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Newstead House

Brisbane, Queensland, Australia • 1 Employees
Museums & Institutions

Discover another world...One of the most prominent homes in Queensland's history, this iconic landmark has been occupied by some of Brisbane's most influential colonial figures, including Patrick Leslie, Captain John Clements Wickham and George Harris. Built in 1846 and Brisbane's oldest standing residence Newstead House is the jewel in the crown of South East Queensland's historic properties. Now operating as a living museum, the grand home is furnished to reflect the occupation of the Harris family, who were in residence between 1862 and 1890. Featuring wrap around generous verandas with sweeping views out to the Brisbane river, the home has had a number of significant changes over the years.The core of Newstead House is the 1846 two storey brick and stone Georgian cottage built by Patrick Leslie, one of the pioneers of the Darling Downs. From 1847 until early until early in 1860, Newstead was the home of Captain John Clements Wickham, the highest ranking official in Moreton Bay. By 1859 Queensland was poised to become a colony in its own right, separate from New South Wales. But Wickham was overlooked for the position of Governor and declined an opportunity to become Colonial Treasurer. From 1862 Newstead House was owned by politician and merchant George Harris who created the Newstead House we know today. Working with prominent architect and politician James Cowlishaw, Harris made significant improvements and extensions. The Harris family led a lavish lifestyle, with an entertainment budget said to have been up to 20, 000 pounds a year. By 1874 George Harris had mortgaged the property to James Taylor of Toowoomba. Today Newstead House enjoys a resurgence of community engagement through innovative programming, exhibitions, education programs, tours, as well as welcoming domestic and international visitors.