Cannon Hill Home Changes Hands After 80 Years of Family History

A Cannon Hill home has changed hands for the first time after more than 80 years of ownership by one family.


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The timber Queenslander at 855-857 Wynnum Road, owned by Charles (Charlie) William Blacker since he was 12 years old, was sold at auction on 22 July 2023 for $1.04 million.

The house was originally a railway residence when purchased by the Blacker family in 1938. Charlie, now in his mid-90s, lived there along with two generations of his family. His nephew fondly recalls getting special permission to visit the house for lunch whilst attending the nearby Cannon Hill State School. 

Photo credit: Ray White Bulimba

With Charlie being the last remaining member of his family living locally, the time had come for a new custodian of Cannon Hill home. The 864 sqm property on two lots presented attractive options for buyers. The listing highlighted the potential to demolish the existing home and build two new dwellings under current zoning.

Photo credit: Ray White Bulimba

“Located only six kilometres from the CBD, the timber pre-war home is not contained within the traditional building overlay meaning, the existing home can be demolished through building certifier approval and does not require a planning approval,” the listing says.

Photo credit: Ray White Bulimba

The auction saw wide interest ranging from first home buyers to developers. The sale price of $1.04 million, just shy of Cannon Hill’s $1.2 million median price for 2023, indicates the underlying value of the land and location.


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Whilst the old Queenslander may soon be gone, its heritage will live on through the memories of those who knew it over its many decades as a family residence. Charlie’s nephew hopes the new owners will cherish the property and its possibilities as their own family home. One thing is certain – the sale marks the end of an era and the beginning of an exciting new chapter in the life of this historic Cannon Hill home.

Published 25-July-2023