History of Hopewood House
[EST. 1884]
This grand estate and main residence of Hopewood House were first established in 1884 for pastoralist Ben Osborne and his wife Lucy Throsby. It was then most famously owned by Lebbus Hordern, the “Jay Gatsby” of the Hordern family fortune until 1929 - Hordern established the stunning gardens we enjoy to this day.
The estate was later home to the “Hopewood Family” operating as a children’s home to 86 babies born out of wedlock from 1942-1951. The children were raised at the Hopewood estate until the 1970’s - the children’s home ceased once the children reached adulthood. The Hopewood Family still reunite from all over Australia once a year.
The current custodians of Hopewood are Australian artist Tim Storrier and his wife Janet. Tim’s sculptures feature throughout the garden, which is maintained by Janet and a dedicated team of gardeners. Tim paints in his studio within The Pavilion building on the top of the hill, where he also has a private gallery.
explore the estate with our beautiful new estate map.
Explore the Estate
TheResidence
[EST. 1884]
Considered a ‘Grand Estate’ of the Southern Highlands there is an immense history to the residence, making it perfect for private events for smaller groups. The private dining and garden conservatory is perfect for intimate corporate & executive meetings, private events & celebrations and private dinners. The Residence verandah is perfect for soirée - cocktails, canapés & lawn games and late-night fireside contemplations & libations. The Residence can also be considered for luxury editorial shoots.
Guests: Best suited to small corporate & private events - 22 pax. Hopewood is a private residence. Use by discussion & invitation.
The Grounds
[eST. 1912-1929]
DISCOVER ACRES OF ESTABLISHED FREE-FLOWING GARDENS
Set across approx. 11 acres – Hopewood House’s established grounds & gardens are the picturesque framing for your uniquely memorable and luxurious wedding, corporate function or private event. Choose from our unique spaces including the Wedding Lawn and Aviary, Outdoor Fireplace, Hops Walk, Hedge Maze and Parterre Gardens or The Folly of Hopewood.
Between 1912-1929 the second owner of the estate; Lebbeus Horden - Grandson of Anthony Horden (founder of Anthony Horden & Sons – once the largest department store in the world). Lebbeus expanded the rural activities of the estate, established the first elaborate formal parterre gardens and is suspected to be responsible for the bird themed leadlight windows featured throughout the Residence.
Guests: Best suited to intimate through to larger groups - 150 pax.
The Pavilion
[FORMER STABLES]
OUR PREMIER STOMPING GROUND (FORMER STABLES)
Before a series of grand expansions, the Pavilion building was once the Hopewood Stables. The Pavilion is located a short walk through the parterre gardens or by teardrop driveway from the original residence. The former stables now stand as the modern provincial addition to the estate. The Pavilion building offers a variety of flexible spaces that can be used exclusively or in combination. Air conditioning is available throughout the top floor of the Pavilion. Our most popular venue for wedding ceremonies, receptions & celebrations and corporate events. Includes:
Grand Dining Room (upstairs)
The Chukka Bar (upstairs)
Terrace Lounge (upstairs)
Bong Bong Bar & Lounge (downstairs)
Outdoor Courtyard and Firepit (downstairs)
The Gallery (downstairs - private)
Guests: Best suited to intimate through to larger groups - 150 pax.
Bong Bong Bar & Lounge
[THE PAVILION]
On the ground floor of the Pavilion you will find the Bong Bong Bar & Lounge. A large open space, mirrored columns, award-winning art, antiques & chandeliers. The Bong Bong Bar & Lounge comfortably and flexibly is able to host a variety of event types - indoor chapel ceremonies, dance floor & bar, corporate functions / celebrations / workshops and all types of private events. The space can be tailored to any colour palette, theme & flowers.
Space: Approx. 16m x 10m
Weddings: indoor chapel, afternoon canapés & drinks, reception dance floor & bar.
Corporate: functions, events, ceremonies, launches, workshops...
Private: events, gatherings, celebrations, lunches, canapés & libations...
Guests: Best suited to intimate through to larger groups - 150 pax
Grand Dining
[THE PAVILION]
On the second level of the Pavilion you will find Hopewood’s premier reception, dining & entertainment spaces – hanging chandeliers & fireplaces. The Grand Dining Room comfortably & flexibly hosts functions through to formal dining events. Dining layout works in either round or long table arrangements. A large open space that can be utilised for almost any event purpose and which can be tailored to any colour palette, theme & flowers. Air conditioning is available throughout the upstairs of the Pavilion.
Space: Approx. 17m x 10m
Terrace Lounge
[THE PAVILION]
On the second level of the Pavilion bordering the Grand Dining Room - sits the Terrace Lounge. A view across Austin's Lawn - window frames the Wayfarer. Free-flow between the Grand Dining, Terrace Lounge & Chukka Bar. The Terrace Lounge has been tastefully decorated with Antiques, Art and plush lounging spaces - wander or relax. The space can be tailored to any colour palette, theme & flowers. Air conditioning is available throughout the Pavilion building.
Chukka Bar
[THE PAVILION]
Sitting on the second level lies the locals water stand - The Chukka Bar - sit-down & laugh - inspired by the great Gentleman's Clubs of Europe. A full-sized billiards table is available for guest shoot-outs, with plenty of sitting/standing areas. A gentleman's bar wouldn't be complete without the classic motorcycles, or the walls lined with machine n' croquet memorabilia & old bar advertising material from the owners collection.
The bar stands equipped to entertain all guests with quality spirits, beers, wines, champagne, juices, soft drinks & sparkling waters (occasionally cigars). Free flow between the Grand Dining, Terrace Lounge & Chukka Bar.
Upstairs Pavilion 3D Tour
The Gallery
[THE PAVILION]
The Gallery is our most exclusive space, with original artworks of Tim Storrier. Accessed by special arrangement, these original works have been seen by only a select handful.
Guests: Best suited to intimate groups - 70 pax.
Note: This is the private collection & gallery space of the estate owners. Access to/hire of the Hopewood Gallery is only available by special arrangement.
For more information, or to discuss your upcoming event, please email our Hopewood Concierge on events@storrier.com