Bowerlea

A Queensland timber variation of the popular Californian Bungalow, Bowerlea was built in 1929 for Mrs Florence Beatrice Fox, widow of the well-known chemist W.F.S. Fox, and their daughter Eleanor (Nell). It was designed by Ipswich architect George Brockwell Gill and built by H.E. Wildey. 

Originally from England, Gill was responsible for designing many grand commercial and residential buildings in Ipswich, including Bowerbank - the original family home of the Fox family. Not long after its construction, Bowerlea was described in the Queensland Times as 'a fine example of Queensland domestic architecture, a noticeable feature being the treatment of the gables, finished by the use of Barge tiles and Wunderlich tile roof.' 

Robert Goldsborough, managing director of Cribb & Foote, and his wife Elizabeth owned the home between 1962 and 1984.  During their occupancy the verandahs were enclosed with banks of windows.  After twenty-two years at Bowerlea, the Goldsboroughs sold the property and moved into Colthup Home.

In 1987, James Whalen became another long-term owner, later renting out the property. After it was purchased by new owners in 2008, major restorative work was undertaken.

Originally designed as a two bedroom home with a central hall, Bowerlea's formal dining hall has since been converted into a third bedroom. The home features silky oak windows and doors, 80 leadlight panels, bay windows and horsehair plaster ceilings.