Some time ago at a monthly meeting of Annerley-Stephens History Group I got a guide of heritage West End. Few weeks ago I decided to go for a walk around this suburb and enjoy the view of some of old buildings in the area. One of them was Franklin Villa on Brighton Rd (which actually belongs to Highgate Hill, a neighbouring suburb of West End). It was purposely built as upmarket rental accommodation in early 1890s. Below is a photo taken in ca 1928.

(SLQ167454)Franklin Villa a residence with distinctive decorations in Highgate Hill Brisbane ca 1928

On the Heritage Brisbane website the property is described as:

“This property was constructed circa 1891 by the Grenier family, who were significant South Brisbane landholders and business operators. Ellen Grenier built the house in 1891 as upmarket rental accommodation and named it ‘Franklin Villa’ in honour of her deceased husband. Retaining its original purpose as an investment property, the history of ‘Franklin Villa’ has mirrored the ebb and flow of Highgate Hill’s economic circumstances. Prior to World War One, well paid government officials such as Archibald Meston, the official Protector of the Aborigines, leased the house and from 1914 to 1924 it was rented and later owned by local storekeeper Henry Neylan. After World War Two, the house was converted into three modest flats and is still registered as a multiple dwelling. This unique house makes a fine contribution to the Brighton Road streetscape”

From 1893 to 1902, the house remained vacant as there was a recession in Australia and there was little demand for expensive rental property. From these ads we can find out how the property was described. You can also notice drop of rent requested from 35s to 30s per week within few months.

1901 ‘Advertising.’, The Brisbane Courier (Qld. : 1864 – 1933), 16 July, p. 2, viewed 21 March, 2015, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article19122556

1901 ‘Advertising.’, The Brisbane Courier (Qld. : 1864 – 1933), 5 November, p. 2, viewed 21 March, 2015, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article19156003

1911 ‘Advertising.’, The Brisbane Courier (Qld. : 1864 – 1933), 22 May, p. 11, viewed 21 March, 2015, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article19701161

It has slightly changed through the years. Current owners purchased the property in 1993 and although the house was neglected for many years the recent restoration has retained many of the original features. Nowadays the Franklin Villa is a boutique hotel and you can have a virtual tour on their website.

Photo by everywherehistory.com on 11/02/2015

Curiosities

In early 20th Century Franklin Villa was mentioned in The Telegraph, The Brisbane Courier or Queensland Figaro mainly in their social/gossip sections. Apparently tenants of this property didn’t have luck with their watches, see 2 ads from The Brisbane Courier.