Great Houses of Ipswich

May 13, 2023, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

National Trust of Australia (Queensland), through its Ipswich National Trust Community Group, and in partnership with the owners of three Great Houses, is very proud to open the doors once again to just a few of this city’s outstanding heritage residences.

Great Houses of Ipswich has opened, 24 privately-owned homes that showcase the history and significance of Ipswich, since its inaugural event in 2013. This is a fantastic opportunity to see these private residences that might otherwise be appreciated by only a few.

Great Houses of Ipswich recognises and supports the great owners who care for these historic places and make them available to the public.

The Great Houses of Ipswich project widely promotes Ipswich and its heritage and strengthens the relationship Queenslanders have with their past.

Ipswich is one of the earliest towns in Queensland. Through the commitment of its citizens and the foresight of its Council, Ipswich is fortunate to still retain many of its wonderful character areas and heritage places.

National Trust Queensland acknowledges the support of Ipswich City Council and Discover Ipswich in presenting the Great Houses of Ipswich and the stories behind the houses!

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Claremont

Overlooking the Bremer River from Limestone Hill is the Georgian-style stone villa known as Claremont. Designed in 1857 by William Claydon Wakefield, it was initially the home of prominent Ipswich merchant, John Panton (1815-66).

Karragaroo

Karragaroo is noted for its connections to two early Ipswich families – the Foote and Whitehead families. Newly constructed in brick and timber, Karragaroo featured some 20 rooms, verandahs with cast iron balustrading and corbelled chimneys. Open spaces then surrounded the house and its extensive garden. Water came from a well and the lighting was gas powered.

Ballachulish

Ballachulish is an elegant timber Queenslander that was built around 1908 for Joseph and Elizabeth Ann Rice. With views to the north towards Brisbane, Ballachulish is the most elevated of three, highly decorated Federation-era houses at the Queen’s Park end of Blackstone Road.