290 Jesmond Road, Fig Tree Pocket, Qld 4069

Auction Location: On site

Positioned on one of the highest ridgelines in Brisbane's western suburbs, this extraordinary riverside estate spans two titles on 3136m2 of private grounds with panoramic views sweeping from Mt Coot-tha to the city skyline.

Originally crafted in the post-war era, the home was acclaimed for its ahead-of-its-time design earning architectural awards and housing generations of one of Brisbane's most influential creative families. The residence features polished Crow ash timber floors, signature stonework, aluminium-framed windows, and tiered gardens inspired by Edna Walling.

With uninterrupted vistas up and down the river, direct views to the CBD skyline, and western sunsets across Cunningham's Gap, the setting is as breathtaking as it is historic.

Boasting 35.9m of river frontage and 47.395m of street frontage, the home sits across two separate titles (288 Jesmond 1,492m2 and 290 Jesmond Rd 1,644m2) with vast potential whether as a preserved legacy home, an elevated modern redesign, or a reimagined riverside development (STCA).

This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to secure one of Brisbane's most iconic residential addresses.

-  3,136m² on two titles – (288 Jesmond 1,492m2 and 290 Jesmond Rd 1,644m2)
-  Panoramic views sweeping from Mt Coot-tha to the city skyline
-  The highest riverfront property in Brisbane's western suburbs
-  Award-winning architecture
-  Edna Walling-inspired landscaped gardens
-  Flexible development potential (STCA)
-  Planning report available on request
_______________________________________________________

Originally constructed not long after the end of World War II, this exceptional residence began as a modest two-bedroom home with a maid's quarters tucked beneath. Discreetly positioned behind a circular driveway and hidden from what was then a simple dirt track, the home's understated façade belied the architectural significance within.

Upon its completion, the home was met with acclaim, receiving design awards for its innovative style. Key features included a striking stone entryway, polished Crow ash timber floors, and cutting-edge aluminium-frame windows — all considered ultra-modern at the time. 

From its commanding hilltop perch, the house overlooked a slope once planted with pineapples, stretching down to the river. Beyond the river the sweeping views not only included Brisbane's relatively new Town Hall but also a panoramic outlook from Mt Coot-tha to Mt Gravatt. Unmatched in elevation, 290 Jesmond Rd is the highest riverfront property in Brisbane's western suburbs. The Brisbane City Council's online Contours map clearly shows how a 33-metre elevation contour line encircles the ridge which the home occupies. 

The commanding view of the winding river, downstream towards Taylor Bridge and upstream towards Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, also includes a pine forest directly across the river, the suburbs of Chelmer and Sherwood, and the city skyline on the horizon – particularly impressive when lit at night by the many ever-taller skyscrapers. But this is not the only scenic outlook as the western aspect is a hidden treasure, with vistas extending above Cubberla Creek across Brisbane's plains to Cunningham's Gap.

The home was purchased by Bill and Janet Conrad (née Hart) when they instantly fell in love with the property in 1957, and made it their cherished residence for nearly 65 years. Having grown up in Hamilton and Coorparoo respectively, settling in what was once an outer western suburb was a bold and prescient move. 

A renowned architect, Bill was managing director of leading Brisbane firm Conrad Gargett, which merged with Architectus in 2023. Janet was an in-demand landscape architect and interior designer awarded an AOM in recognition of both her professional work and her Australia-wide and international role promoting women in business. Together they happily raised three sons, with their passion for design ensuring their Fig Tree Pocket home evolved continually while maintaining respect for the original vision. 

Over the decades, rooms were reconfigured, living spaces expanded including the stunning dining area designed by renowned award-winning architect Bruce Wolfe, and a series of decks were added to capture both the serenity of the gardens and the ever-changing city skyline — many buildings of which were designed by C&G themselves.

From early on the lush gardens were inspired by the approach of influential landscape designer Edna Walling. This can still be seen in the patinaed stone walls and pavers, the subtle sculpting rather than levelling of landforms, the creation of 'garden rooms' each with their own distinctive character and charm, the unity between with the garden and the house, the way each room features a different garden view, the retention of mature trees framing iconic views, and how the lower garden terraces were designed to eventually blend back into the natural bushland below. 

For the growing children in the 1960s and 1970s, “down the hill” was a wild playground with swings, climbing trees, cubby houses, and riverside adventures including fishing and catching mud crabs. For the hard-working parents, the garden offered a peaceful sanctuary from professional life and an ever changing canvas for expressing their restless creativity.

Perfectly suited to entertaining, the lawn terraces, spacious riverside deck and glass-enclosed open-plan living areas played host to countless memorable social gatherings. While plans for a second storey and a swimming pool were often imagined, thoughtful extensions to the master suite took precedence as the family grew. Early on the maid's quarters was mostly used as a laundry, but later was tastefully refurbished as self-contained guest accommodation but throughout the decades always doubled as a well-stocked wine cellar.

Disclaimer: This property is being sold by Auction and therefore a price guide cannot be provided. The website may have filtered the property into a price bracket for website functionality purposes.