‘End of an era’: 1800s estate hits market as suburb tipped to boom

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 85-year-old 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, ...