One of the largest landholdings on Brisbane’s sought-after Hamilton Hill, the exquisite “Ruhamah”, is coming to the market for just the fourth time in 112 years.

Its original owner was biscuit and confectionery magnate Thomas Morrow, who established the estate in 1903. The Irish-born Morrow emigrated to Queensland from Ireland in 1863 and in 1884 established biscuit and confectionery business, Morrow and Rankin.  In 1900 Morrow bought out his partner and formed Morrow’s Ltd, later acquiring other businesses and ultimately becoming Arnotts.

“Ruhamah” is a property steeped in history, with its next owner being highly respected Brisbane surgeon, Rhodes Scholar and pioneer of thoracic surgery in Queensland, Dr Konrad Hirschfeld. The doctor, his wife and four daughters called “Ruhamah” home for 39 years. Dr Hirschfeld’s daughter, Roisin, went on to marry the former Queensland Premier, the late Wayne Goss.

Set across eight titles comprising a massive 4369sqm, “Ruhamah”, meaning love, mercy and compassion, is a unique, Edwardian gem. 

Its current owners of 26 years, have lovingly restored and maintained the home to create an exclusive estate in the tree lined streets of Hamilton Hill.

While faithful to Edwardian design, the restoration of the home has achieved a sympathetic and seamless blend with its period feel, winning its builder, George Moss, a Housing Industry Association award for the project.

From its stately timber gates, classic timber French doors and sprawling verandahs to its elegant living areas and floodlit championship tennis court, “Ruhamah” both evokes a bygone era and represents a unique piece of Queensland real estate.

Paul Arthur, Managing Director of Queensland Sotheby’s International Realty said the sale of “Ruhamah” was a once-in-a-generation opportunity to secure a unique estate property in one of the most tightly held pockets of Brisbane.

“Properties like this are rare in the market,” Mr Arthur said. “The grandeur, location and elegance of “Ruhamah” make it one of those refined Queensland properties that are often imitated, but never truly replicated.”

In line with its Edwardian style, “Ruhamah” has extensive period features including high pressed-metal ceilings, extravagant chandeliers and hard-wood polished floors exuding unrivaled luxury, whilst still retaining the warmth and welcome of a family home.

An entertainer’s delight. Apart from the formal entertaining offered by the chef’s kitchen, two dining areas, and the authentic billiard room, it includes a spacious outdoor dining terrace complete with a tepanyaki barbecue adjoining the tennis court and indoor pool house.

The home, with its magnificent parklike surrounds features manicured hedges, topiaries, lush plantings and mighty poincianas, all conspiring to create a sense of seclusion and privacy that comes only with such well established gardens. And yet “Ruhamah” is located only minutes’ drive from Brisbane’s CBD and airport.

It is now sadly time for the owners or “Ruhamah” to pass the love they have for their home to a new family to create wonderful memories and enjoy the company of friends and family and laughter of children once again.