Bulimba House

Bulimba House is a two-story sandstone residence with steep gables, terracotta tiles, and deep verandahs positioned on elevated land overlooking the Brisbane River. The property includes mature gardens and several original outbuildings that once supported farming activities.

Built between 1849 and 1850 for David McConnel, a successful pastoralist, the house was designed by architect Andrew Petrie as part of an experimental farm project. It represents the first Tudor-style homestead constructed with masonry in the Brisbane region.

The name comes from an Aboriginal word describing a bird native to this riverside area. This connection to local nature remains visible in the landscape and surroundings today.

The property sits on elevated ground with river views and is accessed via a circular driveway on Kenbury Street. Visitors can explore the grounds comfortably, moving between the main house, outbuildings, and gardens at their own pace.

Scottish craftsmen built this house using local sandstone and rare Moreton Bay cedar, materials that reflected the experimental nature of early colonial construction. This blend of imported skills and locally available resources tells the story of how settlers adapted their building traditions to a new land.