372,000 in March.
• 2008. It sold for $425,000 in November.
• 2019. It sold for $490,000 in September.

🛠️ Renovations & Restorations

• Stability. Original timber stumps were replaced with concrete posts and steel bearers.
• Sleep-out. Part of the eastern verandah was enclosed as a sleep-out.
• Rear porch. A small south-west porch was enclosed for an indoor toilet and lobby.
• Ensuite. In 2001 a new ensuite was approved and built within a former side porch.
• Details. The side lattice door and steps were retained when the ensuite was added.
• Patio. A lightweight rear patio with clear roofing was added for outdoor living.
• Kitchen. The kitchen was modernised, with a further update in 2018–19.
• Ironwork. Original cast-iron verandah panels survive across the front.
• Integrity. The layout and most original fabric remain in place.

🌟 Why it Matters / Heritage Importance

• Listing. A State Heritage place since 21 October 1992 (QHR 600572).
• Criteria. Meets Criteria A, D and E for historical, representative and aesthetic value.
• Streetscape. Contributes to the Burnett Street heritage character.
• Cluster. With 1 and 6 Burnett, forms a three-house heritage cluster in Ipswich.
• Type value. A well-preserved Federation-era timber residence of its class.
• Continuity. Ongoing residential use has supported fabric retention.