Starting from the Federation Era in the early 20th century, many of Brisbane’s prominent upper-middle-class families chose to build their finest, forever homes in Clayfield. Here’s a closer look at four heritage houses on Norman Parade that have been deemed historically significant to the development of Clayfield, as we know it today.
Bunburra
Charles Henry Day commissioned Eaton and Bates to design this ornate Federation-era house in 1902 when he purchased the land formerly owned by the Pettigrew family.
Mr Day was a wealthy commercial traveller who wanted a villa residence in the Eagle Junction area. He named the house Bunburra.
A few years later, Mr Day sold Bunburra to Katherine Peel and her husband Robert Sydney Frederick Peel. They were active in the organisation running the Clayfield Flower Show.
The family lived in Bunburra until 1917. Since then, the stylish house has had several owners who retained its rare detailing and beautiful stained glass windows through the years.
As of 2021, Bunburra, on 18 Norman Parade, was valued at $1.3 million when it was sold to a new family.
Moyola
Next door to Bunburra, on 22 Norman Parade, is another Federation-style house built for the family of Thomas Johnston, a contractor, around the same year as its neighbour. Generations of the Johnston family owned this property until the 1950s.
The house was also named Moyola, as mentioned in the socials of the Brisbane Courier in 1913. Today, this house is estimated to be valued at $1.9 to $2.7 million.
Lycullin
Warehouse property manager Josiah Henry Peel had this residence built in 1906 on 26 Norman Parade. He and his wife named this house the Lycullin.
The Peels raised one son and three daughters in Lycullin, which became the scene for many social gatherings, as the Peels were among the prominent members of the Brisbane social set then.
Mr Peel was well-known in the leather and grindery trade, where he was active for over 50 years. He was also one of the founders of the Commercial Travellers Association and a member of the illustrious Tattersalls’ Club. Originally from London, he was a keen gardener and avid motorist.
Lycullin was last sold to new owners in 2020 for $1.290 million.
Kilcreggan
Constructed around 1897, this Federation-style house on 51 Norman Parade, which was also known as Kilcreggan, was owned by David Graham Macfie who was the managing director of the Australian Mines Agency.
Later on, notable personalities like John Leahy and Frank McDonnell called Kilcreggan their home as well.
John Leahy 
Frank McDonnell
Mr Leahy was the Speaker of the House from 1907-1902. He also held prominent positions a the Queensland Meat Export Agency Co, the Australian Estates and Mortgage Company, and the Brisbane Chamber of Commerce.
Mr McDonnell founded McDonnell and East, a well-known department store in the CBD. He and his wife lived in Kilcreggan until his death in 1929.
Today, Kilcreggan is known as The Residence, a retirement home.