“Retail ale and spirituous liquor”. That’s what ex-convict Edward Doyle wanted to sell here at Tahmoor House. This historic building whispers tales of early settlers and travellers seeking respite.
Tahmoor House stands on land granted to Doyle in 1822. He arrived from Dublin in 1806. With convict assistance, he built a dwelling and grew crops. Doyle’s request to sell liquor without a license was denied in 1824. He argued travellers needed accommodation.
Soon after, Doyle sold his property to William Klensendorlffe. He was German-born and a former British Navy man. Klensendorlffe secured a publican’s license in 1825. He significantly expanded Doyle’s building. The inn became known as “Klensendorlffe’s”. It was the first licensed public house in the district.
Imagine weary travellers arriving at “Klensendorlffe’s”. They would find food, drink and a place to rest. The Sydney Gazette mentioned the inn in 1832. Ralph Hush was the publican then. It was described as a picturesque spot with a good inn named “The Traveller”. It promised a hospitable reception and excellent fare. All at moderate charges.
Tahmoor House was licensed as an inn from 1825 to 1867. It was also known as “The Pastoral Inn”. James Crispe, another owner, was famous for his “courtly bow”. He later became licensee of the George Inn in Picton. The former inn was used as an accommodation house. Then it was leased as a residence.
Klensendorlffe expanded his land. It eventually became known as “the Myrtle Estate”. George Bradbury purchased the residence and land in 1879. He renamed it “Leigham Holme”. Bradbury helped form the Picton and Camden Agricultural Society. He also founded the Picton Progress Association. He even became a Police Magistrate in 1882.
In 1920, developers bought the property. They subdivided the land and called it “Tahmoor Park Estate”. The house became “Tahmoor Park House”. Later it was shortened to Tahmoor House. John Sanderson, the new owner, ran a boarding house and tea rooms. Prime Minister Scullin was a regular guest.
In the 1960s and 70s, Tahmoor House was divided into flats. It fell into disrepair. Later, a new owner refurbished the old building. In recent years, Tahmoor House even starred on “Selling Houses Australia”.
Think about the generations who passed through these doors. From convicts and innkeepers to prime ministers and modern renovators. Tahmoor House has witnessed Tahmoor’s transformation. It stands as a reminder of the area’s rich and colourful past.