Montpelier – United Service Club

Montpelier holds a special place in Brisbane’s architectural, social and cultural history.

Montpelier, along with the neighbouring Green House, is currently home to the United Service Club Queensland – one of Brisbane’s premier private members’ clubs. The club, founded in 1892 by officers of Queensland’s Defence forces, moved into these buildings in 1947.

Both Montpelier and the Green House are heritage listed buildings: Montpelier (circa 1910) was originally a boarding house and the Green House (circa 1907) a residence and medical practice. Both buildings were designed by respected Brisbane architect Claude William Chambers and are examples of Federation architecture, with the Montpelier an example of Chambers’ commercial Arts & Crafts design and the Green House an example of his residential work.

Montpelier’s enduring features include pressed metal ceilings, stained glass windows and fireplaces. Italian chandeliers, myriad paintings and statuary, and an array of items donated by club members since its foundation all serve to enhance Montpelier’s elegant ambience. The main floor is on Level 2 where, after crossing the terrazzo veranda, you enter a deep foyer which leads onto the club’s bar and function rooms (named Glasgow, Owen and Royal) and the Green House. Accommodation rooms are on level 3, with tenant offices (including Australian War Widows) on level 4.

Club members will be conducting guided tours of Montpelier on Saturday 15th July as part of Brisbane Open House.