Buderim House

Construction of Buderim House; a large timber home on the summit of Buderim Mountain commenced in 1915. Herbert Fielding, son of pioneer sugar planter John Fielding engaged architect George Trotter to design the house that was built by Christian Schriver. Before completion, Fielding sold the house to bridge engineer Walter Frank Oates then built another identical house in Gloucester Road, Buderim. Oates reputedly paid £5000 for the property which he subdivided, transferring parts of the land to his brother Percy. Walter Oates retained the house adding a tower, a flagpole and the name Buderim House in the leadlight front door panel. In 1925, Fielding purchased Buderim House back from Oates, rented it out and continued to grow bananas, pineapples, winter small crops, coffee and grazing cattle. In 1927 Alderman H J Murphy, of the Maroochy Shire Council, purchased the property. His Highness the Duke of Gloucester resided here briefly in December 1934. Murphy lived here until 1954, and the property was further subdivided in 1967. A small section of vine scrub, known as Fielding’s Scrub has been retained, protecting the house from westerly winds. This is a private home and not publicly accessible.