Gooloowan

Benjamin Cribb, founder of London Stores and co-partner of Cribb & Foote, purchased land on the eastern slopes of Denmark Hill in 1862 and gradually acquired more land until he owned around five hectares. In 1863-64, Gooloowan was constructed on this land for Benjamin and his second wife Clarissa, sister of his future business partner John Clarke Foote.

Following Benjamin’s and Clarissa’s deaths in 1874 and 1899 respectively, ownership of Gooloowan was passed to their son, Joseph Foote Cribb.  He then sold the home to his half-brother, Thomas Bridson Cribb.  Once Thomas and his wife Marian died, ownership of the home was transferred to their daughter Vera and her husband J.E. Walker.  The latter’s children were the last generation of the Cribb/Foote family to live in Gooloowan.  In 1988, the Isbell family acquired the property.

Unlike other prominent Ipswich homes, Gooloowan has experienced few major changes since its completion.  Over the years, the brickwork has been rendered, while the original slate roof was replaced by corrugated galvanised iron. Under the supervision of Buchanan Architects, a rear verandah on the domestic’s wing was transformed into a conservatory, a new garage was constructed, and the boundary fence was restored. 

Internally, the layout of Gooloowan remains mostly unaltered.  Fine cedar joinery has been retained throughout, and the original bathrooms can be found in the main wing. The home includes a library, drawing room, sitting room and dining room as well as eleven bedrooms on the upper floor. A hand-operated lift can be found on the rear verandah.

Designed by Charles Balding, Gooloowan is a rare Queensland example of a large two-storeyed Victorian mansion of the 1860s.  Though its original grounds have been reduced, the property still features a circular driveway, limestone rock terracing, and landscaped gardens.