Denisle The Home of an Isles

Jordan Terrace in Bowen Hills may be one of the most populated streets with heritage listed entities. "Denisle" the home of Francis Alexander Jackson Isles and his wife Elizabeth Dennis was built in 1914. When I saw this building for teh first time I did not think it had been built as a private residence let alone in 1914. The brick structure and ornate column front conjured up many images in my mind as to what the building might have been. Looking more like a later period funeral parlour or office accomodation it definitely is a unique architectural design for a home built in 1914. The use of brick in homes became more common in the late 1920s.

The Brisbane City Council Heritage Register link can be found here. 

https://heritage.brisbane.qld.gov.au/heritage-places/275

The following is taken from the register and provides a brief summary of the history of the house.

‘Denile’ was designed by Atkinson and McLay and built in 1913 as the residence of the Isles family, co-founders of land agency Isles Love and Company. The house was situated in a prestigious area of Bowen Hills, home to a number of elegant residences including ‘Cintra House’ and ‘Miegunyah’. The residence was renamed Jordan House and used as an office for the Mt Isa Mines Company from the late 1930 to the early 1940s. Passing from the Isles family’s ownership in 1946, it was acquired by the Queensland Subnormal Children’s Welfare Association (now the Endeavour Foundation) in 1959. The site and house, renamed ‘Schonell House’, was used by the foundation until 2006. This brick house with a classical portico is an example of a substantial late federation style dwelling erected within the Bowen Hills area which has been adapted for other uses.

Francis Alexander Jackson Isles 1902 Photo courtesy of State Library of Queensland

 

Brisbane Courier (Qld. : 1864 - 1933), Thursday 16 April 1931, page 10

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FUNERAL NOTICES.

Isles.-The Funeral of the late Francis Alexander Jackson Isles will leave his residence, "Denisle," Jordan-terrace, Bowen Hills, This (Thursday) Morning, at 10 o'clock, for the Toowong Cemetery. Private Interment. No flowers.

JOHN HISLOP is SONS, Funeral Directors.

Isles Love and Company

Still operating today as McGee Isles Love Pty Ltd this is one of Brisbane's longest running businesses. The two men who formed the partnership were James Thomas Isles and James Love. J.T. Isles or James Thomas Isles was the older brother of Francis Alexander who also worked in the Isles Love and Co. business. J. T. Isles married Henrietta Love sister to James Love. We now have three very prominent names in the early colonial Brisbane business community linked. Finney, Isles and Love were buisness names that could be said became integral in the commercial development of Brisbane.

The relationship between J. T. Isles, James Love and F. A. J. Isles was a very long one. They apper to have been school friends or very close friends in their young man hood days. Their names first appear in the newspapers as part of the a rowing contest for the Separation Day Regatta of 1885. At this time the three men were under teh age of 20 years.

Queenslander (Brisbane, Qld. : 1866 - 1939), Saturday 5 December 1885, page 896

Separation Day Regatta.

Fourteenth Race.— Youths under 20 years of age, pulling four oars, in all boats except best boats; course, 1 mile, same as No. 1. Prize, trophies value £8. The winners of this race shall not be disqualified to row in maiden races. 1. Commercial Rowing Club—Kate.-J. T. Isles, 9st. 3lb.; F. Trimble, 9st. 3lb.; F. A. J. Isles, 9st. 12lb; J. Love, 11st. (stroke); M. Harris (cox.), 6st. 8lb. 2. Kangaroo Point Rowing Club.—Mascotte: J. Ross. 9st. 6lb.: J. H. Darragh, 10st. 4lb.: R. Wain, 10st. 11lb., B. Colclough, 10st. 6lb. (stroke); W. Ignatius, cox. 3. Kangaroo Point Rowing Club— Olivette: N. Amy, 9st.; C. Unmack, 9st.: F. Smith, 9st. 8lb.; J. Darragh (stroke), 10st. 7lb.; J. Whint (cox.), 5st. 8lb. 

The Isles Love Building in Adeleiade Street, Brisbane. 1915 Photo courtesy of the State Library Queensland