A Haunted House with a Rich History
A unique property in Paddington, Brisbane, has recently been sold for $3 million, far exceeding the opening bid of $2.75 million. This two-bedroom house at 31 Perrott Street has long been known as the ‘old haunted house’ by locals, owing to its mysterious past and eerie atmosphere.
The property has been in the same family for over a century and was originally used as a war hospital. It remained occupied until the 1990s before being mysteriously abandoned. The previous owners passed away, leaving the home uninhabited for more than 30 years. Architectural historian Marianne Taylor, who explored the house, described it as a time capsule, with everything left exactly as it was when the family departed.
A Time Capsule of the Past
Taylor shared her findings on social media, highlighting that the table was still set, with food remaining in the cupboard. The house is filled with old furniture, paintings, and personal belongings, creating an unsettling ambiance. There was even a creepy basement, adding to the sense of mystery surrounding the property.
The structure of the house is unique, with rooms spread across three floors and high ceilings adorned with stained glass windows. Despite some damage, such as holes in the ceilings, the home retains its original charm. Black-and-white photographs, leftover toy dolls, and other remnants of the past contribute to the foreboding atmosphere.
Historical Significance and Hidden Features
During her exploration, Taylor discovered what appeared to be pharmacy display cabinets in one room, along with Kodak camera film. She noted that the former resident, Marjorie Robertson, was a chemist in the 1930s. Chemists at the time also sold cameras and film, as well as processed them, which explains the presence of these items.
There is also a brick extension with a self-contained flat that has a roof covered in plants. Below this extension, Taylor filmed a dark bunker, which she speculated might have been an air raid shelter from the 1940s.
A Unique Property with Potential
According to the Ray White listing, the home is described as one of Paddington’s most talked-about properties, though it will require significant renovations to meet modern living standards. The 473 square meter property was auctioned off with an opening bid of $2.75 million, and a local family managed to secure it for $3.1 million.
While there is no specific data on two-bedroom homes in Paddington, the median price for a three-bedroom property in the suburb is $1.67 million. Despite its condition, the house has attracted considerable interest, with many visitors expressing admiration for its features.
A Home Full of Character
Among those who visited the house, one person loved the rustic laundry, which includes a spinner, beautiful copper fixtures, and the ability to build a fire underneath to heat water. Another praised the amazing ceilings, while a third called the property ‘gold,’ highlighting the colors of the windows and the character of the timber.
The house is located just 3 kilometers from Brisbane’s CBD, making it a convenient location for those looking to live close to the city center. The City Glider is the most convenient transport option for residents.
This historic property, with its rich history and unique features, continues to capture the imagination of locals and buyers alike. Its sale marks the end of a long period of abandonment and the beginning of a new chapter for this intriguing home.
