Holmes’ sweet home: NRL star and entrepreneur wife list epic Queenslander

3 days ago 6

Valentine and Natalia Holmes have listed their Townsville home at 40 Paxton St, North Ward, for sale. Picture: Supplied

Former Townsville-based power couple Valentine and Natalia Holmes have listed their North Ward Queenslander for sale a year after moving to Sydney.

The property at 40 Paxton St, North Ward, hit the market last week through local agent Janice Gallagher with an asking price of offers over $1.998m.

Both born and bred Townsville locals, NRL star Valentine and First Base gym co-owner Natalia bought the home in March 2023.

After Valentine signed a three-year deal with St George Illawarra Dragons commencing in 2025, the couple leased out their dream home and relocated to Blues territory with their young family.

Positioned at the base of Castle Hill and a short stroll from The Strand, ‘David House’ sits on a 1518 sqm block and features loads of character details, including a wraparound veranda, fretwork, timber floors, high ceilings and a heritage colour scheme.

Queensland State of Origin star Valentine Holmes and gym owner Natalia Holmes have listed their Townsville home for sale.

Natalia said she and her husband fell in love with home as soon as they saw it listed for sale online.

“We love Queenslanders and homes with character and I particularly liked the 70s inspired area (the home) has,” she said.

“We liked that it had history as well – there’s some quirks that come with it that are all original.

“The high ceilings feel so grand, particularly in the formal dining room and bedrooms, while the big ceiling-height windows fill the room with natural lighting.

“The whole house has cast iron bars on every door and window, which means you can have the whole house open and enjoy the fresh air and feel safe and secure.

“The pool has beautiful, big umbrellas that cover the entire pool and create a Slim Aaron’s 70s poolside oasis.”

The pool area at the North Ward home. Picture: Supplied

The rear living spaces have a distinct retro vibe. Picture: Supplied

After buying the home, Natalia and Valentine updated one of the bathrooms, pulled up the carpet throughout and polished the timber floors that were underneath.

“We saw a lot of potential in modernising the home, but keeping the character that it has,” Natalia said.

“We did have big plans to renovate and that was actually going to start the week before we moved.

“There was going to be a new kitchen, new bathrooms and the whole house was going to be refreshed.

“I was devastated we didn’t get to do it.”

Natalia said the property also had incredible gardens courtesy of the previous owner.

“It’s like we have our own Queen’s Gardens in our yard,” she said.

Valentine Holmes and his son, Billy, at ‘David House’ in Townsville. Picture: Supplied

The semi-elevated Queenslander has four bedrooms, three bathrooms and parking for three cars.

There is a large open plan kitchen and dining space, a retro bar area and a living room at the back of the home, flowing out to the rear patio and pool area.

The luxurious master suite includes two walk-in wardrobes and an ensuite, while the formal living and dining rooms open through french doors to the side veranda and patio.

On the opposite side of the home there is a well-established fernery.

“The bar area and the formal dining room make the home the perfect entertainer,” Natalia said.

The home sits across from the Townsville Sports Precinct and Townsville Grammar, and is right near The Strand and the CBD.

“(When living at the home) we’d walk down to The Strand everyday and the kids could go for a play in the park across the road,” Natalia said.