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The house itself boasts many features that speak to the lifestyle of a bygone era. The dining and lounge rooms, where the Johnson family celebrated Christmases and hosted countless gatherings, hold a wealth of cherished memories.
"It’s a house that was always full of noise, laughter, and love," says Rowan Johnson, who lives nearby in Sherwood.
The home's large library, curated by their mother, Rhondda, once housed all the books collected over her lifetime. This space, like many others in the house, is steeped in history, art, and music—elements that were integral to the Johnson family.
Every room in ‘The Gables’ tells a story, from the blue room with its Juliet balcony where Peta slept, to the numerous nooks and hideaways that provided endless hiding places and entertainment for the Johnson children and their neighbours.
While the property is a heritage-listed gem, the house has remained remarkably unchanged over the years, preserving its original grandeur and charm. The elevation offers glimpses of the Brisbane River, and the gardens surrounding the home have hosted countless family games and get-togethers.
With nine grandchildren and a new generation on the horizon, the Johnson siblings now feel it is time to pass on the legacy of this home to another family. "It’s the passing of the baton," says Rowan Johnson. "The house has given us so much, and now it’s time for another family to create their own memories here."
Walter Taylor’s architectural genius has left an indelible mark on Brisbane, and ‘The Gables’ is a testament to his legacy. Don’t miss the opportunity to own this historic residence in one of Graceville’s most sought-after locations.
The name Walter Taylor is synonymous with architecture in Brisbane. Walter Taylor (1872–1955) was an Australian contractor and builder of many Brisbane landmarks, including the Walter Taylor Bridge and the Graceville Methodist church, both of which are heritage-listed buildings.
This large Federation house was built in 1915-16 at a time when Graceville was slowly transforming from a farming district into a residential suburb popular with Brisbane’s wealthier citizens and is therefore illustrative of that period in Graceville's history. The house is also significant for its aesthetic qualities.
Walter Taylor was born in Sheffield, England in 1872. His family had emigrated to Australia when he was 10 years old. Walter worked for the railways in Queensland until 1902 when he returned to England to market some inventions. He returned to Australia in 1912, having spent much of his time overseas studying methods of reinforced concrete construction. He is probably best known for the Walter Taylor suspension bridge which crosses the Brisbane River at Chelmer, which he both designed and constructed. An inventor, designer and builder, he died in 1955.
The Gables will be auctioned on Saturday December 7 on-site at 10am.
