Addresses
Type of place
House
Period
Victorian 1860-1890
Style
Bungalow
This is an image of the local heritage place known as Residence 'Abbotsford' Servants' Quarters (former)
Abbotsford' Servants Quarters (former)
Addresses
Type of place
House
Period
Victorian 1860-1890
Style
Bungalow
This house was built as the servants' quarters of James Ferguson’s 'Abbottsford' residence in [what is now] Cairo Street by about 1888. It was moved a short distance to its current location circa 1924, remaining in Ferguson's daughters' hands until 1946. A charming home in its own right, it is an important remnant of the grand estate of a significant figure in Brisbane's and the local area’s history.
Also known as
Hoya
Lot plan
L26_RP46474
Key dates
Local Heritage Place Since —
Date of Citation —
Construction
Roof: Corrugated iron;Walls: Timber
People/associations
James Ferguson (Occupant)Criterion for listing
(A) Historical; (H) Historical associationInteractive mapping
Also known as
Hoya
Lot plan
L26_RP46474
Key dates
Local Heritage Place Since —
Date of Citation —
Construction
Roof: Corrugated iron;Walls: Timber
People/associations
James Ferguson (Occupant)Criterion for listing
(A) Historical; (H) Historical associationInteractive mapping
History
This house is on land that was part of over 36 acres purchased by James Ferguson in 1887. Ferguson built 'Abbottsford' on this estate – a “commodious residence” of eleven rooms and offices and beautiful gardens, which he and his wife made available for fund-raising events by the Red Cross and Missions to Seamen, and picnics for community organisations such as the Enoggera Boys Home which he possibly founded.
Ferguson was a partner of Watson Ferguson & Co. Ltd printers and stationers, a foundation member of the Hiram Masonic Lodge, the Masters Printers' Association and founder of a Boys Home. Two of Ferguson's sons died in World War One and his first wife, Eliza Jane (nee) Abbott also died in 1917. Almost 9 acres of Ferguson's land was transferred to the War Service Homes Commission in 1920. That year he remarried and 'Abbottsford' was offered for sale in 1922 for £3,750.
Ferguson died aged 87 in April 1926 and his estate passed to his remaining son, Eric Ferguson, R. H. Cottam, his daughter's husband, and G.R. Sayle. 'Abbottsford Estate' comprising 31 blocks ranging from 24 to 64 perches, together with the Abbottsford residence on over an acre was put up for auction on 3 December 1927. The former servants' quarters is believed to have been moved to the Gizeh Street subdivision prior to this, and was not part of the description of the residence. Six blocks ranging from 28.1 perches to 2 roods 16 perches were sold by 1929. In July 1929, title to almost 2 acres containing 'Abbottsford' and subdivision 26 fronting Gizeh St, remained in the hands of Ferguson's trustees, Ferguson, Cottam and Sayle. The entire parcel was transferred to Jean Abbott Cottam, Ferguson's daughter, in 1932.
The property was transferred to William and Jean Horser in 1946 and they sold it to Leslie and Dulcie Cox in 1961. Since that time a number of owners, including 'Waynie Poo' Roberts, 4IP radio personality of the 1970s & 80s, have resided in the house.
As the only remnant of the estate of a significant figure in Brisbane's and the local area's history, and a charming nineteenth century residence in its own right, the house is an important part of Brisbane's and the local area's heritage.
Statement of significance
Relevant assessment criteria
This is a place of local heritage significance and meets one or more of the local heritage criteria under the Heritage planning scheme policy of the Brisbane City Plan 2014. It is significant because:
References
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Historical Records. Enoggera & Districts Historical Society
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Titles Office Records
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Post Office Directories.
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Brisbane Courier 1870s-1950s http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper
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Brisbane City Council Sewerage Detail Plans 1954
Citation prepared by — Brisbane City Council (page revised June 2022)