Arrochar

The work of well-known architect George Brockwell Gill, Arrochar is known as the twin to another Gill design, the Ipswich Club in Gray Street. Commonalities between the two buildings are apparent in the octagonal verandah bays, double access stairs and verandah detail and decoration. A high-set, late Federation timber house with Marseilles tile roof and dormer windows, Arrochar dominates the surrounding streetscape and offers outstanding views towards the city and Denmark Hill.

Arrochar was built around 1912 on land that was formerly part of the Ipswich Boys Grammar School Reserve. The first owners of Arrochar were accountant and town clerk, Albion Hayne, and his wife Margaret. Before moving to Waghorn Street the Haynes family lived in Lawrence Street, North Ipswich in a house that was also named Arrochar.

Following the deaths of Albion and Margaret in the late 1920s, Lucy Catherine Foote and her three daughters, Majorie, Sybil and Doris, became Arrochar’s next owners. Lucy was the widow of William Hardwick Foote, an active partner in the firm of Cribb & Foote. During the 1930s, Sybil Foote worked as a florist from Arrochar creating noteworthy posies and bouquets for local brides.

Arrochar was purchased by Ambrose Shaw in 1948 and about three years later it was bought by Ipswich surveyor, Ian Hargreaves and his wife, Eileen. In 1981, Phyllis and Mel Grant acquired Arrochar and undertook renovations which included excavation and restumping, creation of an attic and library, and the addition of lead-light artwork in the library, bathroom, and front door.