[1] This large masonry residence was erected c. 1885-86 as a single-storeyed building for successful Brisbane produce dealer John William Forth.

[1] The site was part of a larger parcel of land, comprising portions 86-90, parish of Toombul, first alienated by Brisbane businessman James Sutherland in 1858.

He later subdivided portions 86 & 87 into four allotments, but in 1879 transferred the bulk of these subdivisions (approximately 23 acres) to Queensland pastoralist and politician, William Alcock Tully.

Tully also acquired the property as an investment, and in 1881 sold subdivisions 3 & 4 of portions 86 & 87, comprising over 12.5 acres, to another Queensland pastoralist, politician and businessman, Charles Lumley Hill.

He tried a variety of jobs, eventually gaining employment as a clerk on William Miles' Dulacca sheep station, on the Condamine River near Roma.

[1] A successful grazier and horse racing enthusiast, Hunter appears to have acquired Stanley Hall more for its proximity to the Eagle Farm Racecourse than for the house itself, which he subsequently redeveloped into the present grand residence.

In 1889, he commissioned Brisbane architect GHM Addison to remodel the existing house and design extensive additions, at a cost of £3,550.

The house was virtually re-built 1889-90, and an upper storey and tower were added, permitting views of the nearby racecourse, and across the Brisbane River to Moreton Bay.

A gabled timber coachhouse and stables were erected near the house, and an extensive orchard was established, occupying the block now bounded by Enderley and Alexandra Roads and Florence and Craven Streets.

[1] Hunter eventually sold Stanley Hall in 1910 to wealthy pastoralist Edward Goddard Blume, who owned a string of stations (principally sheep) throughout Queensland and New South Wales.

The attached, single-storeyed kitchen and service wing was demolished in 1968 to make way for a new classroom block, and the coachhouse and stables no longer survive.

The building is located at the core of St Rita's College, overlooking a tree-lined entrance drive and front gardens to the north-east, and capturing expansive views to the north and the east.

[1] The verandah which surrounds the building to north, east and partially to the west has timber boarded ceilings, fine lattice spandrels, and cast iron balustrades.

On the northern frontage, substantial timber posts and bases with arched cast iron valances which are probably part of the 1885-86 building are located within the verandah.

The entrance hall opens onto an impressive cedar staircase with richly turned and carved balusters and newels, and fine timber panels.

Stanley Hall has a picturesque external form which reflects the stages of its construction and particular interests of its former owners, and contains some finely crafted internal elements.