City Libraries, City of Gold Coast

Guesthouse 'Mara', Southport, 1905, Photographer unknown

picture

Guesthouse 'Mara', Southport, 1905

picture

Photographer unknown

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'Mara' overlooked the Broadwater in Southport and changed names several times over the years, but whatever its name it was always one of the most beautiful and prestigious houses in Southport.Mara formed a link with the earliest history of Southport, for the land on which it stood was acquired by Mr John Cameron in 1875, the year the township of Southport was surveyed. It passed to Mr Josiah Bowing Sloman in 1878. Four years later Mr Ernest White bought the property and on it built a home with four large rooms, surrounded by wide verandahs and a large detached kitchen. He named the dwelling 'Mara'. Mr White also worked on the gardens and planted many of the shade trees. In 1886 'Mara' came into possession of Mr E. I. C. Browne and sometime later was the home of the Hon. Hugh Millman, who was a keen fisherman, and who landed many fine baskets of fish from the Broadwater, a few yards from his garden gate. Miss Stables, an English lady then leased 'Mara' for a period, and conducted it as a guest house, during which time many well-known Queensland families spent happy holidays there. In 1908, the late Mr Donald Alexander McLean purchased the property. During his ownership he made considerable additions and improvements to the house and gardens. Incidentally he changed the name to 'Warrabey'. He also laid down the first hard tennis court in Southport, where many lively tournaments took place. In 1913 Mr Western Walsh purchased the property, he Mrs Walsh and their three daughters gave delightful parties and dances during this time. It was at this period that the name was again changed to 'Warraby'. Further additions were made to the house, and the already well laid-out gardens were improved and beautified. Mrs Walsh continued to live in the house after her husband passed away in 1932. (Information taken from: Society & Home, 1 September 1938)

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