PhotographerPerumal Murphy Wu Pty LtdDetails'Woodlands' is a heritage listed Federation Traditional building built in 1894.
Construction of the building took four months and was completed in 1894. It was built for Thomas Woodland Hall, Chief Accountant, NSW Railways. The size of the property at that time was 5 acres. In more recent years (c1970's) the property was purchased by the Methodist Church and became part of their social service work as a home for girls in need. They were under the care of Rev W Hobden. They had previously operated such a home in Drummoyne for 4 years and had many successes in rehabilitating girls. The work extended beyond the Drummoyne property and they moved the work to 'Woodlands' renaming it 'Heighway House' to continue to honour the services of Deaconess Dorothy Heighway who had served at Drummoyne. It accommodated 16 girls between the ages of 15-18. In 1985 the property was purchased from the then Uniting Church by the Thornleigh Baptist Church for the sum of $200 000. Right after purchase it was partly gutted by fire. It is believed the fire was set by vandals or derelicts. The building was reconstructed to near original condition and has since been used by the Church for a great variety of activities including a short-term emergency accommodation flat on one side, a caretaker flat at rear, and for programmes for youth, retired people, children, office, etc.
Description: Early Federation period house. Symmetrical design. Tuck-pointed face brick walls in Flemish bond. Simple square timber posts above brick piers and balustrade. Magnificent original door with side panels, lights and toplights. Gablet over entry. Very good tall moulded rendered chimneys. Bay windows with large double-hung panes. Side verandahs enclosed.Date taken1992LocationThornleighGeotag[1] KeywordsThornleighHistoric houses and buildingsHousesChurchesDuffy Avenue
