Wilston House

One of few remaining landmark heritage properties in the area (along with Monte Video, Oakwal and Farrington), Wilston House has had a long and illustrious history since its construction in 1876 for William Wilson, at the time a mercantile insurance broker and at that time Member of the Queensland Legislative Council.

Designed by architect James Cowlishaw, in a Georgian style, its lower terrace contained a croquet or tennis lawn on which a portable marquee and dance floor were erected when the Wilsons were entertaining. By 1884 they were entertaining elsewhere, having sold to businessman and politician John Stevenson, MLA, who went on to subdivide the estate and, when the house didn’t on sell, rented it to a squatter who conducted frozen mutton experiments on the estate for export to England. Further owners included Queensland Premier Boyd Morehead and Police commissioner Major W Cahill. During the latter’s ownership the house was visited by King George V (at the time the Duke of Cornwall) with Governor Lord Lamington as part of the 1901 royal celebratory tour for the creation of Federation.

Of note are the original plantings – fig trees and jacarandas - which are still intact in the grounds and on the green reserve strip opposite which was originally part of the estate.