“Glenlee,” Thomas George Lee mused, as he gazed upon his 1856 land grant. This is the story of Glenlee, one of Lugarno’s earliest land grants. Governor William Denison gave it to British settler Thomas George Lee.
For 188 years, Glenlee remained within two families. The last of which was the Matthei family who lived here for 110 years. In April 2024 it was sold to a private buyer.
Glenlee stands as a rare example of early European riverside settlement. It has remained largely intact in Sydney. The century-old homestead whispers stories of a bygone era. Hand-hewn steps, paths, and walls lead to the boat sheds and jetty. They retain the character of riverside life in the early 1900s.
Imagine the self-sufficiency of early settlers. The 110-year-old organic vegetable garden and mixed orchard provided sustenance. Families grew and caught their own food.
The Georges River was more than just a scenic backdrop for Glenlee. It was a lifeline. The family became fishers and oyster farmers playing a big role in developing the oyster-farming industry on the river. The river connected them to the city providing essential supplies from Como.
Glenlee’s heritage extends beyond its built environment. The remnant forest holds valuable information. It tells of the Bidjigal people of the Eora nation. According to Philip Gidley King, exchanges between the British and the Eora occurred here in 1788.
The National Trust recognizes Glenlee’s significance. They listed it as part of the Lugarno Early Settler Precinct Landscape Conservation Area. This acknowledges its early settler history and Aboriginal cultural heritage. Rare Aboriginal rock engravings exist on the Matthei property. Shell middens, grinding grooves, and a rock bowl are also here.
Glenlee is part of a heritage precinct. It neighbours the Heinrich Estate and The Hermitage. GML Heritage reports corroborate well-preserved evidence of Indigenous life in both the northern and western zones of the site. This evidence is listed on the Aboriginal Heritage Information Management System.
Glenlee’s story is a reminder of our past. It is critical to preserve both its built and natural environments. They hold historic value. This piece of Sydney’s history offers glimpses into the lives of early settlers. It also highlights the cultural significance to the Aboriginal people. Glenlee connects us to the river. It also connects us to the land and its stories.