HISTORICAL CLAREMONT II Circa 1865

CLAREMONT II - HISTORY

Designed and commissioned by Mr. John Panton, a merchant already living in Ipswich, Claremont II was built in 1865. John and his wife, Isabella, built Claremont (Milford St) but forced into selling this in 1863, built his second Claremont (also known in the history books as Clairmont).

A second history is that this residence was built for his daughter as a wedding present, but it does seem clear that both John and Isabella lived in the residence until their deaths.


Claremont II is significant as an example of one of the earliest, substantial homes in Ipswich constructed by one of the pioneering business identifies of the city and for its connection to the earlier Claremont. The history of inner Ipswich can be explored through Claremont’s early history, the 1920s conversion to multiple occupancy, the subdivision of its grounds and gardens for housing development and its return in recent years to a grand home through the removal of the post-war house has been inserted into the garden.

CLAREMONT II – THE RESTORATION

The purchasing of the house in front of the original residence in 2007 and having this removed gave the owners the ability to restore the house to its original grandeur.

Much research was undertaken to ensure that all work completed would be in keeping with the original area, but still usable for the 21st Century.

The large front lawn now offers a welcome to visitors, as well as a place for “front yard cricket” to be played on Summer afternoons.

In keeping with the original gardens for a cottage style, while preserving some of the native flora there is a mix of roses, lavender , camellias and gardenias in one section, but as the garden meanders, there are silky oaks, flowering gums, syzygiums, westringias and melalucas which welcome the birds back and will be come somewhat of a screen to the street below.

The vegetable garden once again brings food back into the kitchen.

All rooms have received major renovations, ensuring colour schemes were sympathetic to the era, all 5 fireplaces are now in working condition and the details (light fittings, power points etc) are also in keeping.

The view now seen over Ipswich, although changed by over 140 years of building and development, must still have many similarities to that which was enjoyed by the original owners, the Pantons.



The front verandah is now able to be used again as the garden and lawns have opened up this area. The native trees will soon act as a natural screener to the houses opposite, while not interrupting the wider view.

A 30 000 litre tank has been installed to ensure the gardens are well watered

CLAREMONT II – A Description

Made predominantly from rendered double brick and conglomerate stone block with a slate roof, the building is different from most in the area.

There is a front and side verandah beneath a stepped down roof. There are French doors all along the front of the house, with some fanlights above.
At the rear of the property, there is a servant’s quarters and stables, both still standing today.

SUMMARY

Private grand residence complete with original out buildings, separate servants quarters & stables on 4,104m2 over two titles. On CBD fringe. Designed and commissioned by Mr John Panton, prominent business person of the day.
Be enchanted with stone arch entry secured with black gates leading up a secret crazed stairway to a green circular lawn dressing the front vista.
Made predominantly from rendered double brick on stone foundation and conglomerate stone block. Unique design including 2 halls separating living and bedrooms. 6 doors to front verandah, including 6 sets of french cedar. Restoration complete including reinstating 5 fire places to working order. Installation of 3 new bathrooms. An extension to provide extra bedroom with study and living area with amazing views. A stunning colonial pine kitchen designed to be the hub of the home, spilling out onto an extensive entertainment area paved with sandstone tiles and to a north facing sunroom.
Servants quarters providing separate accommodation ideal for visitors or au-pair. Fully restored external & internal walls & new roof. Walking distance to major private schools and CBD. Golden opportunity for rare historical grand residence.

Features