Have you heard of the pocket precincts in Brisbane? Well. There’s something huge hidden inside the suburbs, the historical spots are some of the best-kept secrets of the real estate industry and these are often known only to those who are living in the said region.
A lot of the localities were actually built around the former estates and townships that are no longer recognized by the Brisbane state government, but they have their own cafe culture and local identity
Local historian Dr Jack Ford said Brisbane’s suburbs were originally founded around the smaller communities that include precincts such as Ithaca, St Johns Wood, Torwood, and Rosalie.
“These areas were the original housing developments that built up and developed corner shops, shopping precincts and their own character,” he said.
“They each had their own names but over time they were amalgamated into larger suburbs when the council decided to give them suburb names and the old titles were lost.”
But Mr Ford said some communities had maintained their separate identities and become pocket precincts within suburbs.
Some estates emerged around grand houses, such as Glenlyon and St Johns Wood in Ashgrove. On the southside, the 19th century riverside manor of Rhyndarra turned from grand estate into girls home and then war hospital. Part of the estate was finally sold off in the late ’90s, turning it into a hot pocket precinct.
Sisters Kate and Jess Golding said the pocket precinct Rosalie was one of Brisbane’s best kept secrets
“This immediate local area is a really nice spot and there’s nothing else like it,” Kate said. “You’d have to be from this part of town to even know it exists.”
Ashgrove is another area dotted with localities, including St Johns Wood, Dorrington and Jubilee. Bardon’s Rainworth pocket is popular, as is Petrie Terrace.
On the southside, the Hill End riverside district of West End and Ekibin and Wellers Hill pockets of Tarragindi are also coveted enclaves.
St Johns Wood resident Patricia Mackie-Smith said her suburb was a well-kept secret for young families, with a friendly, active community.
“Real estate in the area is so tightly held and when a home does come on to the market it often sells very, very fast because the area has such a great reputation,” she said.
One up-and-coming pocket precinct is the former estate known as Salisbury township and Waratah Heights which has emerged as a hot spot for young families.
RE/MAX Colonial sales agent Mark Ward said the pocket precinct of Salisbury had only been recognised as desirable in the last five years.
“It’s nestled between two industrial areas and is almost hidden away but young professionals are now discovering the area with plenty of renovation and subdividing now happening,” he said.
Jessica Wheelock, who moved into the Salisbury pocket a year ago, has fallen in love with the area.
“It’s such a lovely community that is so pleasant to live in,” she said.