Commanding estate in dress circle Brisbane

With its commanding presence, Nyrambla, the character filled estate in the leafy dress circle Brisbane suburb of Ascot is on the market for the first time in 100 years, and it offers a rich wartime history alongside the sprawling grounds and homestead.

Set behind large wrought iron gates, down the long driveway and hidden from street view, the estate’s garage of the 1800s property was one of the most important and top secret information centres of the Allies during WWII.

For about three years, Nyrambla at 21 Henry St, Ascot was requisitioned under the control of General Douglas MacArthur and became the Central Bureau, which was tasked with decoding Japanese radio transmissions. Once understood, the messages would be retransmitted to Allied bases around the world.

There are claims the Ascot property, built in 1885, is where the Japanese transmission that led to the ambush and death of Admiral Yamamoto, the architect of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbour, was intercepted and decoded.

Following the war, the ornate property was again returned to the residential housing pool. It has been owned by the late-Brisbane socialite Andree Daws, who passed away in August.

Her father Warwick Whatmore owned the property in the roaring 1920s. The wealthy businessman owned a cannery at Manly which he later sold to the Edgell company. The larger than life character famously drove a brand new Rolls Royce car every year.

Her husband, renowned artist Lawrence Daws, has a studio within the home.

Now, those wanting to get their hands on the impressive two-storey home with regal 4m high ceilings will have the opportunity after it was just listed for the first time in decades with Ray White Ascot.

The gated homestead features wraparound balconies on both floors, which overlook sprawling gardens. Over the years, upgrades were made to the home, including the additions of a pool and poolhouse.

Ray White Ascot principal Dwight Ferguson said the grand double story home with eight bedrooms on 2608sqm presented a once in a lifetime opportunity for the right buyers.

“This is truly one of the most significant homes to come onto the market in Brisbane. It’s been in the same family - on and off - for more than 100 years,” Mr Ferguson said.

Ms Daws' son Rick Roberts, who cared for his mum in recent years at Nyrambla, said the house could be easily reconfigured to the next family’s needs.

“Mum held all the notable parties here in the 80s and 90s, she was quite a socialite and even 100 people came to her wake recently, we had to limit the numbers,” said the 61 year old builder who has helped maintain the sprawling mansion estate for many years.

“The house needs a new family and could very easily be reconfigured to suit their needs.”

Unveiling ornate iron fretwork, decorative cornices, marble fireplaces, grand archways, ceiling roses, timber floors and french doors; from the moment you step inside, it will feel as though you have transported yourself to a bygone era.

The property will be sold via an expressions of interest campaign through Dwight Ferguson of Ray White Ascot and Rachel Spinks from Spinks Co Residential.

Expressions of interest close date is 11 December at 4pm.