‘No ordinary home’: Late icon’s quirky property hits market

The iconic Toowoomba property’s former owner was internationally recognised as The Spokesman and now after a huge transformation, this one of a kind home is set to hit the market. See inside here.

When Shelly Herbert first walked into 90 Hume St, the house was filled with technicolour walls, trapeze swings and there were thousands of vintage bicycles hanging from the ceiling – it was love at first sight.

She purchased the house, which previously belonged to the late James ‘The Spokesman’ MacDonald, an iconic Toowoomba character who was known for being an avid collector of bicycles, in 2015.

After a lengthy renovation, Ms Herbert said she was passionate about preserving James’ character by keeping several quirky elements to pay homage to the icon, including one of the trapeze swings.

Now, the unique property, which is called Bespoke, in honour of The Spokesman, is set to hit the market on Monday.

“I can’t say it was a blank canvas, because it really wasn’t, but as soon as I walked into this house I just had this fantastic feeling about it,” Ms Herbert said.

“I wanted to feel like I was home in every essence of the word – somewhere with heart, soul, family, laughter and security.

“To me it’s been essential that my house is truly my home … not just bricks and mortar, but a

reflection of my choices, a collaboration of my ideas and belongings.”

90 Hume St is for sale. Once the home of bicycle collector James MacDonald. Picture: Nev Madsen

Featuring four bedrooms and two and a half bathrooms, the artwork tiles are one of a kind, as is the home’s original timber boards used to create a stunning feature wall in the upstairs dining area.

Upcycling the stunning bluestone used in the former bathroom, Ms Herbert and her dad also built a retaining wall in the backyard.

Transforming the humble abode into a liveable treetop escape, the 648 sqm lot is surrounded by tall gums, liquid ambers and jacarandas, creating a secluded retreat on the outskirts of the CBD.

Featuring a wraparound veranda and attic, the two-storey home property renovation was completed by Dean Lyons Building.

“(Bespoke) takes you to your childhood where life had no hassles or stress,” Ms Herbert said.

“It’s your place to escape from the world, where the inside and the outside blend and we live

amongst the trees.”

Webster Cavanagh Marsden real estate agent Ethan Aisthorpe said while he anticipated the quirky charm of the property would entice buyers, the Camphor Laurel tree-lined Hume St was equally appealing.

“A lot of people walking into a house with a three-tone coloured room would have been quite overwhelmed,” he said.

“But (Shelly) has done really well to distil that down, all the while still honouring James by keeping a few pieces.”

Real estate agent Ethan Aisthorpe is selling 90 Hume St. Once the home of bicycle collector James MacDonald. Picture: Nev Madsen

James who was featured in publications such as Australian Geographic and was intentionally recognised as The Spokesman, now has his vintage bicycles on display at the Highfields Pioneer Village.

His home was formerly known by locals as The Bike House with the Bedford truck parked in the front yard.

The property will hit the market on Monday and expressions of interest are welcome.