Shafston House, Historic villa at Kangaroo Point, Brisbane, Australia
Shafston House is a villa in Kangaroo Point featuring Gothic Revival architecture with dormers, bay windows, and steeply pitched gabled roofs. The building sits along the Brisbane River and displays characteristic Victorian details with ornate timber decorations.
Construction began in 1851 as Ravenscott and Henry Stuart Russell renamed it Shafston while adding major extensions by 1854. These additions shaped the building we see today.
The house served as Anzac Hostel from 1919 to 1969, providing shelter for veterans returning after World War One. The rooms and their layout reflect how the community cared for these soldiers during their recovery.
The property is located at 23 Castlebar Street and functions as part of an educational institution, so check ahead before visiting. Original garden sections remain on the grounds and add to the setting.
The cellars and attic rooms reveal early colonial building methods typical of Queensland before separation from New South Wales. These hidden spaces show the craftsmanship and techniques used in 19th century construction.
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