Steve and Jane Wilson, owners of Lamb House in Kangaroo Point, graciously opened the doors of the meticulously restored house for a special tour, providing an intimate glimpse into the exquisite 1902 estate after their multi-year renovation efforts.
Read: Renovation of Lamb House into ‘Home’ Finally Complete
In a special episode of ABC’s Restoration Australia, the couple gave an eagerly-anticipated first look inside the heritage-listed villa, now called “Home” after completing their ambitious restoration project.
When the Wilsons purchased the dilapidated property in 2021 for $12.75 million, they committed a further $15 million to restoring every facet of the early 20th century residence to its original glory. Their goal was to accurately recreate architect Alexander Brown Wilson’s celebrated design vision down to the most intricate heritage detail.
The owners proudly showcased the incredible lengths taken to forensically examine and replicate each historical element, from colour schemes to light fittings. Mr Wilson revealed they had even hired security after purchasing to stop potential break-ins.
A show-stopping highlight is the kaleidoscopic laylight window in the entrance foyer, meticulously reconstructed pane-by-pane with over 1,000 individual glass pieces by conservation artisans Gerry Cummins and Jill Stehn. Mr Wilson marvelled that it creates “an aquarium of light” in the wonderful room as rainbow-hued patterns danced across the space.
Uncovered from beneath decades of grime, wood carvers precisely replicated original timber detailing whilst specialist plasterers shaped intricate ceiling roses and cornices using authentic techniques like “running the cornice.”
Mrs Wilson noted the garden surrounds were just as crucial to recreating the estate’s early 20th century character, saying they are “just as important as the house itself in respecting the heritage.”
After removing layers of graffiti and surveying archival photographs, the interiors have been utterly transformed from dilapidation into a pristine time capsule of 1902 design.
Whilst some modern touches are still to come, the couple are thrilled to have already moved in, believing Alexander Brown Wilson would be “very pleased” to see his celebrated early 1900s design so impeccably revived.
Read: Lamb House Set to Return To Its Former Glory
The Wilsons look forward to sharing this spectacular historic gem by opening Lamb House’s doors for charity events, immersing visitors in Brisbane’s opulent colonial past.
Published 28-May-2024