Century old Queenslander hits the market for the first time

A classic Queenslander with six generations of history, on 1200sq m of land, has come on the market for the first time. SEE THE PICS

69 Chester Rd, Annerley hits the market for the first time in a century.

A CLASSIC Queenslander, the home of a notable Brisbane philanthropist, has come on the market for the first time in over 100 years following his passing at 102 years old in January.

As a respected academic and much-loved member of the community, Dr John Edward O’Hagen’s home at 69 Chester Rd, Annerley, over 10 decades, was the launching place for many present-day Brisbane ideas.

The original core of the 1200sq m corner block property has stood the test of time and has undergone several changes over the decades to suit the family’s needs.

Dr John O’Hagen sitting on his grandmothers knee as a baby. Photo: Supplied

Over the 100 years, the single-storey home was ideal for all ages, from toddlers to teenagers to elders.

As a biochemist, Dr O’Hagen was one of Australia’s first biochemists and established the first medical research laboratory at the Princes Alexandra Hospital in the 1960s.

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Dr O’Hagen’s parents, John Denis and Madeline O’Hagan, built the house as newlyweds and came to live there just after he was born in 1920.

Dr John Edward O’Hagen’s outside his home at 69 Chester Rd, Annerley

At just 5km from the Brisbane CBD, the newlyweds carefully selected the property with particular consideration of Madeline’s parents, who were impacted by the 1890 Brisbane floods. The home has never been flooded.

All traditional elements of the home have been retained, such as the overall layout, entrance, latticed front veranda, classic veranda, classic Queenslander paned and bubble glass windows with original latches, leadlight bay window, internal and external French doors and hardwood floors.

Frame work of 69 Chester Rd, Annerley Photo: Supplied

Dr O’Hagen also restored his mother’s marble fireplace in the mid-1970s.

Daughter of Mr O’Hagen, Jill Fisher, 66, said the home had been very generous to her late father and family.

“It is a welcoming, nurturing home with great warmth. We’ve had six generations through this house, from Dad’s parents to his great-grandchildren. The home has grown through every family life change,” Ms Fisher said.

“It’s a lovely and generous home and will continue to adapt to the next family that buys it.

“It is more than just a home. It has been a launching pad for doing great things and great ideas.

“Dad wanted a cultural precinct before the existing one, and he became president of the museum society. It was special for the kids to go to Fa-fa’s museum.

Early days of 69 Chester Rd, Annerley Photo: Supplied

We had some really good parties back in the day; our family has expanded worldwide, and this is where they would all come to meet.”

Ms Fisher said one of her favourite places on the property was the poinciana tree at the front of the property.

“I loved climbing this tree and viewing the world from the cool privacy of its sheltered crown. It continued to be a favourite for the next two generations of children with hopefully more to follow”, Ms Fisher said.

Front Entrance with Sideboard and marble fireplace Photo: Supplied

“The front porch is a treasured spot throughout the life of the house. My Dad was in this exact place aged nine months on his grandmother’s knee and on his 102nd birthday last December.

“Our neighbours became and remain lifelong friends. I’m still best friends with my neighbour who was across the road, we’ve known each other since we were three.

Lounge with window seat at 69 Chester Rd, Annerley Photo: Supplied

“The warmth in which the house and family, especially my Dad, held locally were brought forward to me this week when a man stopped to ask for Dad. I’d not met him before, but he told me he used to chat with Dad in the front yard, and the conversations got him through some tough times.

“The house and her owners have great charm and character; generous, accommodating, adaptable and most importantly gracious.”

Property agent Jane Elvin from LJ Hooker Annerley/Yeronga/Salisbury said the home was the perfect opportunity for potential buyers.

“It’s a blank canvas for many. Buyers will appreciate the grandness of a corner block,” Ms Elvin said.

Dr O’Hagen outside his home at 69 Chester Rd, Annerley on his 102nd birthday Photo: Supplied

“You don’t often get an opportunity like this.

“There isn’t much around at the moment. This kind of property doesn’t come to market often. The new owner has the chance to take this home to another level.

“In the inner city at the moment, we don’t have a lot of stock, but we have a lot of buyers. We’re pretty confident in the Brisbane property market overall.”

Originally published as Century old Queenslander hits the market for the first time