Grand homestead revealed for the first time in decades

One of Brisbane’s grandest homesteads has been revealed for the first time in decades after work started on a childcare centre at the hilltop site. But not everyone is pleased to see it. Here’s why.

Landmark Federation homestead Endrim House has been revealed to passers-by for the first time in decades after work began on a childcare centre at the sprawling hilltop site in Toowong.

Covering nearly 4000 sqm and with uninterrupted views of the CBD, children at The Arlington will have probably the best views of any daycare kids in Brisbane.

Heavy machinery has been on the site preparing it for a new extension and extensive renovations to the 1905-era homestead.

It was formerly known as the Badger House after the former owner, American Joseph Stillman Badger, who was put in charge of electrifying the city’s trams.

The Toowong tram terminus was near the homestead and several original tram tracks later were used as beams in some extensions.

Endrim, soon to become The Arlington childcare centre, can be clearly seen for the first time in decades after camphor laurel trees were cleared.

But there has been blowback from neighbours after a thick stand of camphor laurel trees shielding the property from the street was cleared.

The trees are a declared pest species but famously line Laurel Ave in Chelmer, one of the city’s most exclusive addresses, and previous attempts to remove those trees met with fierce resistance.

Run-off from the cleared Endrim House site during recent rain was reported to Council five times by one neighbour.

It comes as locals rally to raise money for a Planning & Environment Court appeal against Council’s recent approval for the subdivision of nearby Dovercourt, a state heritage-listed 1860s home.

Development sign out the front of The Arlington.

One neighbour said 18 people attended the first meeting about the issue, with “many pledges to raise substantial funds to challenge the BCC approval’’.

The next meeting was planned for 3pm this Sunday (April 10), at the Toowong Uniting Church.

Some clearing has begun on Dovercourt’s huge block, which one neighbour claimed caused mud to run off into the yards.

Dovercourt owner Kirsty Faichen and her family plan to turn the site into five house lots.

The remaining 4000 sqm would be kept as the grounds for Dovercourt, which would undergo a multi million-dollar renovation.

She has promised to retain all significant trees.

The Dovercourt public meeting where pledges were made to fund a court appeal.

Ms Faichen unsuccessfully tried to buy Endrim, which is heritage listed by Council, and then campaigned to try to block the childcare plan.

Endrim sold in August, 2018 for $5.3 million after Council granted development approval for a 142-place childcare centre.

Two residential subdivisions totalling 849 sqm were also approved on the high-profile property, which thousands of cars drive past each day.

The main building has six bedrooms, three bathrooms, built-in wardrobes, two garage spaces, a pool and wine cellar, although only some parts would be used for childcare purposes.

A tram at the Toowong terminus near Endrim House, circa 1910. Picture: State Library of Qld (John Oxley Library)

The rest will be repurposed as administration space by developer St Clare Group.

Toowong-based Hutchinson Builders won a tender to redevelop the property, a job believed to itself be worth about $4-5 million.

A sign outside on Woodstock St said Hutchinson was proud to be involved in the redevelopment, which would “seamlessly integrate’’ the new build with the renovated homestead, including a three-level lift.

JLL senior executives in Sales and Investments, Sam Byrne and Blake Goddard, who sold the property, said at the time that a local owner occupier with extensive experience in childcare would operate the centre.

JLL's Blake Goddard, who negotiated the sale of the historic Endrim House at 28-30 Woodstock Rd. Picture: AAP/John Gass

“The sale reflects the ongoing demand the childcare market is experiencing, particularly in areas which are under-supplied,’’ Mr Goddard said.

“Toowong provides the perfect demographics, and no doubt the new buyers will create something very special, setting themselves apart from competition in the area.’’

Toowong & Districts History Group member Marilyn England said at the time that there were few similar homes left in Brisbane, let alone Toowong.

“The house has always been under private ownership and it’s been a big social centre for parties and balls,” she told a radio station.

Kirsty Faichen inside Dovercourt, 124 Sherwood Rd, Toowong, which she plans to renovate. The grounds will be subdivided by 4000 sqm retained. Picture: Attila Csaszar

Kirsty Faichen outside Dovercourt. Picture: Attila Csaszar

The property still has a tram shelter shed Badger used for his private tram, which carried him to his front door every day.

“He had tracks laid to bring trams right to the front of his home,” Ms England said.

“The tram was called Tram 100 and it was used to entertain VIP guests when they opened a new line.

“During WWI it was fitted with a piano, brushed chandeliers and seat covers and was often parked in Edward Street for patriotic concerts.”