He commissioned respected Brisbane architect George Henry Male Addison (formerly of Melbourne) to design the hilltop home, and in 1888 raised a mortgage of £4,000 on the property.

[1] In 1987 Prof Frank and Elizabeth Monsour purchased the property and spent nearly a decade restoring it back to its original beauty.

[1] The core, which is capped by a complex slate-clad roof of steeply pitched hips and gables, accommodates a number of truncated wings in the design.

[1] Wide verandahs to three sides are supported by chamfered timber posts with capitals and brackets, and feature fine cast-iron balustrading and a deep lattice frieze.

[1] Distinguishing the interior is a lavish use of stained glass and timber, including English oak and walnut, Tasmanian blackwood and Queensland greasenut.

Kirkston, erected in 1888–1889, is significant as an ornate and substantially intact example of domestic architecture on the grand scale in Brisbane during the 1880s, with the opulence in form and finish reflecting the boom era mentality.

It is a most accomplished building in design, features, finishes, materials, construction and setting, illustrating the principal characteristics of its type.

Kirkston is important as a major early example of the domestic work of architect GHM Addison in Brisbane, the innovative design heralding subsequent Federation period building styles, and as evidence of the skill of builder John William Young.

The place is significant for its landmark quality and aesthetic contribution to the Windsor-Lutwyche townscape, and for its association with several of Brisbane's more prominent families and entrepreneurs.