Prominent Brisbane business couple Steve and Dr Jane Wilson have listed their historic Highgate Hill estate Kinauld through Place New Farm director and selling agent Sarah Hackett.
The seven-bedroom residence at 116 Dornoch Terrace combines 1888 architecture with contemporary additions, panoramic city views and 2,211sqm of north-facing grounds, complete with a floodlit tennis court, swimming pool, putting green and sauna.
Kinauld has been the Wilsons’ family home for almost four decades, evolving through a series of meticulous and considered renovations as they raised their five children.
Their longstanding commitment to preserving and restoring significant architecture has extended to other projects, including Brisbane’s landmark Lamb House at Kangaroo Point. That passion began at Kinauld, where they developed an approach to restoration that honours a home’s history while allowing it to accommodate contemporary family life.
At Kinauld, architect Alexander Brown Wilson’s original design has been preserved alongside two contemporary extensions by heritage architect David Gole and JDA Co.
French-polished red cedar joinery, an original internal staircase, high ceilings and six working fireplaces remain defining features of the residence. New Guinea rosewood, black wattle joinery and natural stone feature in the additions.
Mr Wilson said the home’s evolution had been guided by both its architecture and the needs of their growing family.
“We fell in love with the original house and every renovation began with wanting to look after what made it special,” Mr Wilson said.
“As our family grew, we created more room to live, entertain and spend time together. The additions brought a different architectural expression while respecting the home we had first fallen for.”
Across three levels, Kinauld offers a choice of formal and informal living spaces, a music room, library and multiple studies.
The lower level brings together generous living and dining areas with a marble kitchen, substantial butler’s pantry and dedicated cold room. A 2,000-bottle wine cellar with a tasting room adds to the home’s entertaining credentials.
Beyond the interiors, verandahs and covered pavilions overlook established gardens and a broad central lawn. A dedicated dining pavilion incorporates a built-in barbecue and fireplace, while separate covered areas serve the swimming pool and tennis court.
Dr Wilson said the grounds had been as much a part of family life as the house itself.
“We’ve enjoyed everything from casual afternoons around the tennis court to milestone birthdays with family and friends,” she said.
“There’s room for a large family to spread out, but the house also draws everyone together. That has been one of the great pleasures of living here.”
The principal bedroom suite sits above the dining pavilion, with city views framed by the surrounding treetops. Extensive walk-in wardrobes, built-in seating and a marble ensuite with a separate bath and shower complete the retreat.
A glass-roofed connection leads to another private suite with its own verandah, walk-in wardrobe and ensuite, providing flexibility for guests or extended family.
The upper level accommodates three bedrooms, a spacious study and a bathroom, with access to the tower verandah.
Mrs Hackett said Kinauld offered a combination of architectural significance, substantial grounds and contemporary amenity that was difficult to reproduce.
“The appeal begins with the original home, but extends well beyond its history,” Mrs Hackett said.
“The contemporary wings give the home another dimension. They open it to the gardens and views, introduce private retreats and make it exceptionally well suited to family life today.
“There’s enough separation for older children, visiting family or long-term guests to enjoy their independence, with wonderful, shared spaces at the centre of the home,” she said.
Additional features include six bathrooms, a secure double garage, multiple laundries, a mudroom, ducted air-conditioning, security systems and a 100,000-litre rainwater tank.
Within the Brisbane State High School catchment, the property is close to South Bank, West Village, riverwalks and ferry connections.
Kinauld will be offered at an on-site auction on 21 November 2026 through Place New Farm director and selling agent Sarah Hackett.
