Great Houses of Ipswich makes a triumphant return this weekend
09 May 2023
Great Houses of Ipswich is set to make a triumphant return as three magnificent privately-owned historic homes will be opened to the community this Saturday.
Great Houses of Ipswich is organised by the National Trust of Australia (Queensland) and supported by Ipswich City Council.
Since the first event in 2013, the event has opened 24 privately-owned homes and widely promotes Ipswich and strengthens the relationship Queenslanders have with their past.
Growth, Infrastructure and Waste Committee Chair and Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said it is important to preserve the history and the outstanding heritage that sets Ipswich apart from other cities.
“Ipswich is Queensland’s oldest provincial city and it’s through the commitment of private citizens, the National Trust and Council, that so many Ipswich heritage buildings still stand today,” Mayor Harding said.
“For more than three decades the Council has run the Ipswich Heritage Adviser Service – a free service that connects owners of historic properties with an expert who can provide free conservation and architectural advice.
“Tickets for this year’s Great Houses of Ipswich are almost sold out, which is a clear sign of not only the popularity of this wonderful event, but also how much our community values its heritage.”
Growth, Infrastructure and Waste Committee Deputy Chairperson Councillor Paul Tully said this was the first time since COVID the event has been able to run and was an important event for Ipswich.
“Ipswich is a unique mix of historical architecture in a growing modern city, so it’s fantastic Great Houses of Ipswich have made such a vibrant comeback and is able to once again share Ipswich’s history and stories with locals and the ever-growing number of visitors.”
The three houses on display this year are the 1857 built Georgian-style stone villa known as Claremont, Karragaroo, built in 1884 of brick and timber and the renovated 1900’s timber Queenslander Ballachulish (formally known as Beaufort Villa).
For more information on Ipswich City Council’s Heritage Program visit: https://www.ipswich.qld.gov.au/explore/arts-and-culture/heritage