Wayne Morris, the 85-year-old owner of Sandgate’s second oldest home which is going under the hammer at 6pm on October 30. Picture, John Gass
The second-oldest residence in one of Brisbane’s hottest bayside enclaves is heading to auction, just as property guru John McGrath picks the suburb for top 2027 growth.
Built in the 1870s, “Rothsay” on First Avenue, Sandgate is recognised as the second-oldest surviving residence in the bayside suburb – and has been in the Morris family for decades after originally serving as the manse for the local church.
Wayne Morris, with Sandgate Real Estate’s Aarthi Venkatesan and Austin Connolly on site. Picture, John Gass
Its owner Wayne Morris, who is now preparing to hand over custodianship of the historic property, finds it way too big for his needs following the death of his wife.
Mr Morris, an avid walker who spent 38 years working overseas in the Solomon Islands travelling back and forth, said living in one of Sandgate’s original homes was about both character and convenience.
“I just love the style and aspect of the house – the tall ceilings and that style,” he told The Courier-Mail. “Even when looking at traditional Queenslanders, the fact is I don’t have to walk upstairs.”
Sandgate Real Estate co-owner and selling agent Aarthi Venkatesan said locals understood just what a huge move it was to see a home like Rothsay hit the market.
“Local buyers understand how tightly held the suburb is and are often prepared to wait years for the right property to become available. Rothsay is the type of landmark home that buyers immediately recognise as irreplaceable,” she said.
Sandgate was named one of John McGrath’s top picks for growth in 2027. Source: Realestate.com.au
Rothsay is the second oldest residence in Sandgate now. Source: Realestate.com.au
Mr Morris also understands that love of such a home. “This isn’t a house that someone is going to buy as an investment property. This is a house that someone is going to buy because they love it and they want to live in it.”
The decision to sell marks a deeply emotional milestone for Mr Morris following the passing of his wife a couple of years ago.
“It really is the end of an era,” Mr Morris said. “My wife passed away a couple of years ago, and I just haven’t had the inclination to maintain the house to the standard she kept it at. Three or four bedrooms for me to look after is just a bit too much now, so I’m looking to downsize to a retirement village in the area.”
“I’m hoping the buyer is someone who loves this style of home and is going to keep it up to the standard expected of an 1870s property.”
Ms Venkatesan said the suburb’s inclusion in McGrath’s top growth picks reflects a long-term shift in how buyers are prioritising lifestyle and character over sheer proximity to the city core.
“Sandgate offers a combination of lifestyle, location and community that is increasingly difficult to find in Brisbane,” Ms Venkatesan said.
Rothsay’s large country style kitchen in a suburb so close to the city. Source: Realestate.com.au
It still has its quirks from a bygone era like a fireplace in Queensland. Source: Realestate.com.au
“The Moreton Bay foreshore, village atmosphere, established schools, direct rail access to the CBD and convenient connections to the airport all add to its appeal. Its character is another major strength – heritage homes, traditional Queenslanders, and established streets create a relaxed seaside lifestyle without disconnecting residents from the city.”
Located just one house back from popular waterfront Flinders Parade, the property has direct sea breezes and views across to Woody Point – a location Mr Morris says gives the suburb its signature feel.
“The ambience of Sandgate is what I love – it has that holiday feel about it,” Mr Morris said. “Redoing Shorncliffe Pier has been amazing, and I love walking along the waterfront every morning.”
The charm of a wash table in this millennium. Source: Realestate.com.au
With supply severely constrained along the Moreton Bay coastline, local buyers who have watched the 4017 market for years are treating the auction of landmark estates like Rothsay as a generational opportunity.
“Rothsay captures what makes the 4017 area special,” Ms Venkatesan said. “Its history, character, position and connection to the waterfront give it an appeal that extends well beyond the bricks and mortar.”
“Rothsay” will go under the hammer on October 30 at 6pm.
The home is just steps from the waterfront. Source: Realestate.com.au