AN iconic slice of Ipswich history is preparing to change hands, with a unique Booval property that has blended heritage, family tradition and small business success for more than two decades set to go under the hammer.
Located at 166 Glebe Rd, the remarkable property combines a beautifully restored 1946 Queenslander with a prominent 1952 commercial shopfront, best known throughout the region as the long-time home of the Ipswich City Kilt Shop.
The four-bedroom property will go to auction tomorrow as owners Doug and Karen Manger prepare to retire after spending 22 years building a business that has earned an international reputation.
For more than two decades, the Mangers have operated the Ipswich City Kilt Shop from the 107sqm storefront, supplying handcrafted kilts, Highland dress, bagpipes and drums across Australia and around the world under the St Kilda Group banner.
The business has its roots in family tradition stretching back to Scotland.
“Karen’s mother was a traditional kilt maker back in Scotland, and when she moved to Australia, she continued her craft,” Mr Manger said.
“Coincidentally, her mother used to live in the house down the road from this property.
“When we drove past years ago, the site – which used to be the old Madsons corner store before Woolworths opened down the road – had been sitting abandoned for 15 years. We knew it was meant to be.”
Each traditional kilt remains a labour of love, with Karen spending between 10 and 12 hours meticulously hand-stitching every garment.
The property’s own story stretches back more than 70 years.
The original Queenslander was built in 1946 before a purpose-built shopfront was added in 1952. To accommodate the commercial addition, the entire timber home was famously rolled backwards across the 607sqm block on logs, preserving the residence while creating the retail frontage.
It has been the home of a family business built on generations of craftsmanship, a place where Scottish heritage found a home in Ipswich, and where thousands of customers from around the world have walked through its doors in search of tradition, quality and community.
