Palma Rosa

Location: 9 Queens Rd, Hamilton

Palma Rosa is a heritage listed home located on Queens Road in Hamilton. The property was built in 1887 by Italian architect and builder Andrea Stombuco, and was originally named Sans Souci.

Update: Palma Rosa is to be auctioned Saturday 13 March 2010 at 11am. The property is open for inspection Saturday 6 March from 2pm to 2:30pm. Click here to see the listing.

Palma Rosa has a rich history of usage and ownership. Many socially prominent people and their families have either owned or lived in Palma Rosa, and the property has been used as a base for the US Army, converted to a convalescence hospital, and more recently as the base for an association (the ESU) which lists Queen Elizabeth II as its patron.

Palma Rosa Timeline

1887 - Built by Andrea Stombuco - Italian architect
1890 - Becomes a rental property
1904 - 1934 - Owned by Sir Arthur Palmer, former premier of Queensland
1944 - Commandeered by the US Army Counter Intelligence Corps
1951 - Becomes a boarding house, Sir William Knox and several other Judges stay there
1960's - Converted to a convalescence hospital by new owners
1972 - Near derelict, the property is sold at auction to Ralph Holden on behalf of the English Speaking Union (ESU)
2002 - Hosts a visit by HRH Price Phillip
2010 - Up for auction

Palma Rosa is constructed from sandstone quarried from Petrie's Quarry on the northern side of Crosby Road in Hamilton. No expense was spared in its construction with elaborate French-polished joinery, highly decorative cornices and ceiling roses, crystal chandeliers in all rooms, fluted columns and Sicilian marble used for the front steps, porch and mantelpieces.

Situated on a generous 1181m2, the home features a sprung floor ballroom, an elegant formal lounge and dining with marble fireplaces, curved windows, magnificent views and original crystal chandeliers. In the mid 1900's, decorative and highly intricate fretwork was added along with wraparound balconies on two levels

Included amongst those who have enjoyed Palma Rosa are socialites, politicians, and royalty, with the most recent visit being HRH Prince Phillip in 2002. The home of a former Premier of Queensland, Sir Arthur Palmer, in the early 1900's the residence was infamous for his race-day veranda parties, overlooking the Albion Park Racecourse.