Trust member and local hero, Craig James has a vision! He is determined to do all he possibly can to help revitalise this State Heritage Listed gem and re-purpose it for the community.
Living close by, Craig a retired economist, was distressed to see this beautiful building and its grounds being neglected and deteriorating. Already part of the bushcare group, he decided he had to do more than just weeding, and set about looking after the grounds, cutting the grass and tidying up some of the fabric of the building. He successfully pestered Council to repair the broken windows that had been boarded up.
Craig was brimming with enthusiasm and suggestions for The Priory’s revitalisation and the Trust decided to contact the ABC to publicise his story. Craig was subsequently interviewed on ABC 702 followed by this excellent article:
As a fine example of a Colonial Regency building that still remains in a legible picturesque landscape, The Priory has an integrity that is unique and adds to the rich heritage of Hunters Hill. The potted history below reminds us of its importance and why it must remain accessible to the community and the wider public.
Stubbs farm, (Villa Maria) 1854 Image: John Hosie
In 1836 Thomas Stubbs, a musician and auctioneer, bought 18 acres of land at the southern end of Tarban Creek where he built a single storey sandstone farmhouse and established fruit trees and grape vines. In 1847 he sold the property to the Marist Fathers who were looking to establish a base for their missionaries in the South Pacific and in 1857 they commissioned the architect William Weaver to construct a Georgian building incorporating Stubbs’ cottage.
When Thomas Salter purchased the property in 1874 he renamed it The Priory and in 1888 it was sold to the NSW government and became part of the Tarban Asylum with the surrounding land farmed by the patients. The Priory was restored in the mid-1980s for the use of the NSW Mental Health Review Tribunal and subsequently added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 3 December 2004.
In 2006 the NSW Government intended to sell the site off to private interests, but through a campaign waged by Hunters Hill resident groups and the Council, it was transferred from the NSW Health Department to the NSW Department of Lands, to become part of the adjoining Crown Reserve.
On 1 November 2007 the NSW Minister for Lands, transferred the care, control and management of The Priory and its grounds to Hunters Hill Council to remain in public hands. On the same day, Mayor Susan Hoopmann launched The Priory Preservation and Restoration Trust, which managed the property and operated a public fund for donations from the community towards its restoration, preservation and embellishment.
At that time, Council declared their intention that The Priory should develop into a cultural and heritage hub for the wider community and the people of Hunters Hill, to include an art and museum space, meeting facilities, gardens for weddings and other events, in addition to a commercial facility providing coffee and other refreshments.
Fast forward nearly 20 years and this heritage gem was languishing, neglected and deteriorating, until one man decided to do something about it! We are delighted to support Craig’s vision and look forward to hearing the options for its revitalisation from the General Manager who will be presenting his Report at Council’s June meeting.
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