Allendene

Statement of Significance

Allendene has historic and social significance in its many roles - as an early residence still extant in the town and because it was one of the first boarding houses, as well as the first convent for the Order of St Joseph and utilised as a classroom. It s pleasing design and landscaping give the residence aesthetic value.

Physical Description

A single storey assymetrical residence with a hipped roof, gabled by to the southern end and skillion front verandha with timber posts and contemporary cross-railing. The house is set in landscaped garden with matuer trees.

History

Built in the 1930s by the Struck family of Nangabrook. The residence was named "Allendene" after Vivian Struck's sister, Allen, who died of pneumonic flu after World War I. Vivian Struck was the landlady of what became a guesthouse in Drakesbrook, housing people who worked in the town. Many of the guests included local school teachers, Whittacker's employees and the men who built the first bank in town - the Bank of NSW (later Westpac). In 1943, owing to financial difficulties during the war, the Struck's sold the guesthouse to the Order of St Joseph for use as their convent. Allendene's central room was used as the first classroom until the old St Mary's Church was converted into classrooms. The nun's continued to teach music in the convent. In the 1980s, the Hopkin's (originally from Falkirk, Scotland) purchased the property and renovated the house and renamed it the Drakesbrook Guesthouse. In 1999, the Hopkin's sold the guesthouse.

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Last Update

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This information is provided voluntarily as a public service. The information provided is made available in good faith and is derived from sources believed to be reliable and accurate. However, the information is provided solely on the basis that readers will be responsible for making their own assessment of the matters discussed herein and are advised to verify all relevant representations, statements and information.