Century-old Pittsworth home features on 2015 Unity Financing Corporation calendar

A century-old home Pittsworth home with links to a local government pioneer of the region will feature on the 2015 Unity Financing Corporation calendar.

The magnificent home “Perhamsford” at Pittsworth, 40km south-west of Toowoomba, was originally owned by prominent local identity William Perham Copp.

He built the Queenslander style home in 1906 on what is now known as Copps Hill, with stunning views over the Darling Downs town of Pittsworth.

Records show William Copp was a carpenter, contractor, architect and property owner. He was also the inaugural Chairman of the newly created Pittsworth Shire Council when it broke away from Jondaryan Shire in 1913.

Perharmsford becomes the latest home to be showcased in the Unity Financing Corporation calendar house series, a tradition much loved by Unity Financing customers and wider community members.

Each year for the past 33 years, a painting of a different historic home has featured on Unity Financing’s calendar, along with a brief history of the home. The aim is to recognise and celebrate the finest examples of excellence in Queensland’s domestic architecture.

Thousands of the calendars are distributed across Queensland, with copies available to customers at Unity Financing branches for a gold coin donation.

Around $25,000 will be donated to Queensland charities next year thanks to the monies raised by the calendar.

Unity Financing Corporation Chairman Mr Kerry Betros said, “Perhamsford has a wide central hallway with fretwork breezeways, high ceilings, VJ walls, and wraparound verandahs typical of the Queenslander style.

“The central lounge features a spectacular cast-iron ceiling rose with an acanthus leaf design, bay windows and french doors opening onto the verandahs.

“The kitchen on the upper floor has been extended into what was the back verandah, and features black and white tiling, offset by blue and ruby glass highlights in the doors and cupboards.”

After building the home, William Copp died aged just 51 in 1919, and his family left the district. The property was later owned by the Gillam family for more than 30 years.

In 1986, the house and a one-acre block was sold to Phil and Wendy Leydon. They lifted up the original house and undertook a complete restoration, while adding a lower floor underneath. The renovations have retained the charm, beauty and original features of the home.

Current owners Joyce and Trevor Sellick bought Perhamsford in 1998 and continue to maintain the home’s magnificent character and charm.

Brisbane artist Cliff Sheldrake’s painting of Perhamsford adorns the calendar.

CEO Mr John Minz said Unity Financing Corporation was delighted to support excellence in local domestic architecture, particularly in regional areas.

“There are many magnificent homes out in the country towns and rural areas of Queensland, and Perhamsford is a fine example of their beauty.

“We’re delighted to showcase the best in Queensland’s architectural heritage by featuring these homes on our calendar.

“We’re also delighted that we can raise money for charity at the same time and give something back to the community, which is what Unity Financing is all about.”

Proceeds from this year’s calendar donations will be distributed to the Hummingbird House children’s respite and hospice centre in Brisbane; the Toowoomba Hospital Foundation; Shine Community Care Kawana; the Katie Rose Cottage, Sunshine Coast Community Hospice at Doonan; Rosies – Friends on the Street; and Camp Quality

The calendars are now available in Unity Financing branches for a gold coin donation.