Jul 2, 2026 – 5.00amVerso Development Group’s chief executive, Steve Laffey, has been waiting for the right moment to let this secret slip.You know Shafston House – the Gothic revival-style estate at Kangaroo Point that Brisbanites liken to Kirribilli House? The one with the lawns rolling down to the water and shingled gables holding court on that prized U-bend of the Brisbane River? Or perhaps you know it as the 10,070-square-metre lightning rod for controversy – a site where a planned 25-storey tower is set to rise alongside the heritage building, currently shrouded in scaffolding as restorations get under way.Subscribe to gift this articleGift 5 articles to anyone you choose each month when you subscribe.Subscribe nowAlready a subscriber? Anna McCooeSenior travel writerAnna McCooe is The Australian Financial Review’s senior travel writer.Fetching latest articles