Buyers ‘steam in’ as Sir Donald Bradman and Jeff Thomson’s houses list, with one going for nearly $5 million

The former Queensland home of bowler Jeff “Thommo” Thomson sold after an intense bidding war, for $4.965 million.

“We had five written offers,” said Sarah Hackett of Place New Farm.

The owners of 28 Algoori St, Morningside - who also own MCD Constructions - purchased the home off Thomson in 2010 for $1.75 million, according to CoreLogic.

On the move

“Toronto” was originally built in 1910 and was located in New Farm before Thomson moved it to the 4047sqm block in Morningside.

He renovated the property and added a cricket pitch in the backyard which still stands today.

“He did a renovation and then the current owner did a major one and then another one more recently,” Ms Hackett said.

The family had been flipping homes every two years before they “fell in love” with the cricketer’s home and chose to keep it long-term.

“The owners added a putting range at the rear of the property. It has a beautiful backdrop of 100-year-old trees,” Ms Hackett said.

She said interest had come from a range of buyers who were looking for large blocks of land close to the city.

“It gives you so much convenience, living countryside but just 5km from CBD. It’s a very unique property.”

The five-bedroom, four-bathroom home has an open-plan kitchen, living and dining room, a main bedroom with a walk-in wardrobe and ensuite, a separate study and a balcony with an outdoor kitchen.

On the lower level is more entertaining space, with a loungeroom and wet bar, outdoor terrace, swimming pool and turf.

There are also expansive gardens, a three-car garage plus parking for four more vehicles.

Thomson was one of the fastest bowlers in the history of cricket, with a top speed of 160.6km/h, the fourth-fastest delivery of all time. He retired from the game in 1986.

National landmark

Meanwhile in NSW, the childhood home of cricketing great Donald “Don” Bradman is still on the market, although selling agent Samuel Lindsay of Drew Lindsay Sotheby’s International Realty expects an auction date to be locked in soon.

“We wanted to get it out through the UK and India and places where Don was revered, and we’ve got those channels open now. I suspect we’ll set the auction date soon, but it could be sold anytime,” he said.

The property had its initial guide of $2.95-$3.1 million revised to $2.5-$2.75 million.

“It’s a very significant property, culturally and historically,” Mr Lindsay said.

Where it all started

Bradman lived at the 52 Shepherd St home from the age of three to 15, where he developed his cricketing skills by hitting a golf ball with a small cricket stump against the base of a water tank stand, which still stands to this day.

He went on to be known as the greatest batsman of all time, with a Test batting average of 99.94. Bradman died in 2001 at the age of 92.

The current owners bought the home in 2007 for $890,000 according to records. They have since carried out extensive renovations.

“They were keen to honour the tradition of the house and its heritage. They restored it over three years with painstaking attention to detail and added in the luxe creature comforts that people expect today.”

They engaged Clive Lucas Stapleton and Partners to carry out their vision of restoring the home to its former glory.

The property received the National Trust Award for Conservation and Heritage.

Set on 625sqm, the four-bedroom, two-bathroom home has a combined family and dining room, upgraded kitchen, ornate fireplaces and a rear patio.

The original stables at the back of the block have been transformed into a modern studio with a kitchenette and bathroom.

This article originally appeared on view.com.au.