Great Houses

Great Houses of Ipswich is a day when 3 of the city’s landmark heritage houses, which are privately owned, open their doors to the general public for fascinating tours of discovery.

Ipswich is a city rich in history, built on the prosperity of mines and railways, resulting in many grand residences being built. Since the inaugural event in May 2013, 21 of these now privately-owned homes have been on display.

You can visit the houses individually or take a Heritage Bus Tour which leaves from the car park of Ipswich City Council HQ on 45 Roderick St at 9.15am. The tour ($45-$55pp) includes access to the 3 open homes and a Devonshire tea on the verandah of the Visitors Centre

Opening their doors to visitors on Saturday May 12th are:

Rhossilli, 4 Glebe Rd Newtown - A Victorian era brick residence with grand portico, this once grand residence has a colourful past, having being converted into flats and then a nursing home. Its current owners have restored Rhossilli to a glorious and stately home.

Dougleen, 67 Thorn St Ipswich - This fascinating Arts and Crafts home was built in the 1920s by talented Ipswich stone mason Frank William, who spent 11 years creating the bricks, marble carvings and unique plaster friezes on site. It is full of incredible details such as Australian sportsmen and fauna motifs.

Brighton Cottage, 51 Waghorn St, Ipswich -  This late 1880s cottage is a hidden treasure, and the owner has a collection of items such as pre-1850s French furniture and Georgian piano from 1790 that are fascinating examples of craftsmanship.

Nice to know - Combine your day exploring the Great Houses of Ipswich with a visit to the Ipswich Hospital Museum, which will be open 10am to 2pm the same day with free entry.

Need to know - Bookings for the Heritage Bus Tour are essential, in person at the Visitor Information Centre or by phone on 3281 0555

Image courtesy of @colonialchik