Qld oral surgeon to sell house of Windsor

News Corp Australia Network

Top Queensland oral surgeon Frank Monsour will take his family home to auction on Sunday.

Owned by only a few families in its 134-year history, ‘Kirkston’ at 23 Rupert St, Windsor, is a striking example of Queensland architecture and was originally built in circa-1889 for Brisbane solicitor John Henry Flower.

The view from the kitchen. Picture: supplied

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The Victorian-era mansion is perched atop a half-acre hilltop estate and offers commanding 360-degree views from Brisbane’s north, including vistas of the city.

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The property is a blend of restored heritage and modern updates. Picture: supplied

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Its iconic architecture is credited to Brisbane architect George Henry Male Addison and includes two storeys of sweeping verandas, intricate woodwork and steep gables that have been painstakingly restored by current owner Frank Monsour.

The home’s English architecture is an example of Queensland’s early history. Picture: supplied

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Dr Monsour and his late wife Elizabeth purchased the property more than three decades ago after falling in love with the home’s English-style architecture long before it became their family home.

Their daughter, Lisa, grew up here and went on to marry Campbell Newman, who was elected Lord Mayor of Brisbane in 2004 and then premier of Queensland from 2012 to 2015.

“I remember travelling over the Albion overpass and gazing up at this spectacular house on the hill,” Dr Monsour recalled.

All verandas have been renovated. Picture: supplied

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“As a student I’d even attended a party there and was enamoured with its ornate architecture.”

An ideal home for their six children, the Monsours bought the property in 1987 and set about slowly bringing what was a tired and worn mansion back to life.

Bringing the home back to life has included turning the former maid’s quarters into a modern kitchen. Picture: supplied

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“It wasn’t in a sound state, so we began the complex task of renovation, starting with the verandas,” Dr Monsour said. “We set about resurrecting it, while mindful of the property’s history.”

That history has seen the home owned by only a handful of families in its time, but Dr Monsour also explained Kirkston played a significant role in WWII.

The home is on an 1824sq m property. Picture: supplied

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In the early 1940s, the property housed an allied military intelligence unit, with a number of huts reportedly erected within the estate’s grounds.

As for being a custodian of one of Brisbane’s key pieces of early architecture, Dr Monsour said it was a role he was proud to embrace.

Over the years, the labour of love included reconstructing the original timberwork, replacing parts of the slate roof, and highlighting the home’s historical elements.

The grand dining room is exquisitely decorated in the period style. Picture: supplied

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“Its restoration paralleled the development of our family,” Dr Monsour said.

Reflecting on the finished project, he said an ornate stained-glass skylight above the staircase is a highlight of the home.

Above the ornate, turned, dark timber staircase is a reinforced, stained-glass ceiling and illuminating skylight. There are six bedrooms on this upper level. Picture: supplied

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And the property’s 12 fireplaces are also among his favourite features, along with the recurring theme of the hibiscus flower which the original owners designated as the property’s emblem.

“All the fireplaces have different mantles and timberwork, and many feature the hibiscus,” Dr Monsour said. “There’s the most magnificent fireplace in the dining room of ornate mahogany and again it boasts that emblem.”

One of the home’s 12 fireplaces. Picture: supplied

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Over the years, the Monsours complemented the restoration with key renovations and additions.

The former maids’ quarters was converted to a stainless-steel chef’s kitchen, study, and billiards room, while a swimming pool was also added.

The heated in-ground pool is set within a paved outdoor terrace and from here there is a walkway to a separate bungalow. Picture: supplied

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The family also later constructed a separate bungalow offering an additional two bedrooms and two bathrooms, along with a kitchen and dining area.

The bungalow’s main living and dining area. Picture: supplied

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While Kirkston might be key to Brisbane’s history, for Dr Monsour it has served as a true family home, providing a lifetime of memories for his children.

One of six bedrooms on the upper level, the unique roofline makes an expressive design element indoors. Picture: supplied

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“It was designed to be owned and used by a family, and it has served us accordingly.”

Events such as weddings have been hosted at the home while Christmas has always been particularly special.

The billiard room has solid Silky Oak joinery and a built-in drinks area. Picture: supplied

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“My late wife made Christmas into a season,” Dr Monsour said. “You really live celebrations in a house like this.”

Features: A 134-year-old Hendra brick two-storey home with a separate two-bedroom bungalow on 1824sq m. There is a heated pool, limestone formed fire pit, bank-style strong room, Italianate-style double archways, and an eat-in chef’s kitchen.

Auction: January 29 at noon

Agent: Jason Adcock, Adcock Prestige Queensland

Contact: 0418 727 788