A historic Paddington residential estate has broken the local property price record after a massive architectural transformation successfully blended its nineteenth-century heritage with modern design.
A Record-Breaking Neighborhood Milestone
The landmark corner property, known as ‘The Governess’, sold for an undisclosed amount confirmed to be above twelve million dollars, setting a new benchmark for the area. The sale surpassed the previous suburb record established earlier by a nearby property on Reading Street. Local real estate experts noted that the significant transaction reflects the high demand for meticulously preserved character homes within the tightly knit community.
The original multi-block estate sat on more than sixteen hundred square metres of land directly across from Government House, making it a prominent fixture for local residents and motorists who frequently admired the property.
Preserving History with Local Flair
The extensive project began after Brisbane surgeon Justin Perron and his wife, Clare Gorman, purchased the site from professional basketball player Aron Baynes for five point eight million dollars. The couple took on a pre-approved development plan to modernise the estate while protecting its deep historical roots.
A prominent local construction and design firm handled the year-long build, which focused on keeping the original street-facing features intact. The front of the home still retains its traditional nineteenth-century craftsmanship, including decorative balustrading, detailed fretwork, and pressed metal ceilings that celebrate the architectural history of the suburb.
Modern Design Built for Family Living
Behind the classic facade, the new extension introduces a complete shift toward contemporary architecture. The addition utilises clean lines, massive glass walls, and large open-plan spaces designed to connect indoor living with the outdoor environment. The layout centers around a large kitchen built for entertaining, while the entire upper level functions as a private master suite equipped with its own lounge area and a custom staircase.
The lower level provides practical spaces for daily family life, including a home gym and a temperature-controlled tasting room with a built-in cellar and lounge area situated behind insulated glass. While the previous owners are moving to another property nearby, they expressed excitement about passing the historic estate on to its next caretakers.
Published Date 20-May-2026
