Originally designed by Edmund Blacket, The Rectory stands as a testament to enduring elegance. This historic building, completed around 1846, was constructed from locally sourced Muree sandstone. It is a beautiful example of architecture.
Let’s delve into The Rectory’s past. The current St Johns Rectory was established within the southern section of the Clergy Reserve. Its believed architect, Edmund Blacket, was a noted figure in church design. The choice of Muree sandstone speaks to the local craftsmanship of the time.
Soon after The Rectory’s completion, three Norfolk pines were planted. These pines became towering landmarks. Sadly, lightning struck and destroyed one of the trees. The remaining two still stand tall. Since the late 1960s, the tallest pine has been adorned with lights every Christmas. The lighting attracts visitors from all over. This tradition continues each year. The tree is lit on the first Friday of December.
Now, let’s talk about its restoration. In August 2012, Helena and Victor Groves purchased The Rectory. The building needed significant repairs and restoration. The Groves accepted the challenge to bring it back to its former glory.
One of the first projects was the sandstone pathway. Each brick was carefully lifted and re-laid to preserve the pathway’s original integrity. The concrete drainage area near the clothesline was replaced with matching sandstone. This ensured wheelchair access to the disabled toilet.
Inside The Rectory, extensive work was carried out. All ceilings were repaired. Faulty wiring was removed. New lights were installed. The ceilings were repainted. A cupboard was removed to make way for picture railings and wallpaper. Preparing the rooms was challenging because some rooms suffered from rising damp. To address this, drainage on the south side was improved. This prevented water from collecting under the property. Then came the time-consuming task of wallpaper removal. Multiple layers of wallpaper had to be removed.
The Groves uncovered beautiful Australian hardwood floors under the old carpet. These floors were polished to a beautiful finish. The fireplace was opened up and a new hearth was laid. In the lounge room, the fireplace mantelpiece was replaced. The original firebox was removed. The fireplace was repaired.
The Snug, originally the Dining Room, required the most effort. The walls needed extensive repair work. Removing the wallpaper revealed past movement in the walls. The oil heater was removed. The fireplace was repaired. The hearth and mantelpiece were replaced. This fireplace required excessive work because it had been enlarged to accommodate the oil heater.
The kitchen also received significant upgrades. The aluminium windows and sliding door were removed. The kitchen was extended by 1500mm. Cedar windows and double doors replaced the old aluminium fixtures. New lighting was installed. Fire retardant walls and smoke alarms were added.
Externally, all the vertical cladding was removed and replaced with hardwood boards. This matched the existing garage and kept it in line with the era.
The stone wall was re-pointed. A major concern was the weathering of the sandstone at the rear, especially at the back door. A stonemason was hired to repair the sandstone. There was extensive damage to the bearers and joists under the bathroom floor. Extensive repairs were necessary. An elegant claw foot bath was installed to complete the bathroom.
Today, The Rectory stands proudly. It reflects its rich history and the dedication of those who have cared for it. As you leave, remember the towering pines and the stories they hold. The Rectory is a reminder of the past. It is a symbol of enduring beauty.