Sitting quietly on Highcrest Avenue, the Pfingst Farmhouse is a well-loved link to the early days of Wavell Heights.
Built in 1936 by Friedrich George Pfingst, this classic Queenslander-style home has witnessed the suburb’s transformation over the years.
A Slice of Wavell Heights History
The Pfingst story starts with Hermann Pfingst, who arrived from Germany in 1863 aboard the Beausite. A few years later, in 1866, he bought 10 acres of crown land in what was then called German Station. The area was home to German settlers who had followed missionaries to Zion’s Hill back in 1838.
Mr Pfingst’s land, known as Portion 580, stayed in the family. However, by July 1927 Mr Pfingst passed away and by 1932, Friedrich George Pfingst took ownership and built the farmhouse in 1936. It was positioned facing what was then Hillcrest Avenue (now Highcrest Avenue) and became the centre of the family’s smaller property.
The Farmhouse’s Classic Design
The Pfingst Farmhouse ticks all the boxes of classic Queenslander architecture: elevated stumps for airflow, timber walls, and a corrugated iron roof. These weren’t just design choices—they were practical solutions for dealing with heat, humidity, and heavy rains.
The wide verandahs and weatherboard construction give the home its timeless character while keeping the space cool and breezy during Brisbane summers. It’s a design that’s both smart and charming, a reflection of early 20th-century craftsmanship.
Why It’s Heritage-Listed
In 2003, the Pfingst Farmhouse was officially listed as a Local Heritage Place. This recognition celebrates both its architectural value and its connection to one of Wavell Heights’ early pioneering families.
After World War II, the suburb saw major changes. In 1946, most of the original 10-acre farm was acquired by the Queensland Housing Commission for new residential development. The farmhouse and remaining land stayed with the Pfingst family until 1957.
More Than Just a House
The Pfingst Farmhouse isn’t just an old building—it’s a piece of Wavell Heights’ story. Its design speaks to a time when homes were built with care and intention, and its history highlights the resilience of one family who helped shape the suburb.
For locals, it’s more than just a landmark—it’s a reminder of where Wavell Heights came from. And for those who love history, it’s a rare example of the city’s interwar architecture still standing strong.
The farmhouse recently changed hands, with the sale managed by real estate agent David Treloar of Ray White. As Wavell Heights continues to grow and change, the Pfingst Farmhouse remains a quiet connection to the suburb’s roots—a storybook in timber and tin for those who stop to notice.
Published 28-Dec-2024