Woodlands, Ashgrove facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Woodlands, Ashgrove |
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Residence in 2015
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| Location | 24 Woodland Street, Ashgrove, City of Brisbane, Queensland, Australia |
| Design period | 1870s - 1890s (late 19th century) |
| Built | 1880s - 1930s |
| Official name: Woodlands, Clarke's Farm, Glen Urquhart | |
| Type | state heritage (built, landscape) |
| Designated | 4 August 1997 |
| Reference no. | 601890 |
| Significant period | 1880s-1930s (fabric) 1880s, 1920s- (historical) |
| Significant components | garden/grounds, trees/plantings, residential accommodation - main house, fence/wall - perimeter, furniture/fittings, extension/s or addition/s, gate - entrance |
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Woodlands is a special old house in Ashgrove, Brisbane, Australia. It's listed on the Queensland Heritage Register, which means it's an important historical place. The house was built between the 1880s and 1930s. It has also been known by other names like Clarke's Farm and Glen Urquhart.
Contents
A Look Back: Woodlands' Story
Woodlands sits on land that was once part of a large farm called Clarke's Farm. This land was bought way back in 1868.
Professor Pepper's Home
In 1883, a famous scientist named Professor John Henry Pepper leased the property. He was an analytical chemist, which means he studied chemicals. Professor Pepper was well-known for making science fun and easy to understand. He gave exciting lectures and even created a famous trick called Pepper's ghost.
When he moved to Brisbane, he showed people amazing new things like electric light and the gramophone (an early music player). He also started the first formal chemistry classes in Queensland. Professor Pepper built the house we now call Woodlands in 1883. He bought the land a few years later in 1886.
The Plant Family Era
In 1889, Professor Pepper sold Woodlands and moved back to England. The new owner was Charles Plant, who was involved in gold mining. He used Woodlands as a place to stay when he visited Brisbane.
Later, around 1897, Charles Plant moved to the property permanently. He built a grand house next door called "Ferndale." He also put up a beautiful iron fence along Woodland Street that surrounded both houses.
Woodlands was rented out for many years. In 1922, Charles Plant's daughter, Hilda, was getting married. The land around Woodlands was divided, and the house was given to her fiancé, John MacDonald Grant. They named their home "Glen Urquhart."
Changes and Additions
In 1933, a new room was added to Woodlands. It was designed in the popular Art Deco style of that time. This style is known for its sleek, geometric shapes.
When Charles Plant died in 1932, his grand house, Ferndale, was later taken down. Some beautiful parts of Ferndale, like its carved wooden details and special leadlight panels, were moved and added to Woodlands. This made Woodlands even more unique.
A Family's Legacy
Hilda Grant, who lived at Woodlands, was very active in her community. She helped the Australian Red Cross during both World Wars and was involved with Girl Guides.
Her husband, John Grant, was an engineer. He also had a strong military background. He led the 61st Battalion of the Queensland Cameron Highlanders, a group that played an important role in the Battle of Milne Bay during World War II. John Grant also helped start the Ashgrove RSL, a group for military veterans. Meetings were often held at his home.
Even today, Woodland Street is where people gather in Ashgrove for ANZAC Day ceremonies, remembering John Grant's early efforts to organize these important events.
Woodlands Today
After John Grant passed away in 1977, the land was divided. In 1979, Mrs. Janet and Major Austin Hogan bought the house. They named it "Woodlands." Mrs. Janet Hogan is a well-known author who has worked hard to teach people about Queensland's history and old buildings. Both she and Major Austin Hogan have been honored for their work with the National Trust of Queensland, an organization that protects heritage places.
What Woodlands Looks Like
Woodlands is located on about half an acre of land. The garden has many large, old trees like weeping figs, jacarandas, and flame trees. There's also a privet hedge along the front fence that has been there since at least the 1920s. The beautiful wrought iron fence, gates, and tree guards from Charles Plant's time are still there.
The house itself is made of timber and sits on stumps. The front is low to the ground, but the back is higher because the land slopes down. The main part of the house was built in 1883 and has six rooms. It has lovely cedar wood details, including a large fireplace in the dining room. The ceilings are high and have decorative timber patterns. French doors with special glass open onto what used to be a wrap-around verandah.
The "new room" added in 1933 blends in well with the old house. Inside, it has a plaster ceiling in the Art Deco style and silky oak wood panels. It also has unique windows and doors with crossed diagonal designs. Some parts of the kitchen were also updated in the 1930s with green tiles and a green enamel stove.
Woodlands still looks much like it did in the 1930s. Many original details, like door handles and even parts of the old gas lighting in the bedrooms, are still there. The bedrooms also have built-in sinks in wooden cupboards.
Why Woodlands is Important
Woodlands is listed on the Queensland Heritage Register because it meets several important criteria.
A Glimpse into the Past
Woodlands shows us what life was like for wealthy people living outside Brisbane in the late 1800s. It helps us understand how Queensland's history has changed over time.
A Well-Preserved Home
The house is a great example of a high-quality home from the 1880s. Most of it is still in its original condition, both inside and out. The gardens, with their old trees and the rare iron fence, also add to the property's special character.
Beautiful Design and Art
The inside of Woodlands is very beautiful, with lots of decorative cedar wood and leadlight panels. The room added in 1933 is also interesting because it's a unique and well-preserved example of an Art Deco style interior, with its timber panels and strong diagonal designs.
Connected to Important People
Woodlands is important because it has been home to several notable people who helped shape Queensland. These include a famous scientist, people involved in mining and defense, and those who worked to preserve history. The Hogan family, especially Mrs. Janet Hogan, are recognized for their efforts in raising awareness about Queensland's heritage.
Images for kids
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Residence in 2015
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Professor John Henry Pepper
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Entrance, 2015
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Front garden, 2015
