FOR Dean and Lynne Smith there was no looking back.
Subscribe now for unlimited access to all our agricultural news
across the nation
or signup to continue reading
Although there was clearly plenty of work to be done, they knew they had found their 'forever' home.
Welcome to Banyak Suka, an iconic 1920s homestead with a history as rich as Queensland itself, located in the D'Aguilar Range at Delaneys Creek near Woodford.
Boasting spectacular views of the Glass House Mountains and built as a showpiece, the impressive two-storey home is set in almost three hectares of manicured gardens within a 19 hectare property, still used to run cattle.
"We just loved it from the moment we saw it," Dean said.
"I just knew this was the house for us, and fortunately we were able to make it ours."
"I certainly loved it too when I first saw it," Lynne said. "But the difference was I could see all the work that needed to be done.
"Dean didn't seem to worry about that part. He was focused on what this wonderful old house would be like when it was completed how we wanted it."
It helps that we just happen to love this kind of work, and everything we do is another step to seeing this grand old home returned to its intended glory.
- Dean and Lynne Smith, Banyak Suka
Fortunately, Dean had spent the first 20 years of his working life in the building industry, equipping him with many of the skills needed to bring the almost 100 year old home back to its intended glory.
"We're doing virtually everything ourselves, with the exception of the electricals or the plumbing where a licensed professional is needed, or if we just don't have the time, in the case of some of the tiling jobs," Dean said.
"Of course it's a big job, but its amazing what you can get done once you start.
"It helps that we just happen to love this kind of work, and everything we do is another step to seeing this grand old home returned to its intended glory."
While Banyak Suka is designed in something of a Queenslander style, there is a Malaysian influence, perhaps best demonstrated by the shuttered laundry verandah, where washing is still dried, safe from the harsh sun and tropical storms.
In fact, the Malay translation for banyak is "a lot" while suka means "love". In the context of this property, it is understood to mean "well beloved home".
History preserved
Very fortunately, the history of the homestead is extremely well preserved in previous owner Lyn Perkins's and Jo Anne Pomfrett's excellent 218-page coffee table book published in 2013, detailing the incredible journey of Banyak Suka.
During their 17 years of ownership, Lyn Perkins and her Erwin husband literally rescued the homestead from almost certain ruin. Arguably it was already too late for the grand old building when they started on the ambitious task.
Much of the home had been attacked by white ants, and the building was overgrown after it was left abandoned. Friends and family were certainly not shy in suggesting it was a job for the bulldozers, or a good lick of fire.
However, the Perkins had other ideas, embarking on an incredible labour-of-love to conserve the home and rebuild expansive gardens.
In addition to replacing the timber eaten by white ants, walls were removed, rotted roof beams were replaced, walls were painted, carpets were relaid, and windows and shutters were refitted.
It all took time, energy and incredible commitment but Banyak Suka was saved, as evidenced in the 'Banyak Suka, the story of a magnificent Queensland'.
"The house deserved to be pampered back to some sort of original state - we want it to be easy to say it is a beloved place," Erwin said in the book.
Early days
The imposing Banyak Suka was built in the mid-1920s by James Malcolm 'JM' Newman, who was obviously an exceptionally talented mining engineer turned businessman who made his millions mining tin in Malaysia.
Well connected and highly respected in both government and business circles, the straight shooting JM played a crucial role in ensuring the allies had access to sufficient qualities of tin during World War 1. Tin was in particular demand as it was needed to plate steel cans containing preserved food for the troops.
Banyak Suka was built from hoop pine sourced from the property and milled locally. The home originally contained 20 rooms, and featured verandahs, large windows, VJ boards, high ceilings, and well proportioned rooms.
The property was also a progressive farm, with JM constantly acquiring adjoining country.
By 1955 the original 146 hectare holding had grown to about 2800ha (about 7000 acres), supporting six dairy businesses, which each took up about 140ha. The rest of the property was used mainly for cattle and breeding Clydesdale horses, but also other ventures including a banana plantation.
Banyak Suka was also home to the noted Cabulcha Angus stud, possible named after Aboriginal word meaning place of the carpet snake, and Anglicised to create Caboolture.
However, the Banyak Suka homestead was in reality a country holiday home, although it appears it was used as a residence for extended periods. JM's usual address was Fernhill, a 38 room mansion in Caboolture, which was later gifted to the RSL as a retirement home.
New owners
It was in 1955 that the ownership of Banyak Suka transferred to the Bridle family, maintaining the Cabulcha Angus operation as well as a Brahman herd.
It was also during this time that major British chemical company ICI established its tick research station, acquiring 100ha from the south east corner of the property.
However, the high point of the time was a visit by then British Prime Minister Harold Macmillan and his wife Lady Dorothy in 1958. The Macmillans and their entourage used the homestead as their base while they experienced the region.
Part of the time was spent inspecting the tick research station, where, as was custom for dignitaries, Mr Macmillan planted a tree. (On a separate occasion legendary Queensland Country Life editor Wallace Skelsey was also invited to plant a tree.) The hands-on PM reportedly also took charge of the barbecue, handing out chops and steaks to all.
In 1960, doctors Reginald and Susie Buckingham took over Banyak Suka, keeping about a third of the property until 1985. The property became known for its Brahman cattle, Arabian horses and Dr Susie driving an old grey Rolls Royce, complete with running boards.
More land was distributed in the following years until 1988 when Banyak Suka became rock music central. Divinyls guitarist Mark McEntee purchased the property, and while music was the focus, Mark McEntee and his mother Irene Mackenzie also built and operated a successful dairy over a 10 year period.
Under the next ownership, the remaining 200ha was divided into 16-20ha lots, with the Banyak Suka homestead retained on the current 19ha parcel.
Connections
Dean and Lynne Smith say they are constantly amazed by how many people with connections to Banyak Suka return to the homestead.
"I'm sure its because it is such a welcoming place and so many people have made such happy memories here," Lynne said.
"It's also great for us because we often get to learn a little more about the homestead and property.
"One of the challenges is we don't have access to any of the original plans to guide us."
The Smiths are also convinced the house is haunted, or at the very least there is a "benevolent presence".
"I'll go into the kitchen and all the cupboard doors will be closed," Lynne said.
"But when I return, they are all standing open.
"Then there are the smells of perfume and cigars. We've both experienced that."
Dean is also convinced they are being watched over.
"Several times I've heard someone walking around upstairs, but when I check no-one is there," Dean said.
Looking forward
As the eighth 'keepers' of Banyak Suka, the Smiths are set on opening the magnificent homestead as an Airbnb from March, starting with the restored two bedroom apartment.
The home and its spectacular gardens are already being used for wedding photographs and less-than-10 people 'elopement' weddings.
Looking forward four ensuited bedrooms will be available, and the unique chapel building converted to accommodation.
"We think it's just wonderful we can share this property with other people," Dean said. "It's such a special place and it is here to be enjoyed."
Want daily news highlights delivered to your inbox? Sign up to the Queensland Country Life newsletter below.
