With its timeless Mediterranean beauty, Oogarding is considered one of the most charming homes in Bardon. Get to know some of the most interesting details about this heritage-listed villa, designed by Mervyn Rylance, a renowned Brisbane architect in the mid-20th century.
Oogarding was built in 1941 for entrepreneurs James Gervase Joyce (also known as Gerb Joyce) and Edith Joyce who wanted to have a house on a one-acre allotment from Pen-y-lan, their subdivided property in Bardon.
The two-storey house was designed by Mervyn Hamilton Rylance, who was known for designing a number of expensive and substantial homes in Mediterranean style during the interwar period.
Photo credit: Queensland Heritage Branch staff
Rylance made a name not just in the world of architecture but also in the world of sports. He represented Australia against New Zealand in rugby union in 1926.
It was built by Jan Cupka and it seemed to have been built on the basis of a negotiated contract because no tender was advertised. The Joyce family regarded Mr Cupka as a “dedicated professional,” because he would attend the site every couple of days throughout its nine-month construction period.
Photo credit: Aussie~mobs/Flickr
The name Oogarding came from the Aboriginal equivalent of Helidon Spa Water Company, where the family got their wealth from. Gerb Joyce is one of the two sons of John Joyce, who was the managing director of the Helidon Spa Water Company. When John Joyce died, he passed the business to his brother and his sons Gerb and Joseph Patrick.
Today, the house is considered as one of the best surviving examples of Rylance’s works and of Mediterranean style architecture in Queensland.
The house underwent major renovations in 1965 when a new garage, front terrace, and other landscape works were added, along with remodeling of the kitchen based on the designs of Hayes, Scott and Hnederson Architects.
As the property market cools in other parts of Australia, Bardon still managed to record high buyer demand as it makes it to the list of resilient suburbs in Queensland, the latest research says.
PopTrack’s latest data crunch covering the three months to November 30, 2022, identified the areas with the largest number of potential purchasers per sale for listing as well as an average house or unit price that has been stable or has shown growth.
They looked into the suburb’s automated valuation model or AVM figure, which estimated the value of individual properties to then assign a suburb value. This gives a more holistic overview of the suburb as compared to looking at sale prices alone.
PropTrack economist Angus Moore said that whilst prices across much of the country fell due to higher interest rates, the declines didn’t appear to be evenly spread and there are some areas where values hold up.
Brisbane continued to perform strongly over the past year or so, the report said, defying the current coiling trends in southern states. The list is led by Belmont which managed to record an AVM of $1.11 million, rising 0.9 per cent, and where 106 potential buyers per house listing showed interest.
Meanwhile, Bardon topped the list when it comes to the units market where it recorded 116 buyers per listing and an AMV value of $948,000 or an increase of 2.4 per cent in the three months to 30 November.
Experts say that Bardon attracts young professionals, small families, downsizers and astute investors due to its good growth prospects and rental returns. In 2023, buyer demand is seen to likely exceed supply in the area mainly because of its good location, lifestyle and proximity to reputable schools.
Meanwhile, national home price falls have slowed down in January 2023 or a decline of just 0.09 per cent. That equates to a downturn of 4.51 per cent from its March 2022 peak, PopTrack Home Price Index shows.
Brisbane, Sydney and Hobart recorded the fastest pace of home price decline when compared to their respective peaks. Brisbane home prices dropped 0.07 per cent month-on-month in January 2023 which is 3.76 per cent below its recent peak.
Still, Brisbane home prices are higher by 42.1 per cent compared to pre-pandemic levels, a pattern seen in the rest of Australian capital cities as well as regional counterparts.
Nestled in the heart of Rosalie, Old Monk elevates traditional Indian cuisine by giving it a fresh, modern twist that’s guaranteed to please even the most discerning palate.
Named after an iconic dark rum, Old Monk serves up contemporary versions of traditional Indian fare presented via an extensive menu of small and large plates designed to be mixed, matched and shared plus vegan and vegetarian options to boot. Enjoy their mouth-watering dishes al fresco or inside their purple-hued dining area where a long banquette seating awaits.
Whilst you will find re-interpreted classic Indian dishes, there are also fresh offerings plus chef-recommended dishes that are definitely worth a try.
Curry leaf lamb with fenugreek roti | Photo credit: Facebook / Old Monk Modern Indian
Small plates offerings include Katori Chaat made with grated fried potatoes filled with spiced chickpeas and potatoes then topped with chutneys; Curry leaf masala tossed with shredded lamb and served with crispy fenugreek leaf roti; and Smokey Chicken Tikka made with boneless chicken marinated in yogurt and spices then cooked in tandoori before serving with salad and chutneys.
Chicken Tikka Masala | Photo credit: Facebook / Old Monk Modern Indian
Large plates offerings you could try include Himachali Goat dish which is a slow cooked goat on the bone with onion and tomato masala and served in a handi; and Tandoori Roasted Chicken Tikka cooked with onion and capsicum in mild tomato gravy then finished with fenugreek leaves.
As for the drinks offering, Old Monk has prepared a list of sparkling, white, rose and red wines, plus gin, vodka, rum, tequila, beer and cider.
“Do yourself a favor and visit this lovely restaurant in Paddington. The service is unmatched. The staff truly cares about your experience. The food is absolutely amazing – everything we tasted melted in our mouths. Absolutely the best meal we had while in Old monk modern Indian restaurant. Highly recommend!” – D. Patel
“Travelling from interstate stumbled upon this beautiful restaurant.. Great ambience & delicious food !! Staff is very friendly and helpful which made it a wholesome experience… highly recommend it.” – E. Karhpal
“Highly recommend…service was amazing food was amazing so much flavour and extremely authentic. After searching for an Indian restaurant after travelling to India I can officially say I have found a place that taste just like your back in india.” – T. L. Beasley
Old Monk sits at 1/151 Baroona Road in Paddington, next door Blue Room Cinebar. You’ll find them open from Monday to Sunday, 4.30 pm till late.
The provision of new field lights are expected to help the club build in new training flexibility and attract new members. It’s currently one of the largest football clubs in Brisbane with over 700 registered members.
Member for Cooper Jonty Bush visited the club on 25 January 2023, with Minister Stirling Hinchliffe MP to see the progress of the new field lights.
Photo credit: Bardon Latrobe Football Club/Facebook
Ms Bush said that over recent years, the Queensland Government has invested almost $380,000 in the Football Club including two new change rooms, aluminium seating, Active Clubs funding and $5,400 in FairPlay vouchers.
Ms Jonty Bush with President of Bardon Latrobe Football Club Samuel Casey and Minister Stirling Hinchliffe MP (Photo credit: Jonty Bush – Member for Cooper)
“Sporting clubs like Bardon Latrobe FC are very important for keeping Queenslanders of all ages active and healthy, and connected with their local community,” Ms Bush said.
They also announced the new funding programs for community not-for-profit sporting clubs, which will open on 31 January and will accept applications until 2 March 2023.
Grants, which start at $50,000 can be used for projects such as new upgraded and end-of-life replacement projects, Lighting, cycling trails, pathways, ramps, skateparks, fixed exercise equipment, change rooms, as well as upgrading tennis, netball, bowls or indoor court surfaces.
Photo credit: Bardon Latrobe Football Club/Facebook
Meanwhile, the State Government has recently launched the first round of FairPlay for 2023, providing up to 46,000 vouchers worth almost $7 million to help low-income Queensland families with the cost of sport and active recreation sign on fees up to $150.
Applications for FairPlay vouchers are open to parents, carers and guardians with a current Services Australia Health Care Card or a Pensioner Concession Card for students aged five to 17 years.
Clubs and recreation providers participating in FairPlay and more information about family eligibility can be found at: www.qld.gov.au/fairplayvouchers.
Looking for activities to do with the kids during the school holidays? Get ready to welcome a new year of space discovery with educational and fun-filled activities at Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium! Here are upcoming events to look forward to at the planetarium in January 2023.
Explore the universe without leaving Brisbane! If you want to chart a course through the Solar System or venture past the Milky Way galaxy, don’t miss to book for Destination: Universe.
Dates:
Tue, 17 Jan
Wed, 18 Jan
Thu, 19 Jan
Fri, 20 Jan
Sat, 21 Jan
Sun, 22 Jan
Perfect Little Planet
Photo credit: www.brisbane.qld.gov.au
Ever wondered what it’s like to take a tour of the Solar System? Join the Perfect Little Planet, a new children’s show about our Solar System as seen from the perspective of a visiting family on vacation from another star system. Inclusive of a night sky tour, this 35-minute tour is suitable for children ages 3 and above.
Dates:
Wed, 18 Jan
Thu, 19 Jan
Fri, 20 Jan
Sat, 21 Jan
Sun, 22 Jan
Cosmic Collisions
Photo credit: www.brisbane.qld.gov.au
Cosmic Collisions is a show which illustrates the role collisions have played and continue to play in our universe. Narrated by actor and director Robert Redford, it is one of the great productions of the American Museum of Natural History in New York.
Dates:
Wed, 18 Jan
Fri, 20 Jan
Sat, 21 Jan
Sun, 22 Jan
Passport to the Universe
Photo credit: Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium/Facebook
Narrated by Tom Hanks, Passport to the Universe is a thrilling journey across the Solar System, through the Milky Way Galaxy to the edge of the observable Universe.
Dates:
Thu, 19 Jan
Sat, 21 Jan
Sun, 22 Jan
Tycho Goes to Mars
Photo credit: Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium/Facebook
Join Tycho, everyone’s favourite cheeky dog as he discovers Mars. Tycho is in search of water to fly his steam-powered space kennel back home. But how will he find water on Mars, when it looks so cold, dusty and dry? Find out in this show, produced by Melbourne Planetarium at Scienceworks, Museums Victoria.
Narrated by Academy Award winner Lupita Nyong’o, it tells the story of the dynamic worlds that share our Solar System, and the unique conditions that make life on Earth possible. Take a journey far beyond our own planet to marvel at the latest discoveries from our cosmic neighbours.
Date:
Thu, 19 Jan
The Little Star That Could
Photo credit: www.brisbane.qld.gov.au
It follows the story of Little Star, an average yellow star searching for planets of his own. Along the way he meets other types of stars, learns what makes each star special, and discovers that stars combine to form clusters and galaxies.
Work has actually started with the expansion plans as walls have been torn down between the two shops. New floors, ceiling, lights and shelves will be added in the next few weeks to create a “superstore.”
The extra space, spanning 460 square metres, will provide Rosalie Gourmet Market with a back office and a commercial kitchen.
“We are so excited to bring this new boutique food hub which will combine gourmet food products and some convenience lines. Bear with us while renovate, we know you will love the end result,” owner Raeleen Gough said.
Plans to expand the favourite local shop have been Ms Gough’s goal for years. When she learned that her next-door neighbour, Delong Londrid, was planning to sell Foodstore, the two business people talked and negotiated.
Ms Gough was also able to secure a five-year lease into the bigger space and will still be offering Foodstore products along with new versions of convenience store and gourmet picks. The Foodstore’s frozen line will also be expanded.
Ms Gough said that the pandemic lockdowns gave her business the opportunity to expand because more people working from home patronised their products.
Rosalie Gourmet Market has over 3,000 items from cured meats, cheese, artisan bread, patisserie items, take-home meals, and fresh fruits and vegetables. The shop celebrated 25 years at the end of October 2022.
Old Monk may be a newcomer to Paddington, having just opened in April 2022, but this modern Indian restaurant is already getting noticed for its extraordinary fare. Topping the list of popular dishes is an unusual one for most: the Himachali goat curry.
Himachali goat curry is slow-cooked on the bone and steeped in onion and tomato masala (blended spices). At Old Monk, it’s served in a handi, a deep round pot commonly used in north India.
This gluten-free dish is lovingly prepared by the owners according to their ‘mum’s recipe.’ It’s a dish close to their hearts and it’s often prepared on special occasions.
Curry is Old Monk’s signature dish and the neon writing across the wall of their dining area says it all. “I love you but don’t touch my curry.”
Photo credit: Old Monk Modern Indian/Facebook
“Old Monk is best described as India on a plate with Brisbane in Mind,” their owners proudly say. The restaurant offers a curation of their interpretation of Indian cuisine, with small and large servings of food designed to be shared, mixed and matched, so people dining together get to sample ‘a little of everything and not too much of something.’
Those who love curry can opt for the curry leaf masala toasted with shredded lamb with crispy roti. Also popular is the goan fish curry, a spicy fish curry with chilli, fenugreek seeds and tamarind pulp.
Aside from their curries, other standout items on the menu include lamb shank korma, Colonel Tso’s cauliflower, butter chicken, and the kadai chicken (chicken sauteed with onions, capsicums, fresh ginger, and coriander).
Lamb shank korma (Photo credit: Old Monk Modern Indian/Facebook)
“Love the ambience of the place and food is to die for. My favourites and highly recommended is pan fried momos, lamb shank korma and chef recommended goat curry is definite to hit those umami cravings…”
Sushen, local guide
Foodies who are in for a sweet treat always end up trying the rasmalai, flattened balls of Indian cottage cheese soaked in clotted cream flavoured with cardamom, or the kulfi, their house-made Indian ice cream.
Photo credit: Old Monk Modern Indian/Facebook
There is also a variety of options for drinks, which includes beer, wine, gin, vodka, tea, coffee, and the housemade lassis (Indian drink made from a yoghurt or buttermilk base with water).
Thai Terrace, located just below Cinebar Rosalie Village, is a restaurant serving authentic Thai and Cantonese cuisine in a contemporary dining setting.
A favourite among locals and tourists alike, this restaurant has been a longtime staple in Rosalie Village, having been established in 2002.
Thai Terrace is a great place for those who are especially fond of pad thai or those who need their quick fix of Thai curry and noodles.
The restaurant’s vibrant pad thai (Photo credit: Thai Terrace/Facebook)
Pad thai, the famous stir-fry noodle dish, is served with tofu egg, shallots, your choice of protein, and their special sauce. Here, proteins include chicken, beef, prawn, duck, tofu and you can opt for vegan and gluten-free.
Photo credit: Foodie Adventure/Google Maps
Their Thai style curries, are such a hit, especially the Massuman beef curry, which comes with melt-in-your-mouth slow cooked chunks of beef, with potatoes, onion, peanuts, and crispy fried onion, simmered in coconut milk and balanced to perfection with an artisan Massuman paste.
Photo credit: Thai Terrace/Facebook
Dine on the restaurant’s elevated terrace, where you can take advantage of Brisbane’s great weather but if you prefer a more intimate dining experience, dine at their stylish indoor dining area.
The Chef’s Recommendations notably has lots of seafood, with selections like the Chilli Calamari, Prawn Superb, Tamarind Prawns, and Lemon Fish.
Photo credit: thaiterrace.com.au
End your meal with black sticky rice, deep fried ice cream, choc cookie sundae, or salted caramel sundae.
Thai Terrace is a licensed restaurant, with a wide selection of beers, wines and spirits specially selected to compliment the menu, though BYO wine is welcome.
Did you know that Bardon was originally known as ‘Upper Paddington’ before it was renamed in 1925 after Bardon House, a heritage-listed stone villa in the area?
The 159-year-old house was built by prominent builder and architect Joshua Jeays who also served as a mayor of Brisbane. Based on records, Bardon House was construction started in 1863, only a year after the area was first surveyed.
The first land sales for the area took place in November 1862. Jeays purchased two lots there and later bought 38 more acres of land from a man named Francis Lyon. It was where the iconic Bardon House was built.
Early Years
Barhon House was taken after Jeays’ birthplace, Leicestershire, England, which was home to Bardon, a former village and ‘Bardon Hill,’ which was known as the highest hill in the land.
Photo credit: State Library of Queensland
Jeays trained as a carpenter and builder in Leicestershire before he emigrated to Moreton Bay in 1853 with his wife Sarah and their four children.
They lived in North Quay for a time, but his wife, who was suffering poor health by then, wanted to live near the calmness of the hills and requested her husband to build their home on one of the heights outside the town.
Jeays was known for building homes for well-known Brisbane residents such as Walter Hill, who founded the Botanic Gardens, Patrick Mayne, who owned a house in Auchenflower, and the Cribb family.
Joshua Jeays (Photo credit: State Library of Queensland)
Jeays chose the elevated area of the Paddington hills and built a home there for his wife. However, Jeays refused to reside there after his wife did not live to occupy the house. It was passed to his son, Charles Jeays and then to his daughter Sarah Jane.
Joshua Jeays retired shortly after his wife’s death and stayed at his home in North Quay until his death in 1881.
Prominent Residents
The Lilleys
Sarah Jane Jeays lived at the Bardon House in 1866 with her husband Sir Charles Lilley, who was a former Premier and Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Queensland.
Sarah Jane and Sir Charles had five daughters – Annie, Ethel, Gertrude, Sibyl, and Grace, and eight sons – Edwyn, Charles, Walter, Harold, Arthur, Alfred, Bertram and Wilfred.
Sir Charles Lilley (Photo credit: John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland)
Sir Charles was a barrister and journalist, who gained popularity for advocating the separation of Queensland from New South Wales.
The Lilleys were believed to have stayed there for only a year, after it was advertised in 1867, describing the house, as a “stone villa, containing ten rooms beside coach-house, stables, out-offices, and garden, and 40 or 90 acres of land securely fenced.”
Exley Family
Exley was born and raised in London but came to Queensland under contract to the QLD Government and was admitted to the Department of Public Instruction.
He also worked as an assistant teacher at the Brisbane Central Boys’ School before being appointed as headmaster of the Ithaca Creek School, which is one of the oldest schools in the State.
Arthur Exley, fifth from left, on the back row (Photo credit: garlandmemorial.com)
Meanwhile, his wife Elizabeth was also known for her work on social services for women and children. She was among the people behind the establishment of the first Queensland branch of the Anglican missionary organisation the Mothers Union and the District Nursing Association.
Arthur and Elizabeth lived at the house along with their five children until 1925.
Franciscan Sisters
Franciscan Sisters (Photo credit: Missionary Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate Conception Australia)
Following the Exleys, the residence and the surrounding land was acquired by Archbishop James Duhig for the Roman Catholic Church, for use as a convent and church for the new parish of Rosalie (now Toowong).
The Franciscan Sisters resided there and held classes for around 31 students. Later on, a benefactor donated a significant amount of money for a new school, now St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School.
From Upper Paddington to Bardon
Bardon in the 1930s (Photo credit: John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland)
In 1925, the same year the house was turned over to the Catholic Church, the Ithaca Town Council renamed the area Bardon, taken after Jeays’ villa.
An advertisement for the lot sales in the area described it as “high and healthy with magnificent views” and “only six minutes from the Paddington Tram Terminus.”
During this time, the area became so popular with young families that a new school was needed.
In 1928, Rainworth State School, now one of the leading schools in Bardon, opened its doors to 238 students. Back then, there were only five teachers and eight classrooms.
Bardon’s population grew and car ownership saw a gradual increase. Around this time, Bardon became a more convenient and desirable suburb.
Bardon House at Present
Bardon House in 2017 (Photo credit: Queensland Government Heritage Branch Staff)
Today, Bardon House is considered as one of the oldest landmarks in the area. It is located at 41 The Drive, Bardon and forms part of the campus of St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School.
As part of the Catholic school, Bardon House served as a convent, classrooms, school administration and music rooms.
The house is one of the few examples of Victorian Gothic style stone houses in Queensland, featuring a complex steeply pitched roof of intersecting gables and dormer windows. Other houses with the same style as the Bardon House are the old Roma Villa in Roma St, which has undergone renovation, and the Kedron Lodge.
It was constructed of a combination of coursed and uncoursed squared rubble and rough faced sandstone, providing protection to corners, doors and windows.
It was entered on the Heritage Register on 21 October 1992. Because of its elevated position, Bardon House is a prominent feature along The Drive and makes an important contribution to the streetscape.
“I had never heard of this place but the food was incredible. The charred Edamame starter was one of the best things I’ve eaten in a while. The donburi was amazing and came with pickles, furikake and miso. Its a really awesome place and very yum. I will definitely be back again soon!” – Harry Chiem
If you’re a fan of Japanese rice bowls but haven’t checked out Uncle Don yet, then it is about time you do. Visit this restaurant in Rosalie and get your fill of their casual yet tasty Donburi meals.
Donburi is a simple meal prepared using steamed rice and then topped with meat, vegetable and sauce before serving in a large bowl called “don”. And when it comes to preparing this delicious Japanese dish, Uncle Don elevates the art to another level.
Starters include charred broccolini in truffle soy; baked cauliflower with miso chickpea cream and herbs; a Japanese crunch pork cutlet sandwich and fried eggplant with sweet miso and spring onion.
Baked Cauliflower with Miso cream | Uncle Don / Facebook
Starters include charred broccolini in truffle soy; baked cauliflower with miso chickpea cream and herbs; japanese crunch pork cutlet sandwich and fried eggplant with sweet miso and spring onion.
Charred Broccolini with house-made truffle soy sauce | Uncle Don / Facebook
The dons are divided into seafood, chicken, beef, pork and vegetarian options. You might want to try their salmon sashimi don served with sushi rice, shiso leaf, soy cured yolk and ikura. Or their steamed rice topped with oven-baked soft salmon prepared with kimchi, kewpie, tenkasu, roasted seaweed flakes and shallot.
Baked Cauliflower with Miso Cream | Uncle Don / Facebook Tenkasu baked salmon don | Uncle Don / Facebook
If red meat is your thing, then try the wagyu steak don in teriyaki butter, soft-cooked free-range egg, roasted seaweed flakes and shallot; and sweet soy-marinated pork, fukujinzuke, soft-cooked free-range egg and shallot.
Grilled Buta Don (marinated pork don) | Uncle Don / Facebook
Other options include premium panko crumbed chicken with housemade katsu sauce, scrambled free-range egg, fukujinzuke and shallot; and grilled shiitake mushroom with ginger yuzu, marinated mushroom and shallot.
Matcha Tiramisu Don | Uncle Don / Facebook
Don’t forget to try matcha tiramisu don which is a dessert made with mascarpone, castella and matcha for an enjoyable sweet finish.
“Authentic Japanese don! We love the environment and the food are very eye catching! I love how they present their food, it is like an art piece! I would definitely go back again to try the salmon don as it was out of stock when I visited. There are plenty of parking outside the restaurant.” – Yap venture
“We came here as it was highly recommended by a friend. The food was so delicious, neatly presented, and came out quickly. The matcha tiramisu is a must try! It’s so creamy but not too sweet. Tables fill up quickly, so best to book ahead.” – Janette M.
