Imagine yourself transported back in time to 1852. You are standing before Wolston House, a heritage-listed homestead located on Grindle Road in Wacol, just a short drive southwest of Brisbane’s vibrant city center. Wolston House is more than just a building; it is a living testament to Queensland’s history, a place where you can experience the rural lifestyle of bygone days.
The story of Wolston House begins with Dr. Stephen Simpson, a prominent figure in Queensland’s early years. He was appointed Commissioner for Crown Lands for the Moreton Bay District in 1842 when the area was first opened up for free settlement. In 1851, he purchased 640 acres of land overlooking the Brisbane River and embarked on a grand vision to create his own pastoral paradise. Simpson had a particular love for gardens and plants, so he ensured that his new estate was meticulously laid out, with fruit trees and thriving orchards.
As a recent widower, Simpson initially lived in a modest two-room brick cottage built over a sandstone basement. But as his pastoral operation thrived, he added to his dwelling, extending the house with a sandstone kitchen. He continued to add to the property, eventually establishing a thriving horse and cattle station. However, tragedy struck when his nephew, John Ommaney, who was designated as his heir, died in a horse riding accident in 1856. This may have contributed to Simpson’s decision to return to England a few years later.
The estate was then purchased by Matthew Buscall Goggs in 1860. Goggs, who was a farmer’s son, had emigrated to Australia in 1841. He continued to operate the property as a cattle and horse breeding station, expanding it to 100,000 acres! He also significantly extended the house to accommodate his large family. The structure of the house that we can see today is largely a product of Goggs’ additions in the 1860s and 1870s. During his lifetime, he had a mausoleum built on the estate. Sadly, this was damaged in the floods of 1893, and his remains, along with those of his two infant children, were later reburied at Toowong Cemetery.
After Goggs’ death, the Wolston Estate passed through various hands, including the Grindle family, who established a successful dairy business there in the early 1900s. By the 1950s, the property had become run down, and the house was inhabited by three elderly Grindle brothers.
In 1960, the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Stock took over the property with plans to establish a tick research center. They demolished the outbuildings but were prevented from destroying the homestead thanks to an intensive campaign by heritage groups. The house was transferred to the National Trust of Queensland in 1965, and became their first property.
Today, Wolston House stands as a reminder of Queensland’s rural past. It remains open to the public as a museum. You can truly step back in time, exploring the house’s interiors, discovering interesting artifacts and furniture, and learning about the lives of the people who once called it home. Step inside Wolston House and immerse yourself in a captivating story of families, farming, and the preservation of Queensland’s heritage.