Lewisham

A building and economic boom in the 1880s encouraged land sales. Purchasers included David Laughland Brown, who bought suburban allotment 22, a 16 acre block running between Newmarket Road and Enoggera Creek. He had ‘Langley Bank’ built on his estate, fronting Newmarket Road. However, the entire site was transferred to the Queensland National Bank in 1896, possibly as part of the dissolution of Brown’s company. 

The opening of the long-promised Enoggera railway line in 1899 spurred residential growth in Windsor, Wilston and Newmarket. Taking advantage of the residential potential of the area, the Queensland National Bank rechristened Brown’s estate the ‘Langley Bank Estate’ and began to sell subdivisions in 1901.It was one of a number of large existing estates which were carved up into residential allotments in the early years of the 1900s. Residential estates such as this one and the Harle Estate on the northern side of Wilston Railway Station, provided convenient access for residents to the city by train.

It is possible that the bank transported one of its former bank residences to the site in the early twentieth century. The property bears a striking resemblance to another former bank residence, the Ipswich branch manager’s residence, constructed in 1893 and moved to Moggill in the 1970s. According to Buster Zoeller, a former resident of the neighbouring house, 29 Murray St, this house was transported from Ipswich by bullock dray in the early 1900s. The house, known as ‘Fairy Knowe’, was advertised for let in 1902.

James Buyers, branch accountant for AMP, moved into ‘Fairy Knowe’ on Murray Street in 1903. Buyers’ house was offered for sale in February 1909 and Edward Rees, father of artist Lloyd Rees, moved in by August 1909. Zoeller remembers the artist, Lloyd Rees, living in the house, using the small building in the yard as a studio.

Offered for rent again in 1911, the house was occupied by Frederick and Matilda Lucas, and title to the property was granted to Matilda in 1916. The Lucases renamed the house ‘Lewisham’. Rees’ studio building served as a school room for the Lucas and Zoeller children who were taught by a private tutor. 

The elegant house was until recently included in the premises of the 29 Murray Street reception complex and used for weddings and other formal occasions. A detail plan from circa the 1930s shows the house, then named ‘Lewisham’, set in a large yard with a tennis court.

The former schoolroom has recently been joined to the main house by an extension. 17 Murray Street is now a private residence.

1. Brisbane City Council Detail Plans

2. Brisbane City Council, Properties on the Web, Building Cards

3. Information kindly provided by Mrs Joanne McGuire, 16 June 1998