The Duce House

In late 1942, Norm and Norma Duce purchased land on the corner of Fox Street and Brisbane Road that was once part of Richard Watson's Elamang estate. In 1952, their glamour house was built, and given their renown as successful racehorse and business owners, locals referred to the residence as The Duce House. Though the architect remains unknown, one family recollection is that it was modelled on a similar residence in Brisbane that was much admired by Mrs. Duce. One of the features that made The Duce House so unique in the 1950s was its pergola and swimming pool, apparently the first private pool in the city to be constructed as part of an integrated design.

Gerald and Mary (Molly) Nolan purchased the home in 1963 and relocated their family from York Street.  Mr Nolan was the proprietor of a chemist store and Golden Casket agency on the corner of Nicholas and Brisbane Streets.  As well as a background in pharmacy, he was also known in Ipswich for his horse and greyhound racing.

After the property was purchased in 2007, the new owners refurbished the kitchen and reinstated the pool, work for which they received an Ipswich City Council award for Best Maintained Heritage Property.   

A late example of the cottage version of the English domestic Revival style, the Duce House features rendered brick construction, a prominent chimney, leadlight windows and a quaint weather vane. Its screened sunroom, patchwork concrete driveway and window flower box are all original attributes of the home.  Though quite a small three bedroom house, with its eye-catching patchwork brickwork and immaculate gardens, The Duce House continues to be a home that is admired by locals and visitors alike.