Mansion with links to WWII gets nation’s attention ahead of auction

A prized riverfront landmark built on the site of General MacArthur’s home during WWII has captured the nation’s attention. But this grand manor has a secret.

A prized riverfront landmark with a nod to Queensland history was the nation’s most eyeballed auction property this week, and will go under the hammer on Sunday.

Designed by architect Peter Schifilliti, Nareke Manor boasts sweeping verandas, a five-level viewing tower, two self-contained guest quarters, a swimming pool, and boat shed.

The Victorian-style mansion sits on a 3923sq m riverfront block at Highgate Hill in Brisbane.

But the striking riverfront residence holds a secret --- she is not as old as she looks.

It is called Nareke Manor

Doctors Chris and Tania Bradshaw bought the sprawling three-level, seven-bedroom home in 2008 and are only the second owners of the property.

The character features make the Victorian-style residence appear far older than its years

But their love for the timeless residence dates back to its construction, with Nareke Manor completed in 1996

“It had previously been owned by our friends and we actually attended the housewarming in 1996,” Mr Bradshaw said.

“We could not believe our eyes when we first saw it.

“We couldn’t believe the scale of it, the size of the land and its beautiful proportions.

“We never dreamed one day we would have the incredible good fortune to own it.”

It was completed in 1996 on the same grounds as the original house occupied by General Douglas MacArthur during WWII

The couple purchased the residence as their family home, meticulously maintaining and improving it during their 16 years living there.

The result is a timeless and grand residence akin to a luxury hotel.

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It has stunning river views

The pontoon

Boasting views of the river and surrounding rainforest, the home spans three storeys, with self-contained guest accommodation on the lower level.

Wide verandas provide plenty of places to take in the views

The ground floor is home to the common areas, including the kitchen, family room and formal lounge and dining area, while the upper level boasts a retreat, study, and four bedrooms, including a spacious master that opens out onto the veranda.

The open plan interiors are light and bright

“We call that the penthouse and it’s a giant master bedroom with twin ensuite, showers and walk-in robes with a nursery off one side and a study off the other,” Mr Bradshaw said.

“It’s a true parent’s retreat.”

The estate also includes further separate guest accommodation, a man cave with gym, and two workshops, while the dome of the viewing tower opens up to the night sky for star gazing.

Built to commercial standards using concrete and steel, the property incorporates elements of Queensland history.

The grand entry door

Timber from the original Bretts Wharf has been repurposed into the home’s polished floorboards, while the previous house that occupied the site was the home of General Douglas MacArthur during WWII.

With 60m of riverfront access, the property is set on an apex of the river and includes a fully renovated boat shed, and boat pontoon with deep water access.

It has a home office with river views

The home looks across the river to the University of Queensland, Mt Coot-Tha and Toowong, and is surrounded by manicured gardens amid natural rainforest.

“It’s like living in a pocket of rainforest in terms of the tranquillity and the wildlife we enjoy, but the convenience is unbelievable,” Mr Bradshaw said.

“Everything is so close.

“It’s 2.5km to the CBD, you can walk to South Bank and West End, and when the kids were at uni, the biggest decision of the day was whether to jetski, ride or take the tinnie to cross the river.”

The residence dwarfs many of those aroun dit

Ideal for entertaining, the property has played host to birthdays, engagement parties, formal gatherings, and charity events.

Described as “one of the finest prestige properties in Brisbane”, it also offers future development potential.

In total, the property encompasses three lots, has two street frontages, and is zoned for five levels of units.

“As far as I know it’s the only large 4000sq m block of riverfront land currently available in Brisbane,” Mr Bradshaw said.

“And I really don’t think you would find a builder who could or would repeat a project of this scale and quality now.”

50 Dauphin Tce, Highgate Hill

Nareke Manor is listed with Adcock Prestige and is set to go to auction at 12pm on Sunday, October 20, with buyers given the option of purchasing the entire estate, the house on two lots, or a vacant lot with 20m of river frontage.

Originally published as Mansion with links to WWII gets nation’s attention ahead of auction