Hamilton Mansion Slated for Major Renovation

A historic 120-year-old mansion in Hamilton is set to undergo a major renovation after its recent purchase by Hong Kong developer Feng Di and his wife Xiaomin Guan.

Proposed house extension perspective by Clements Clarke Architects
Photo Credit: Development.i / A006629782


Property Details

Located at 15 Perry Street, the $13 million property, originally built in 1905, spans a generous 1,944 square meters with a 40-meter street frontage. The current six-bedroom, six-bathroom home has been home to Dr. Michael Cleary and his wife Mary for 21 years before the sale in February 2023.

Existing view of 15 Perry Street
Photo Credit: Google Maps

Proposed Renovations

Di has submitted an application to the Brisbane City Council proposing substantial changes, including:

  • Demolition of the existing tennis court
  • Removal of the terrace area
  • Dismantling of the rear rotunda
  • Partial demolition of the eastern deck and its roof
North elevation of the proposed house extension
Photo Credit: Development.i / A006629782

Extension Plans

The proposed renovation aims to create:

  • An indoor pool
  • Three new ensuite bedrooms
  • Extensions reaching 10.7 meters in height, slightly exceeding the maximum building height of 9.5 meters
Proposed house extension site plan
Photo Credit: Development.i / A006629782

Developer’s Perspective

In the planning report submitted to council, the developers argue that the extensions will be “sympathetic to the existing built form,” utilising lightweight materials reminiscent of the original construction period. They emphasise that the topography will maintain the home’s single-story streetscape presentation.

Council’s Response

On November 14, the Brisbane City Council requested shadow diagrams to ensure the renovations will not unduly impact neighbouring properties.



The proposed modifications highlight the ongoing tension between preserving historical architectural heritage and meeting contemporary lifestyle needs in one of Brisbane’s most sought-after suburbs.

Published 27-November-2024

Reviving a Century-Old Beauty: The Magnificent Transformation of Katanga

The century-old residence Katanga is currently undergoing a transformation that is expected to restore it to its former glory.



Brisbane’s distinguished luxury builders, Solaire Properties, have taken on the task of renovating this historic character house into a luxurious modern residence. 

Heritage-listed Katanga was initially built in 1884 for the distinguished Dickson family, who played significant roles in the business and political spheres of both Brisbane and Queensland. It was built in the Colonial style that was prevalent during the nineteenth century and reflects the residential development of Hamilton in the late nineteenth century. 

At the time of its construction, Hamilton and Ascot were emerging as affluent residential areas, attracting wealthy and middle-class residents.

 Reviving a Century-Old Beauty: The Magnificent Transformation of Katanga
Photo credit: Solaire / katangabysolaire.com.au

Although determining the exact departure date of the Dickson family from the property may be difficult to ascertain, available evidence indicates that they might have sold it in 1905.

Before Solaire Properties took on the project, the property had remained unoccupied for a minimum of 15 years and had significantly deteriorated. They noted that there were indications of homeless individuals inhabiting the premises, as well as severe wood rot, asbestos, and water damage.  

 Reviving a Century-Old Beauty: The Magnificent Transformation of Katanga
Photo credit: Solaire / katangabysolaire.com.au

To design the renovation, Solaire Properties enlisted the assistance of Twohill and James, a renowned architecture firm. The project, which includes a 7-meter pool, a deck, an internal lift, a mudroom, a home gym, and a theatre, among other features, will include a new build that will account for more than 50% of the property. The result will be an entirely new home and a luxurious house and land package.

 Reviving a Century-Old Beauty: The Magnificent Transformation of Katanga
Photo credit: Solaire / katangabysolaire.com.au

Katanga is set to be an extraordinary property, boasting 1,113m2 of land, approximately 1,145m2 of GFA, and a six-car basement. It will include six bedrooms, six bathrooms, and two powder rooms, lift access to all three levels, a temperature-controlled wine cellar, a gym, and a cinema room.

This property boasts more than 32 meters of street frontage to one of Brisbane’s highly regarded streets, situated among Hamilton’s esteemed residences on the hillside.

 Solaire is Reviving a Century-Old Beauty
Photo credit: Solaire / katangabysolaire.com.au

It also features breathtaking Brisbane River views and is located within proximity to popular dining and retail precincts, including Portside Wharf, Eat Street, and Ascot’s Racecourse Road.



 Solaire is Reviving a Century-Old Beauty
Photo credit: Solaire / katangabysolaire.com.au

In addition, the property falls within the catchment areas of Ascot State School, Fortitude Valley State Secondary College, and Aviation High. Furthermore, it is conveniently located just a short drive away from several of Brisbane’s high-end private schools and colleges.

Published 14-April-2023