A Buderim homestead believed to be the oldest residence on the Sunshine Coast still being lived in has hit the market, offering a rare opportunity to own a piece of the region’s early history.
Canambie Homestead, at 12 Dixon Road, Buderim, was built circa 1880 by Sunshine Coast pioneer and sawmill owner Joseph Dixon for his wife Elizabeth “Alice” Fielding. Its name is said to come from an Indigenous word meaning “black plum”.
Sitting on more than 2200sqm of flat land at the eastern end of the Buderim village precinct, near the Buderim escarpment, the property will change hands for the first time in 26 years.
“It’s a once-in-a-generation opportunity,” Jo Hutton of Image Property Sunshine Coast said.
“The owners are hoping to pass it on to someone who will truly value its history and continue caring for it.”
The heritage-listed main residence is a classic exposed-frame timber building, featuring a grand central hallway that leads to two bedrooms and a bathroom on one side and a formal dining room and sitting room with an original cedar-surround fireplace on the other. Floors, walls and ceilings are crafted from locally sawn beech timber, while the framing, roof structure and doors are made from locally milled red cedar.
“It’s incredibly rare to see a house of this age that hasn’t been painted over inside,” Ms Hutton said.
“The owners have maintained the timber beautifully, keeping the home’s character intact.”
A separate self-contained cottage, built in the 1970s, mirrors the essence of the main residence with verandas on three sides, high ceilings and timber cross-braced wall cladding. The cottage includes an open-plan studio, bathroom, laundry and kitchenette.
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Ms Hutton says interest in the property has reflected its rarity, being one of only three heritage-listed residential homes in Buderim.
“We’ve had close to 200 inquiries in just two weekends – phone calls, emails and inspections,” Ms Hutton said.
“People have come from all over Australia, including former tenants from the 1980s and descendants connected to the home’s early history.”
Held on a single title and zoned low-density residential, the property has future subdivision potential while retaining the homestead, cottage and gardens.
The property also includes an extra-large two-bay shed, a garden shed and room for a pool or tennis court.
“This home is not just about history, it’s about lifestyle. Future owners will be able to enjoy the serenity of the gardens, the breezes across the verandas and the incredible craftsmanship that has stood the test of time,” Ms Hutton said.
As a Queensland heritage-listed property, any alterations will be subject to heritage maintenance and conservation guidelines.
