130-year-old riverfront Toowong house moves out, developers to move in

After looking out over a magnificent sweep of the Brisbane River since 1883, this historic home faces a massive change as residents wait to learn what will happen on the multimillion-dollar site.

One of Toowong’s oldest homesteads is about to move to a new site, opening up the last riverfront land in the area to developers.

The Dell has been in the Sapsford family continuously since it was built in 1883, with four generations calling it home.

In that time it has gone from gas to Wi-Fi, undergoing five major modifications.

Owner Ruth Sapsford, a former president of Toowong and District Historical Society, only last week launched a book on the property called The Dell.

The house is built on land once owned by Robert Cribb, who arrived in Brisbane on famous immigrant sailing ship the Fortitude.

The Dell (low-rise red-roofed house) on Glen Rd, Toowong.

Cribb and his brother Benjamin bought the prime absolute riverfront land in the mid-1850s.

Glen Rd and adjoining Archer St have been ground-zero in the past few years for developers, with two student high-rises, a residential high-rise by Mosaic Property Group, a seven-storey tower on the site of a heritage listed inter-war American home, and low-rise units and townhouses either opened, under construction or approved.

The most controversial of those involved the demolition of Linden Lea, the last Tudor home in Toowong, on Archer St.

Consolidated Properties Group is also building a two-tower development on the old ABC site and Council plans to land a green bridge at Archer St.

“The Dell is a pre-1911 residence in a high density residential zone,’’ Toowong Residents Group spokeswoman Freya Robertson said.

Aerial view of The Dell (low-rise red-roofed house with trees in foreground).

“It is not heritage listed and has undergone substantial modification over time (and therefore cannot be listed).

“The owner is permitted to move the original pre-1911 house and has been open about her intentions to do so, for some time.

“We understand she is liaising with Brisbane City Council and is in the process of obtaining all the necessary approvals and permits through her town planner.

“We hope the house survives the move — it is an important part of Toowong’s history.’’

LONG HISTORY

Built in 1878 – a square building consisting only of 3 bedrooms, a sitting room and verandah on all sides.

Originally named ‘Wongoot’

The ‘front’ of the house faces the river and the rear to the street

Flooded in 1887, 1889, 1893, 1974 and nearly flooded 1890, 1931 and 2011.

Sold in December 1883 to Newman & Jane Sapsford

Extended in late 1880s towards the river with a dining and billiard room, drawing room, entry and new verandah

A kitchen and maid’s room was added after the 1893 floods

Extensive renovations were conducted in 1955, 1958, 1964, other changes in 1967 and 2010

The property included a jetty to the river in the 1950s.

Westside News understands the Sapsfords have bought land in the area to relocate the house.

Two large trees, including a Moreton Bay fig and a camphor laurel (a declared pest species) were removed last week.

Historic Glen Rd, Toowong home Dell could be moved.

A local resident said power was cut for several hours and neighbours called police because of their concerns about the safety of cyclists.

Mrs Sapsford declined to comment about her plans.

A sign at the front of the property reads: “The Dell is being saved.

“Many of you reading this message will notice that the two large trees which were a feature of this garden are now gone.

“You may be wondering what is going to happen to the house.

“Rest assured that the house, named The Dell, is being saved.

One of the trees being cut down.

“It will not be demolished. The owners of this property intend to relocate the house to (a suitable) site, which is still within the BCC local government area.

“Even the chimney will be rebuilt as an exact replica of the existing.

“The house will be re-established on the (new) site to form a new home which will remaining the family.

“To those of you who have passed by on your travels over the years and have gazed upon the property, this is not the end.

“The Dell will live on in what will just be the next chapter in its history.’’