A rare piece of Queensland’s wartime history has come on the market with the listing of “Digger’s Rest”, one of only six brick cottages built in Graceville for soldiers returning from the First World War.
Constructed in 1919 on Strong Avenue, the home stands as a reminder of the sacrifices made by Australian soldiers and the efforts to provide housing for them upon their return.
Originally part of the Magee Estate, the War Service Homes Commission (WSHC) built the cottage as part of a program to assist veterans. The WSHC was established after the war to address the housing needs of returning soldiers, many of whom had been injured or were struggling to re-establish themselves in civilian life.
The Brisbane Heritage Register underscores the rarity of this dwelling, noting that while many WSHC houses were constructed in Queensland, only six were built from brick. All six are located in Graceville and represent some of the earliest WSHC homes completed in the state.
The first resident of “Digger’s Rest” was Private Richard James Jones, a veteran of the 16th Battalion who served in Gallipoli. A plaque honouring Private Jones is displayed at the cottage. Despite the good intentions of the WSHC program, it faced challenges. The Heritage Register reveals that the initial goal of building 1500 homes a year in Queensland fell significantly short. By November 1920, only 464 had been built, leading to complaints about the pace and cost of construction.
Interestingly, veterans did not purchase three of the six Graceville cottages until after the Second World War, highlighting the long-term impact of these homes on the community. “Digger’s Rest” reverted to the WSHC in 1926 before being sold 1952 to Emmett J.O. Dwyer, a Graceville local who served in the Royal Australian Navy during WWII.
Having changed hands several times since then, “Digger’s Rest” has been meticulously renovated by its current owners, who purchased the property in 2019.
The three-bedroom, two-bathroom cottage seamlessly blends its historical character with modern amenities. Period features such as the bullnose verandah, high ceilings, and casement windows have been preserved. At the same time, the interior boasts contemporary living spaces, including a modern kitchen and an alfresco dining area.
The property, situated on a 450 square metre block, is being marketed by Place Woolloongabba agents Ben Smith and Melanie Swindells, with offers closing on 14 January.
Published Date 23-December-2024
