Restored Brisbane home with history dating back to the 1880s

A HISTORIC Brisbane home that once sat on land purchased for roughly the equivalent of $1500 has been listed for sale for offers over $5.95 million.

Lynne Grove House at Corinda, which was built in about 1883 by Robert Francis Hassall as a family home, was essentially located within one of the city’s earliest sub-divisions.

According to the Brisbane City Council Heritage Register, the restored Victorian residence sits in what was once known as Boyland’s Pocket, an area stretching from Chelmer to Corinda, now some of the city’s most expensive real estate.

“In 1860 the new Queensland Government opened up the district for selection, at a price of 1 pound per acre, resulting in the establishment of a number of farms ranging anywhere between 25 and 70 acres in size,” the register says.

“The first main building wave occurred in the 1880s, a boom period for Brisbane.”

Hassall purchased five acres in 1882, and another 22 acres a few years later.

A few years later in 1889, it was purchased by wealthy merchant and alderman Thomas Murray Hall, who lived there with his family until 1914.

But it was the next chapter that was the “most intriguing”, according to The House Detective.

”It was purchased by an incredible woman, Laura Duncan,” research by The House Detective says.

“Laura managed a cattle property in western Queensland and purchased the residence off Thomas Hall to use as her city residence.

“During the First World War, she donates her house for use as Corinda Infants’ Home, which was established to care for children whose families couldn’t support them.”

It is now owned by Gerard and Sari O’Driscoll, who purchased the stunning Victorian-era residence for $1.578 million in 2011.

Now on a smaller yet sizeable 3121sq m block encompassing three titles, Lynne Grove House has been restored and landscaped.

It is listed for sale with Queensland Sotheby’s International Realty agent Gabrielle Baker.

“Whilst recent renovations have been designed to provide the comforts of modern living, the beautiful period character has been retained,” the listing says.

“From the beautiful 45-degree pitches and gables of the roof to the rare crow’s ash and wide polished pine flooring, the intricate breezeways, and generous hallways, this home is a joy.”

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It has six bedrooms, a garden room with an art deco-styled ensuite, five fireplaces with the option to open up a sixth fireplace, triple car accommodation, and an electronic gated driveway.

There is also a pool complete with a lawned area, pool house and granite chequerboard marble paving, sandstone walls, paved pathways, sweeping stairs, arbours, a children’s play area, and an extensive kitchen garden incorporating fruit and nut trees.

Back inside, there is a new kitchen which takes its cue from the past. It boasts a range cooker, butler’s sink and stone benchtops, and includes antique units as part of its footprint.

The adjoining meals area, family room, and expansive butler’s pantry feature botanical wallpaper to compliment the gardens that can be viewed through the deeply silled and extensive windows.

Entry to the home is via the original front door framed by glass panels and the wide hall which leads to the formal dining room and library.

A discreet staircase leads to the attic.

Other features include a circa-1800s fountain that was rehomed from a grand old mansion in Mossman, Sydney, and vintage crystal chandeliers suspended from the 200-year-old, heritage-listed fig trees.

“Over the years there has been much interest from local historians and family history groups, and the love the community has for this home is obvious, her soul is what sets her apart,” the listing says.

“We often say, if only the walls could talk.”

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