A historically significant Fig Tree Pocket riverfront estate, originally acclaimed for its groundbreaking design and home to one of Brisbane’s most influential creative families for nearly 65 years, is now available for purchase for the first time in seven decades.
The award-winning residence, perched on one of the highest ridgelines in Brisbane’s western suburbs, was originally built in the late 1940s and went on the market in mid-June, with an auction scheduled for 28 June.
A Legacy on the Market
Spanning two titles and a sprawling 3136 square metres of private grounds at 290 Jesmond Road, this exceptional property offers panoramic views that stretch from Mt Coot-tha across the city skyline to Cunningham’s Gap in the west. Its impressive 35.9 metres of river frontage and 47.395 metres of street frontage make it a standout in the area. The residence is recognised for its vision, having received design awards shortly after its completion.
Pioneering Design and Vision
From its humble beginnings as a two-bedroom home with a maid’s quarters, the property evolved under the care of its long-term owners, architect Bill Conrad and his wife Janet. Purchased by the couple in 1957, the home was considered daring for its time, featuring polished Crow ash timber floors, distinctive stonework at the entryway, and modern aluminium-framed windows.
Bill Conrad was a prominent figure in Brisbane’s architectural scene, leading the firm Conrad Gargett, which later merged with Architectus. His passion for design, shared with Janet, ensured the home continually adapted while respecting its original architectural spirit. Rooms were reconfigured, living spaces were expanded, including a dining area designed by award-winning architect Bruce Wolfe, and new decks were added to embrace the tranquil gardens and changing city views.
Gardens of Distinction
Janet Conrad, a distinguished landscape architect and one of Queensland’s first female professionals in her field, brought her expertise to the property’s extensive gardens. These lush, tiered landscapes drew inspiration from the influential designer Edna Walling.
The gardens showcase weathered stone walls and pavers, subtle land sculpting, and a series of “garden rooms” each with unique charm. This thoughtful design ensures a harmonious connection between the house and its outdoor spaces, with every room offering a different garden perspective. The lower terraces were designed to naturally blend into the surrounding bushland.
A Family Home and Community Hub
For nearly 65 years, the property served as a cherished family home where Bill and Janet raised their three sons. Their son Michael Conrad reflected that moving to what was then a pineapple plantation with a dirt road was a bold decision, but it became a home they never wanted to leave.
The expansive backyard and riverside location provided an idyllic childhood, with activities like fishing, crabbing, sailing, and even swimming across the river. Beyond family life, the property was also a perfect setting for entertaining, hosting numerous social gatherings on its lawn terraces, spacious riverside deck, and open-plan living areas.
Unrivalled Views and Prime Location
The property’s commanding position on a hilltop overlooks a slope that once grew pineapples, stretching down to the Brisbane River. With a 33-metre elevation, it is confirmed by Brisbane City Council’s online contour map as the highest riverfront property in Brisbane’s western suburbs.
The views are extensive, encompassing the winding river downstream towards Taylor Bridge and upstream towards Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, as well as the suburbs of Chelmer and Sherwood, and the impressive city skyline. The western aspect reveals another hidden panorama across Brisbane’s plains towards Cunningham’s Gap, offering spectacular sunsets.
Future Potential for Fig Tree Pocket
Comprising two separate titles (288 Jesmond Road, 1,492 square metres, and 290 Jesmond Road, 1,644 square metres), the estate offers considerable potential for its next owners.
Buyers have options ranging from preserving the architect-designed home and its historic integrity, undertaking a significant modern redesign, or exploring a reimagined riverside development, subject to Council approval. This generational opportunity represents a rare chance to acquire one of Brisbane’s truly iconic residential addresses.
Published Date 25-Jun-2025
