495-503 Sturt Street, Townsville City

There are properties that sit within a city - and then there are properties that help define it. Built circa 1898–1902, Classique is widely regarded as one of Townsville's oldest and most distinguished inner-city Queenslanders. Originally known as Canobie House, the home was named by its original owners and builders, who also owned Canobie Station. Over time, this remarkable residence evolved from a grand private home into the much-loved Classique Bed and Breakfast, with its current name reflecting the elegance, charm and enduring prestige it is known for today. Despite its extraordinary historical significance and beautiful period features, this iconic property is not heritage listed, offering rare flexibility for future use or development. Now offered to the market, Classique presents an exceptional opportunity spanning residential prestige, established hospitality income, and future development potential - all on a substantial block in the heart of Townsville City. A Home With a Story Featured multiple times in the Townsville Bulletin and lifestyle publications over the years, Classique has long been celebrated for its: • Federation-era architecture • Tesselated roofline and ornate ridge detailing • Original hoop pine floors • Pressed tin ceilings • Decorative fretwork and archways • French doors opening to deep verandahs • Bay windows and breezeways designed for tropical living The home survived Cyclone Leonta in 1903, witnessed the transformation of Sturt Street from a dirt track to a central CBD spine, and has been sensitively restored to honour its original elegance. This is not a reproduced character home - it is authentic North Queensland history, beautifully preserved and exceptionally rare to find without a heritage listing. The Layout – Grand Proportions This is a substantial home designed for both privacy and gathering. Accommodation • Three oversized master suites, each with a private ensuite • Additional guest bedrooms of generous proportions • Main central bathroom servicing additional rooms • Configuration ideal for luxury guest accommodation or multigenerational living Each bedroom reflects the home's heritage scale - high ceilings, natural light, and character finishes throughout. Living & Entertaining • Multiple formal and informal living areas • Dedicated main billiard room - a centrepiece space for entertaining • Separate home office or sixth bedroom • Elegant dining area • Expansive rear deck capturing breezes and garden outlook • Outdoor spa area for guest relaxation The floorplan flows seamlessly between intimate sitting rooms and larger entertaining spaces - offering a versatility rarely found in modern builds. Flexible Purchase Options The sellers are flexible, with the property able to be purchased fully furnished, partially furnished, or vacant, depending on the buyer's preference and proposed use. This creates a range of possibilities, including: • Immediate continuation of the Bed & Breakfast operation • A beautifully styled residence with selected furnishings included • A vacant character home ready to be tailored to your own vision The property is currently marketed internationally through platforms including Booking.com, benefiting from an established online presence and strong brand recognition. External Improvements & Landholding Beyond the residence itself lies significant additional value. • Large 981m² lot • Expansive rear yard with genuine development scope (STCA) • Three-bay carport at the rear • Established gardens enhancing privacy • Ample room for further accommodation expansion, secondary dwellings, or boutique redevelopment (subject to council approval) CBD parcels of this scale are exceptionally rare - particularly those already improved with a landmark character residence. Four Compelling Pathways Grand Residential Estate Restore and elevate one of Townsville's most iconic homes into a private inner-city estate of remarkable scale. Boutique Hospitality Asset Continue operating as Classique Bed and Breakfast with an established reputation, existing guest appeal, and flexible furnishing options to suit your plans. Strategic Development Play Retain the front residence while exploring rear expansion or redevelopment potential (STCA). A rare land-bank opportunity in a tightly held CBD location. Professional or Wellness Use Perfectly suited to a boutique day spa, medical consulting rooms, dental practice, or allied health use with ample rear parking (subject to council approval). Location – Unmatched Inner-City Positioning Moments from: • Palmer Street dining precinct • Queensland Country Bank Stadium • The Strand waterfront • CBD offices and professional services • Ferry access to Magnetic Island Opportunities of this calibre, with this level of flexibility, history and landholding, are rarely offered to the open market. Rates: $11,952 Licensing: Guest House ⸻ Disclaimer: All information provided in this listing is gathered from sources we believe to be reliable; however, we cannot guarantee its accuracy. Interested parties are advised to conduct their own independent research, inspections, and due diligence to verify the details and ensure the property meets their requirements. We accept no liability for any errors, omissions, or discrepancies. Additionally, photographs may have been digitally enhanced for marketing purposes to improve presentation and showcase the property's potential. Features, boundaries, and conditions should be independently confirmed before making any purchasing decisions.