real estate Archives - Hamilton Today

Hamilton Hill Mansion Hits the Market as Pub Baron Eyes Northside Expansion

A landmark Hamilton Hill mansion linked to one of Brisbane’s best-known hospitality families is up for sale, with Norman Hotel owner James Power and his wife Jennifer choosing to downsize after more than a decade in the home.

The Spanish Mission-style estate at 33 Markwell Street has been a well-used family base for the Powers since they purchased it in 2013 for $5.05 million — two years before the couple acquired the iconic Norman Hotel in Wooloongabba for around $7 million. With their three children now grown, the couple say the time feels right to pass the home on to another family.

Built in the 1930s, the residence sits on a 1,376 square metre block commanding views across the Brisbane River, the Gateway Bridge, the Port of Brisbane, and out to Moreton Bay. Its east-facing aspect means the home catches the morning sun while staying sheltered from the heat of the afternoon — a quality that made it well suited to the generous entertaining the Powers became known for there.

The property is well appointed for that kind of use, featuring six bedrooms, four bathrooms, three powder rooms, a study, six-car garaging, a wine cellar, steam room, gym, resort-style pool, and both indoor and outdoor fireplaces. A dumbwaiter connects the levels, and Mediterranean-inspired gardens planted with citrus trees, herbs, chillies and limes speak to the family’s appreciation for food and hospitality.

A significant renovation by a previous owner between 1999 and 2000 added a top-level entertaining area and gym, while the Powers have since made their own mark on the property — including retiling the pool surrounds in travertine.

The sale comes as Power prepares to open The Norman Northside in Enoggera, a second venue under the Norman Hotel brand — long tongue-in-cheek billed as Brisbane’s worst vegetarian restaurant.

The property is being taken to market through an expressions of interest campaign with Ray White Collective Luxury principal Matt Lancashire. No price guide has been set, though comparable sales in the area suggest the home could fetch more than $10 million. Lancashire recently launched Ray White Collective Luxury as a Brisbane agency focused solely on properties valued above $4 million, pointing to growing demand at the top end of the market.

“Hamilton is a top choice for affluent buyers,” Lancashire told The Courier-Mail, citing the suburb’s elevated position, river views, and concentration of prestige homes.

Published 16-April-2026

Grand Hamilton Hill Mansion Changes Hands For $6.5M

A grand Federation-era mansion perched on Hamilton Hill has changed hands for $6.5 million, delivering its owners a $700,000 gain in just twelve months — and without a single renovation being carried out in that time.

The four-bedroom property at 60 Riverview Terrace, known as Newnham, sold on Monday after sitting in the current owners’ hands for barely a year. They had purchased it in March 2025 for $5.8 million, making for a tidy return by any measure.

The home has a storied history stretching back to 1901, when it was reportedly built by department store owner William Overell. Since the late 1920s, the front verandahs have been enclosed with arched openings and Taj Mahal-inspired domes added to the facade — giving the property its distinctive, one-of-a-kind silhouette on the Brisbane skyline.

Perhaps its most unusual feature is a tower dating from the Second World War era, said to have been used by American forces as a strategic observation post. The tower offers panoramic 360-degree views across the surrounding area and is a tangible reminder of Brisbane’s wartime significance.

Over the decades, Newnham has passed through notable Queensland hands. Rugby legend John Eales sold the property back in 2001 for $1.1 million. A subsequent owner held it for roughly two decades before selling during the COVID period for $3.8 million — at which point the price trajectory began to accelerate sharply.

The sale was handled by Ray White Ascot agent Nick Roche, who also managed the 2025 transaction. He had described the listing as a rare opportunity on Hamilton Hill, citing the 1,026 square metre landholding, its favourable zoning, and the property’s position within Hamilton’s growing luxury corridor as key drawcards. The home had previously been available for rent at up to $2,500 per week.

Newnham sits within easy walking distance of Hamilton’s restaurants, supermarkets and boutiques — the kind of central convenience that continues to underpin strong demand in the suburb.

The sale is the latest data point in what has been a buoyant period for prestige property in Brisbane’s inner north, with Hamilton consistently attracting significant buyer interest.

Published 3-March-2026

Historic Hamilton Hill Queenslander Reveals Surprising World War II Legacy

Photo Credit: Ray White Ascot

A remarkable 120-year-old Queenslander property at 60 Riverview Terrace has come onto the market, offering prospective buyers not just a luxurious home but also a fascinating slice of local history dating back to World War II.

Perched high on Hamilton Hill with sweeping views of Moreton Bay and the Brisbane River, the four-bedroom residence boasts a rich narrative that stretches back to the early 1900s. The property has been home to some of Queensland’s most notable personalities, including the David Jones family and former Wallabies captain John Eales.

A Strategic World War II Vantage Point

Perhaps the most intriguing historical detail is the property’s unexpected connection to World War II. At the top of its tallest domed tower, a unique 360-degree observatory was reportedly used by US Army personnel during the 1940s. According to Queensland’s State War Memorial, the site served as a base for military training, potentially offering strategic monitoring of maritime approaches during a critical period in Australia’s wartime history.

Architectural Elegance Meets Historical Significance

The home represents a stunning example of early 20th-century architectural craftsmanship. Original features include ornate ceiling roses, an Art Nouveau fireplace with a carved timber surround, and particularly noteworthy leadlight windows in the bathroom depicting swimming fish.

Market Context

Last sold in May 2021 for $3.8 million, the property comes to market at a time of significant property value appreciation in Brisbane. Local real estate data indicates property prices in the area have risen approximately 46 percent since the previous sale.

Property Highlights

120-year history
4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms
1026m² land size
360-degree observatory tower
World War II historical significance
Recently upgraded with new roof, paint, and interior refinements
Located 5 km from Brisbane CBD

The property is now open for best offers until Thursday, December 12th at 5:00 pm, presenting a rare opportunity for buyers interested in a home that combines historical significance with modern luxury.

Published 3-December-2024

Historic Hamilton Hill Residence Hits Market After 44 Years

Photo Credit: Ray White Ascot

The historic Hill Residence at 69 Crescent Road, Hamilton has entered the market for the first time after 44 years. This Federation-era home, situated atop Hamilton Hill, offers a combination of historical significance and panoramic city views.

Constructed in 1914, the property has been home to only a handful of families throughout its 110-year history. The current owners, Gail and James Bradley, have maintained and restored the residence since purchasing it 44 years ago.

Set on a 2114 square meter block, the Bradleys have carefully preserved the home’s period features while adapting it for modern family living. The property now boasts six bedrooms, a studio, and a cellar, all embodied within the classic Queenslander style.

Hamilton, long considered one of Brisbane’s most prestigious suburbs, has seen significant development over recent decades. This property, however, stands as a testament to the area’s rich architectural heritage. It was originally constructed by prominent Brisbane retailer WH Overell and later became home to Sir James Blair, former Queensland Attorney-General and University of Queensland Chancellor.

The home’s elevated position on Hamilton Hill provides sweeping views of the Brisbane River and city skyline, making it an ideal venue for entertaining. Its expansive grounds and character charm have hosted numerous family gatherings, milestone birthdays, and even a wedding over the years.

As Hamilton continues to evolve with a mix of modern and classic architecture, 69 Crescent Road represents a unique opportunity for buyers seeking a blend of history and luxury in one of Brisbane’s most sought-after locations.

The property is being offered for sale through an Expression of Interest campaign closing on September 18 at 2pm. Given its historical significance, prime location, and the rarity of such offerings in Hamilton, it’s anticipated to attract considerable interest from potential buyers.

Published 4-September-2024

Rundown Hamilton Home Sold Under $1M After Bidding War

Photo Credit: Ray White Ascot

A rundown post-war Hamilton home has sold at auction for $980,000 after a heated nine-way bidding battle, highlighting the premium prices buyers are willing to pay for development opportunities in desirable locations.

The low set brick home on a 647 square meter block on busy Nudgee Road was snatched up by a developer, according to the selling agent Oliver Jonker of Ray White Ascot. Despite being in original and rundown condition, its prime location less than 1 km from Portside, the Brisbane River, and major racecourses like Eagle Farm proved highly attractive.

“We had heaps of enquiries, nine registered bidders, and it sold 10 per cent above reserve,” Jonker stated.

“It was owned by an old pharmacist I believe, I dealt with the trustee. There are not very many post war properties left in Hamilton, and this could be one of the lowest entry points into the suburb.”

The sale price of $980,000, while eye-watering for a rundown four-bedroom, two-bathroom home, represents a bargain for entry into the exclusive Hamilton property market. The median house price in the suburb is $2.3 million, with four-bedroom homes fetching a median of $3.095 million.

Jonker highlighted the property’s development upside for the buyer, a developer, who now has multiple options including renovation, demolition for a new home or townhouses subject to council approval. “There’s a lot of upside there,” he said.

The sale demonstrates the voracious demand for properties with redevelopment potential in Brisbane’s most prestigious suburbs. With a housing shortage gripping the market, developers are willing to pay top dollar for the opportunity to meet buyer demand through new construction or renovations.

Published 28-March-2024