The oldest high set timber and corrugated iron building in North Queensland, Loudoun House is a unique example of colonial architecture, and the development of the 'Queenslander' style of housing. The house is built mainly of local red cedar and consists of the main home and office section and the adjoining servants quarters, kitchen and Laundry.
Built by John Moffat in 1884, around the buildings are remnants of the once magnificent gardens, including geometric garden beds typical of wealthy colonial homes of the 1890's.
Today, Loudoun House Museum displays the fascinating artifacts of Irvinebank's past. These include relics of the tin industry and life in a frontier mining town as well as an extensive photographic collection.
The ground floor section was once John Moffat and Company's office, and later served the same purpose for the State Treatment Works which borders the property. John Moffat's desk and chair are on display along with some of his personal artifacts. There is a book collection which came from the the School of Arts Library, which John Moffat frequented and donated books to.
Upstairs was the living area for the Moffat family and includes a living room with a fireplace and bedrooms. The large dining hall that was attached to the house unfortunately burned down many years ago, but the large kitchen and servants quarters are still extant.
The museum is an important part of the town and serves visitors as an informal information center. You can pick up printed guides to the historical sites and attractions around the village and get useful advice on what to see and do in and around Irvinebank.
Loudoun House Museum is a great resource for family historians with Irvinebank links.
Loudoun House Museum
Telephone: 07 40 964 020
Postal Address: Irvinebank, Q. 4872 Australia
click for map