Former Queensland Governor lists Ascot home

Major General Peter Arnison and his wife Barbara are downsizing to an apartment on the Brisbane River and selling their Queenslander in Ascot.

They purchased the home in Yabba Street 24 years ago.

The 86 Yabba St, Ascot property will go to auction on May 17 with Ray White auctioneer Heasley Cush holding the gavel.

The Arnisons moved into the home when Peter retired from the Australian Army in 1996, and subsequently leased it while they were living in Government House during Peter’s tenure as Governor of Queensland for six years until July 2003.

During the first half of 2003, an old extension at the back of the house was demolished and re-built.

“We commissioned heritage architect, Desley Campbell-Stewart with a brief that the new structure was to flow seamlessly from the original house, ensuring as much natural light as possible, including high ceilings with clerestory windows and providing easy access to the garden and pool,” Mrs Arnison said.

“We told our builders, Kevin and Darren Fryer of Fryer Homes that the work had to be completed by July 29, 2003 as a new Governor was to be sworn in, and that we needed to return home to Yabba Street.”

Major General Arnison added that the time was right to sell.

“We have had many happy, enjoyable years living here. For us it’s a downsizing exercise, which we have been thinking about for a few years now. The street is changing, there’s lots of young families returning and it’s a wonderful place to raise children,” he said.

Ray White New Farm agent Scott Darwon commented that this home typified Ascot living at its finest.