Raymont Residential College is located in the historic suburb of Auchenflower. It began in a grand old house Drysllwyn (named after a ruined castle in Wales, meaning ‘green, rolling hills’), built for the Davies family in 1904-05. William Davies was a Welshman who came to Australia during the gold rush. He prospered in the nearby town of Gympie, accumulating a controlling interest in about 18 mines.
During WWII, the US military took over Somerville House, prompting Davies to lease Drysllwyn to the Presbyterian and Methodist Schools Association from 1942-1944. Post-war, the Methodist Church used it for female boarders in teacher training or work.
A 1947 bequest from Mrs. E. Raymont allowed the church to own the building, renaming it Raymont College. Verandas were enclosed for bedrooms, and kitchen staff quarters were added. Primmer Lodge was built in 1951, and by the 1960s, Raymont housed about 48 women.
After Primmer men’s boarding house closed in 1977, Raymont became co-ed. Alcorn Lodge, with 96 rooms, was added in 1979. The Raymont Residential College office is now in the Uniting Church Centre, near dining facilities. Primmer and Alcorn now provide 120 rooms for tertiary residents, creating a vibrant multicultural community.
Raymont Residential College is an activity of the Uniting Church in Australia, Queensland Synod.
We are situated on Auchenflower, less than 4km from many of the major universities and tertiary institutions, Brisbane CBD and walking distance to shopping centres and public transport by rail, bus or CityCat.
The Raymont management team comprises staff who provide a combination of administrative, catering, pastoral and community support services to residents.
Built by William Davies.
Used day school for girls.
Building extended to include more accommodation.
Home to 130 students.
