History


Albert River Wines History The original homestead was a single-story bungalow in the traditional style now known as the 'Queenslander'. In 1880, the home was bought by Sir Thomas Mcllwraith, then serving his first term as Premier of Queensland. He named the house 'Auchenflower' after the much-loved Ayrshire, Scotland farm of his Great Uncle. The word stems for the Gaelic 'Achaidhean Fluir', meaning 'fertile fields' or ' field of flowers'.

The McIlwraiths redesigned much of the original home and considerable additions were made. The result was a gentleman's residence vying with the best in the colonies. In it's heyday, this grand home was appropriate to the 'field of the flowers' name.

Verandahs from 12 ft. to 14 ft. wide surrounded the house and gave access from outside to all parts within. Two additional Queensland Premiers made Auchenflower their home: Sir Arthur Palmer, and Queensland's first Labor Premier, Mr.T.J.Ryan.

Sir Thomas Mcllwraith

From 1927 until 1965, Auchenflower House was the home of the Carmelite nuns. The ballroom was converted to become the Chapel of Carmel of the Holy Spirit, where Sunday services were conducted and the present-day Tasting Centre became the closed nuns' Cloister. The rest of the house became the Carmelite Monastery.

In 1969, the Hancock Family purchased and relocated Auchenflower House to 'Early Street Historical Village'. Nearly thirty years later, Early Street Historical village finally closed its doors in 1998 to make way for a residential development.

Having been purchased by David and Janette Bladin, the owners of another historical property, Tamborine House, Auchenflower was relocated to their property in late 1998 to become the new home of Albert River Wines. Although now about one-fifth its original size, the house has been extensively restored to its original grandeur. Historic 'Queenslanders' such as Tamborine House and Auchenflower House are important, not just for their age, but because they represent a unique style of architecture.


Sir Arthur Palmer	Mr.T.J.Ryan