Stanhope Gardens

In 1768, a man named John Hillas was born, who would later shape the destiny of Stanhope Gardens. Stanhope Gardens wasn’t always the vibrant suburb we see today. Hillas arrived in Australia in 1801. He received two land grants on Windsor Road. The second grant, spanning 150 acres, he christened “Stanhope Farm.” Recognizing the bustling traffic between Macquarie Towns and Parramatta, Hillas established the Stanhope Arms, an inn on Windsor Road. Time marched on, and by 1856, Stanhope Farm came under the ownership of the Pearce family. Then, in 1928, Jack Peel acquired the farm, renaming it Stanhope Park Dairy. This dairy farm became a local landmark. However, its story took a turn in 1973 when the New South Wales Housing Commission resumed the land. The name Stanhope, however, lived on. The Stanhope Gardens Estate opened in 1995, officially becoming a suburb in 1996. Interestingly, during its development phase, Stanhope Gardens went by several names: Irish Town, Kellyville, and Parklea. A petition circulated among the residents, and the majority voted to retain “Stanhope.” Thus, Stanhope Gardens was born. Today, a significant portion of Stanhope Gardens is occupied by the Newbury Estate, a master-planned community. Landcom planned this estate in 1999, with Mirvac leading the construction. Newbury consists of 1,761 properties divided into seven community title subdivisions. Each subdivision boasts a community facility, offering amenities such as a clubhouse, tennis court, pool, spa, and BBQ area. Stanhope Gardens also stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of John Hillas, whose “Stanhope Farm” laid the foundation for this thriving community.