A modest post-war house in Bardon that has been reimagined over two decades into one of Brisbane’s most recognised private residences is now set to change hands in the community where it has long been a local conversation piece.
The property, known as The Lighthouse, was purchased in 2003 by architect Shaun Lockyer and his wife Julie. What began as a small home on Rosewood Street grew through 11 stages of careful renovation, expanding almost seven-fold. The Lockyers raised their two children there, shaping the house around family life while steadily refining its design.
From post-war home to architectural landmark
The couple bought the house from Brisbane doctor James Scott, who survived 43 days lost in the Himalayas in 1991. From its humble beginnings, the building evolved into a residence that reflects Lockyer’s design philosophy: abundant natural light, integration with outdoor space, and a focus on everyday comfort.
Across four bedrooms and three bathrooms, the property has been shaped to balance function with atmosphere. The living and dining areas flow onto a deck, and landscaping has been as integral to the project as the architecture itself. For Lockyer, who has designed some of Australia’s most high-profile homes, the Bardon project became both a family base and a long-running experiment in design.
A family story intertwined with architecture
Lockyer has described the decision to move as an emotional one. For him and his wife, leaving the home means parting with more than a design achievement; it means stepping away from a place filled with family memories. The project was never a single commission but a 22-year journey shaped by the rhythms of raising children and refining space as the household’s needs changed.
Auction set for October
The home will be offered through Ray White Bulimba, with principal Matt Lancashire leading the campaign. The auction is scheduled for 18 October. Lancashire has said the property is significant not only because of its architectural pedigree but also because it represents the personal residence of one of Brisbane’s leading architects.
As the Bardon chapter closes, the Lockyers are preparing for a move to Teneriffe. Their next home will again reflect Lockyer’s preference for natural materials such as timber, stone and concrete.
For the Bardon community, the sale marks the end of a long association between the architect and a house that has become part of the suburb’s identity.
Published 16-Sept-2025
