353 Great Western Highway

Springwood NSW 2777

Constructed as a Vicarage in 1886, this sandstone Residence and the adjacent Church were commissioned by Sydney Lord Mayor, Charles Moore, and designed by Architect Sir John Sullman. History is evident in the exposed sandstone blocks hand hewn by convict labour. By 1900, the Vicarage had become a Boys' Grammar School and later a Bush Nursing Hospital. In the 1920s, it was renamed "Southall" by Matron Sophie Durham and functioned as a Maternity Hospital for 40 years before becoming a Residence again in the 1960s. In recent decades, the rear wing was converted for Bed & Breakfast Accommodation.

The main building features wide verandas and a grand formal entrance with matching French doors to adjacent rooms. There are four spacious rooms serving as two reception rooms and two bedrooms, each with working fireplaces, crystal chandeliers and classical cornices. The generous central hallway leads to a light-filled, modern Kitchen with Caesar-stone benchtops, Siemens appliances, and ample storage. Bathroom and laundry areas offer contemporary fittings and finishes.

The rear wing has covered walkways, storage, a studio and three bedrooms featuring fireplaces and ensuite bathrooms, with air-conditioning to two of them. The studio is equipped with kitchen and laundry facilities and overlooks a herb garden and lawned courtyard.