Slice of Brisbane history set to sell

STEPPING through the front door of Clayfield’s grand ‘Tarranalma’ at 18 Tarranalma Avenue is like taking a step back in time to Brisbane’s past.

Owner and local radiologist Richard Slaughter considers it one of the best examples of Brisbane’s grand Victorian homes but has now decided to sell in favour of something smaller in his retirement.

The historical Clayfield home is being marketed through Ray White Ascot agents Marianne White and Frances Roberts and principal Dwight Ferguson and is for sale through an Expression of Interest campaign.

The 1890 home is believed to have been designed by renowned Irish-Australian architect Richard Gailey who was also the man behind the Regatta and Wickham Hotels. Like both hotels, 'Tarranalma' was added to the Queensland Heritage Register in 1992.

Dr Slaughter has meticulously tracked the beautiful manor’s history since it was built more than 130 years ago by Smellie & Co businessman James Milne for his family. The home then passed to the well known Logan family. After a period as a block of flats it was purchased by solicitor Don Boyd who set about turning it back into the home it once was. The current owner Dr Slaughter purchased the home in 1996 and continued the restoration.

Back in the day, not only did it boast one of the first flushing toilets in Brisbane but was also the backdrop of the 1996 ‘Little White Lies’ movie, starring actors Andrew MacFarlane and Mimi Rogers. It was also considered for the potential new Queensland Government House but was passed over for Fernberg House in Paddington due to Mr Milne’s £1000 a year asking price.

Dr Slaughter, who lives in the home with his partner Adrienne, was drawn to ‘Tarranalma’ because of his love of old homes and said he loves to think about what has happened there over the years.

“I found I was reluctant to buy a big wooden house because of the maintenance, but this is a brick home and built to last. This is one of the reasons why I love it” Dr Slaughter said.

I also love the authenticity and ambience of the house – the size of the rooms and height of the ceilings creates a spacious feeling and makes everything appear bigger than a normal house.

I have enjoyed being a custodian of something that is part of Brisbane’s history. The house will be here into the future, and I feel a sense of achievement knowing I was part of that journey. It’s been a labour of love.”

Throughout the campaign, agent Marianne White said she has received interest from a broad range of international, interstate and local parties, including couples with young families to mature age buyers.

“Tarranalma’ was designed as a grand, family residence and she has served that role extremely well over the course of time. The appeal for this property is endless because she is a home for all ages, all seasons and all times,” Ms White said.

“Many have been impressed by the high standard of restoration that has been impeccably maintained while conversely others see the importance of introducing modern facilities and amenities due to the extraordinary space and scope for extra inclusions.

“The beauty of her architecture and design features are without comparison and she perfectly represents the qualities that a magnificent 1890 landmark family home was intended to offer. ‘Tarranalma’ has stood the test of time throughout the ages and can never be replicated.

“She is a grand home from yesterday, that is our treasure today and a lifestyle reason to be enjoyed tomorrow.”