Steve and Jane Wilson, Brisbane Racing power couple, have bought the heritage-listed Lamb House in Kangaroo Point for an undisclosed amount. The couple wants to restore the landmark mansion, listed for the first time in 120 years, to its former glory.
The Wilson pair managed to outbid other prospective buyers of the Lamb House, including prominent property developer Kevin Seymour. The couple has plans to spend at least $15 million more on restoring the dilapidated and vandalised historical site to its former glory and will work to keep the house up-to-date with electrical upgrades and wi-fi connection.
However, former owner Joy Lamb finds the sale unacceptable despite failures to maintain the mansion or to pay over $300,000 in Council rates for three years. This has led to the sale of the house via a Public Trustee so that the heritage site could be protected from demolition or subdivision by developers.
Ms Lamb vacated the Lamb House sometime after the death of her husband in 2013. In a previous interview with other media, the widow has said she believes that their dispute with Council over the Lamb House contributed to her husband’s failing health.
Since the historical house remained empty for a number of years, it became badly damaged and was used by squatters.
Meanwhile, members of the advocacy group Brisbane Residents United said that they are happy the house has been sold to new owners who want the Kangaroo Point landmark to become a restored family home.
The Wilsons said that they are excited to become the stewards of the Lamb house, which belonged to the Lamb family for 118 years. They also said that they will open the house for public events, including fundraisers for good causes, once the restoration has been completed in two to three years.
