Addresses
Type of place
House
Period
Federation 1890-1914
Style
Composite
This is an image of the local heritage place known as Residence 'Argyle'
Argyle
Addresses
Type of place
House
Period
Federation 1890-1914
Style
Composite
This uniquely designed house was constructed circa 1890 for Andrew Ferguson during Albion’s development as a residential suburb. Named ‘Argyle’, the house was divided into flats in the 1960s but restored in the 1980s and continues to make a fine contribution to the streetscape.
Lot plan
L2_RP19069
Key dates
Local Heritage Place Since —
Date of Citation —
Construction
Roof: Corrugated iron;Walls: Timber
Criterion for listing
(A) Historical; (E) AestheticInteractive mapping
Lot plan
L2_RP19069
Key dates
Local Heritage Place Since —
Date of Citation —
Construction
Roof: Corrugated iron;Walls: Timber
Criterion for listing
(A) Historical; (E) AestheticInteractive mapping
History
While Albion had initially been a semi-rural area dotted with grand houses, the coming of the railway in 1882 saw the urbanisation of the area, which was largely populated by Scottish migrants. In 1885, rail duplication work began from Albion to Eagle Junction stations to meet the demands of the railway branching off to Doomben which resulted in Albion becoming more attractive for residential development. By the late 1880s and early 1890s Albion was one of a number of prosperous suburban centres that had arisen in response to the expansion of Brisbane from its former small city core.
‘Argyle’ was constructed circa 1890 for Andrew Ferguson, a builder who later held the position of Inspector of Works. Ferguson lived there until 1912 when the elegant home was purchased by Charles John O’Reilly who lived there with his wife Mary and their three children until 1925. O’Reilly established a large business in Brisbane as a merchant, customs agent and carrier and could frequently be seen transporting goods throughout the city.
‘Argyle’ was divided into flats in the 1960s but was restored as a single dwelling in the 1980s.
Description
Octagonal cupolas and turret roof
Timber
High ceilings of grooved pine
Etched ruby glass sidelights
The octagonal cupolas and turret roof make this house a valuable contribution to the streetscape of McLennan Street.
Verandas with corner bays
Distinctive conical roof
4 bedrooms
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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Brisbane City Council Heritage Trail Windsor
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Certificates of Title, Department of Natural Resources and Water
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Queensland Post Office Directories
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North-West News 12.01.1994 ‘Street a Slice of History’
Citation prepared by — Brisbane City Council (page revised September 2020)