Hester Villa

A fine example of an early Federation era timber and iron house, Hester Villa was built in 1901 for Captain Robert Pairn, who was both a master mariner and great recruiter of Pacific Islanders as cheap labour in building and farm works.

Although he died in 1910 the house remained with his wife and then his family until the late 1960s, after which it fell into disrepair. Luckily it was bought by a conservation savvy architect who restored it back to its early grandeur.

An old penny which records the date on which the house was built is still rumoured to hang in its original spot above the front doorway.