As you approach Clifford House, keep your eyes peeled to the right side of Russell Street. You're looking for a substantial and grand two-storeyed sandstone and brick building, partially concealed by mature trees in picturesque gardens. It's set back from the street, framed by a circular drive, beckoning you closer with its stately presence.
The façade itself is quite distinguished. You'll notice the symmetrical northern frontage that stands out. The base level features large arched windows with white trim, giving the building a touch of elegance. The first floor is adorned with timber verandahs, and the corrugated iron roofs are punctuated by several substantial chimneys. To the west, there's a single-storeyed brick Billiard Room.
Clifford House, often called 'St James' Palace', was built around 1865. It's a heritage-listed clubhouse located at 120 Russell Street, Toowoomba. This majestic building, unveiled to the world in the mid-1860s on land once owned by the Honorable James Taylor, is not just a looker but also a storyteller.
Fed up with the ordinary? James Taylor, the driving force behind Toowoomba's development, ensured Clifford House was anything but. Not only was he an avid land investor and a prominent figure in the city's development, but he also took his social, cultural, and economic duties fiercely, even donating land to various groups and churches. They nicknamed him “the King of Toowoomba,” and by the looks of Clifford House, you'll understand why.
Initially intended as a gentlemen's club, financial troubles saw the property return to Taylor, who rebranded it as Clifford House, named after his father's birthplace. You'll love knowing that a billiard room was added in 1883, upping the grandeur.
At various points, it housed notable residents like Francis Thomas Gregory and even served as the Surveyor's Office and Lands Office. Today, this spectacular building isn't just a relic; it lives and breathes as a restaurant and reception center, interweaving history with modern charm.
So, take a moment to admire the intricate cornices, take in the grandeur of the arched windows, and imagine the echoes of grand soirees from yesteryears. Clifford House is a true architectural gem, embodying the spirit and cultural heart of Toowoomba.
