3 Coutts Street, Bulimba

During the 1920s and 30s the district began to become established as a residential area as earlier subdivisions became more built upon and the population density increased. Contemporary photographs show that, while much land was still used for rural purposes, clusters of houses on residential blocks were becoming more common. More services were established for the growing community and industrial development in the area that became more prevalent. 

This large, fine, interwar southern style bungalow was built between 1919 and 1922 for Isabella Margaret Dobson and her husband Cecil Geoffrey Dobson. Isabella Dobson nee Watson was the daughter of shipwright, Balmoral Shire Councillor and later Queensland State Parliamentarian John Watson.  

Dobson began to acquire property at the corner of Coutts and Oxford streets in 1912, and in 1919 had gained enough land to build a large imposing house that would dominate the street corner. The house itself was constructed sometime between 1919 and 1922. Post office directories show the Dobsons living in the house by 1922.

This house was built at the same time as the nearby Bulimba Ferry terminal.

At some time the house was named “Sailly Lorette” and this name appears on sewerage plans made by council in 1958. Sailly Lorette is a town in France that was an allied objective during the battle of Amiens in August 1918. A feature of this battle was a significant contribution by Australian troops. Why the house was given this name is presently unknown.

Anecdotal evidence suggests that Dobson was a well-known socialite and even entertained General Douglas Macarthur at the house on one or more occasions.

The house has since been relocated further to the rear of the original parcel of land and a new dwelling constructed on the corner of the block. While moved from its original setting, the house still retains significant architectural and aesthetic qualities.