Toowoomba architect William Hodgen Junior designed Kensington in 1897 for successful draper George Pitlow Merry.

Purchased in the early 1990s by a legal firm, Victorian architect Jack Clark was responsible for the refurbishment of the house and extension at the rear to create a building suitable for usage as a professional office.

While trained in Queensland, his London experiences and knowledge of the Arts and Crafts movement and Edwardian Classicism were expressed in some of his buildings.

While he catered for men and women, his windows displayed millinery, dress material and all those articles necessary to complete a lady's toilet.

Irish born Mrs Merry a staunch member of the Methodist church was involved in various philanthropic work such as the Ladies Benevolent Society and Brodribb Home.

After his death on 9 December 1968, tribute was paid to his long legal service to the Toowoomba City Council and the community.

A friend of George Essex Evans and Hoey "Steele Rudd", he supported the Ladies Literary Society and was well known for his love of poetry.

[1] In 1972, Nancy Rae (nee Watson - formerly of Tandawanna and Surry in the Goondiwindi district and Pikes Creek near Stanthorpe) purchased the property after selling her Sydney retirement home.

Features of this new restaurant were the entrance with intricate stained glass panels, original cedar doors, windows, architraves and skirting boards, but alterations involved removing a wall and fireplace to create a dining room that could seat 70 comfortably.

[1][3] Kensington is a single storey timber building located on a large block of land facing Russell Street, Toowoomba.

[1] Simple wide concrete steps lead up to a carefully detailed entrance bay, with the classical-style pediment resting on an arch supported by posts.

[1] The front and side garden is landscaped and contains mature camellias, pines, palms and other trees, while low hedges edge paths.

Kensington a large timber dwelling was designed in 1897 by prominent architect William Hodgen as a private residence for successful draper GP Merry.

It is an excellent example of a large timber home designed by prominent architect William Hodgen which contributes to the architectural character of Toowoomba.

It is an excellent example of a large timber home designed by prominent architect William Hodgen which contributes to the architectural character of Toowoomba.

It is an excellent example of a large timber home designed by prominent architect William Hodgen which contributes to the architectural character of Toowoomba.