ONE of Warwick's grandest homes has been sitting atop Weewondilla Hill for more than 150 years, but many locals don't even know it's there.

Hidden away in a prime location overlooking Warwick, this slice of local history has just hit the market.

The heritage-listed Hillside property is one of the oldest homes still standing in town and its colonial sandstone architecture pre-empts the tradition of the use of the building material throughout the town.

The home was designed by renowned Brisbane architect Benjamin Backhouse and was originally built as a parsonage for the Reverend Benjamin Glennie in early 1860s, the man Glennie Heights and Toowoomba's Glennie School are named for.

Rev Glennie lived in the house until 1870, when he relocated to Drayton.

His successor James Matthews decided Hillside was too far from St Mark's Anglican Church and another was built next to the church, where the Warwick Anglican priest still resides today.

Built originally on a large 6.5hectare block, the home remained property of the church and was leased until 1885 when it was sold, changing hands many times to the present day.

The block was subdivided over the years and currently consists of a hectare of beautiful lawns, gardens and a tennis court.

Warwick Real Estate agent Doug Rickert said the property was bought in 2009 by a Toowoomba businessman.

"He has a real love for historic properties and had originally planned to use this house in retirement,” he said.

"Over the years a number of caretakers have looked after the property, keeping it pristine condition.

"The Carrell family owned the home for about 30 years from the early 1970s and they did a lot of work, adding modern touches and extensions.”

The house was added to the Queensland Heritage List in 1992.

Mr Rickert said the main feature of the property aside from the stunning colonial residence, was the prime location.

"It's very private once you're inside the gates,” he said.

"And its position at the top of the hill makes for a lovely view of the lights of Warwick at night.

"The classic old houses were always built in the best location.”

Over the many years, elements of the house have been replaced and renovated, including the roof and verandah, with modern touches added throughout the home.

Mr Rickert said there were also some heritage-listed items inside the house that would stay upon selling.

"The lino in the dining room is original and has its own listing,” he said.

"As is the original vestibule and a large sideboard in the dining room, both made from Goomburra cedar, which was also used for the doors and other fittings throughout the house.”

Mr Rickert said many Warwick residents were unaware of the house's existence as well as its importance to the early history of the town.

"Occasionally there are functions held in the house and the odd bus tour have come through, but for the most part it's been unseen by the public.

"It's the definition of hidden gem.”

Mr Rickert said it was rare to see a property of this calibre hit the market.

"It's only been up for sale twice in the past 40 years,” he said.

"Since we put it on our website, it's had hundreds of people viewing the listing.

"It's a remarkable property, with beautiful grounds and would make somebody a truly unique home.”

Hillside is listed on the market through Warwick Real Estate at $995,000.