Moortangi

Professor Leslie Wilkinson, the first Chair of Architecture at Sydney University in 1918 is generally credited with introducing the Mediterranean style to Australian. He noted the similarities in topography and climate between Sydney and the Mediterranean and developed a style that had elements of both Spanish and Georgian architecture and some classical detailing.

The Mediterranean style was less common in Brisbane, but like Spanish Mission residences, can be found in the prestigious suburbs of Clayfield and Ascot.  Distinguishing features of the style, which was usually designed for affluent clients, include informal and asymmetrical massing, light coloured stucco or colour washed brickwork, arcaded loggias and medium to low pitched tiled roofs. Another good example in the area is a residence in Kent Street, Ascot, designed by Mervyn Rylance in 1938.

Moortangi is situated on land which was once part of the grounds of nearby Beaufort Hill, a large mansion constructed in 1902 for William Villiers Brown. Remnants of the original masonry fence and gateposts of Beaufort Hill are now part of the subject site. Immediately to the north of the original gates which are now used as the entrance to Moortangi, the remnants of the brick wall continue along the boundary of the adjacent lot (currently lot 2 on RP153911). These brick pillars, two of which are now being used as gateposts, are included in the listing curtilage.

Beaufort Hill was sold to bachelor Edward Hawkins in 1915.  The grounds were subdivided in 1928 and Phoebe Lois Christoe purchased over 40 perches of Beaufort Hill’s land facing Crombie Street. The Christoes later added to their holding by purchasing neighbouring lots in 1933 and 1937. 

In the Interwar years, many of the large estates of earlier grand residences in Clayfield continued to be subdivided as the demand grew for more housing in this sought after area. Many of the houses in Clayfield during this era were built for Brisbane’s wealthy professional and merchant classes who could afford to engage architects to design homes in the latest styles, such as Old English and Spanish Mission. 

In 1928, the Christoes engaged the architectural firm of Atkinson, Powell and Conrad to design their new home in Crombie Street. The tender of builder, W.C. Kynaston was accepted and the house built for the substantial sum of £3700.

As a group and individually, Atkinson, Powell and Conrad were influential Brisbane architects who were noted for their use of the closely related Mediterranean and Spanish Mission styles. Henry Wallace Atkinson established his practice in 1890. He formed a partnership with A. H. Conrad from 1918 to 1927, taking on Lange Powell as an additional partner from 1927 to 1931, the period during which Moortangi was built. Atkinson, Powell and Conrad also designed Tristams Factory at West End in a similar style in 1930. Before joining the partnership, Conrad designed Craigston Apartments on Wickham Terrace in 1926 in the Spanish Mission style.

In 1938, Moortangi was sold back to Edward Hawkins. At the same time, Phoebe Christoe purchased a block of over 70 perches immediately to the north of Moortangi, facing Crombie Street. A few years after the death of Edward Hawkins in 1963, both Moortangi and the adjacent block to the north were purchased by the present owners.