This cafe and gazebo are in the grounds of the Uniting War Memorial Hospital, located along Birrell Street in the eastern suburb of Waverley. The former home and grounds of the Vickery family were gifted to the Methodist Church for use as a private hospital in 1919. The church added to the site by acquiring adjacent properties. In 1977, the Methodist Church became part of the Uniting Church of Australia.
Perfect timing! The home and grounds were gifted to the Methodist Church for use as a private hospital in 1919, just as the Spanish Flu was becoming a terrible killer.
ReplyDeleteThe shadows in and around the cafe are intriguing. Such clarity, yet such mystery!
ReplyDeleteI am reminded of cottages here.
ReplyDeleteMakes me pine for summer (it's winter where I live) but what a pretty gazebo! Alana ramblinwitham.blogspot.com
ReplyDeleteNice building
ReplyDeleteThis setting exemplifies my mind's eye view of a rural Australia. Thanks so for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThe porch looks like a pleasant place to linger.
ReplyDeleteI can tell it use to be a little private hospital, but very nice building anyway.
ReplyDeleteLittle known facts. The cafe is set in a heritage listed landscape. The War Memorial group of buildings are also listed at State and Local level as well on the National Trust NSW. The original building has parts that use material brought over from Pompeii (as in the Roman town). The grounds are known as the Vickery Estate and the main building is called Edina which was short for Edinburgh. The landscaping and main Vickery Estate were constructed in 1884 and were set on 8 acres of land. This building however is considered of low heritage importance and sadly has been recommended for removal when the site is redeveloped. Don't worry the gardens are being expanded and all heritage building retained with a new cafe planned ;-)
ReplyDeleteThank you for the additional information.
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