Yester Grange History - The Crockett Group

The Crockett Group. 1999.

In 1999 Yester Grange was purchased by the Crockett Group who have many years of experience in the mountains in the tourist accommodation industry. They have completely restored the famous old 'California' Guest House in Katoomba. The 'California' now named 'The Mountain Heritage', is recognised as the only remaining Grand Guesthouse in Australia still being used for its original purpose.

After years of research and hard work 'The Mountain Heritage' is now one of the show pieces of the mountains and was recently recognised as the best four and a half star hotel in NSW in the American Express-HMAA Accommodation Industry Awards for Excellence (2001) and, more recently, Best Premium Accommodation NSW Regional/Sydney Rim 2002.

The Group has also recently developed a unique, self-catering accommodation facility - The Falls Mountain Retreat - located in six acres of historic gardens in The Avenue, just of Falls Road at Wentworth Falls. It is next to the National Park and actor and television personality Reg Livermore's famous garden.

Making a commitment to preserve Yester Grange for future generations is a very expensive business. Just to keep the grounds neat and tidy takes three days a week for the gardener. Research and restoration of former garden features will take many years of investment and hard work.

Inside the house some areas of the pressed-metal ceilings have been replaced following a long search for the original stamping-moulds. Extensive research into colours and patterns and drapes have resulted in a magnificent, bright and airy interior.

The unique decorative paint finishes are the work of Leura-based Sita Rivas the well-known paint-finish artist. The floors have been stripped and restored as have the chimneys and fireplaces.

The superb antique furniture and chandeliers are the result of a world-wide search as the Crockett Group set out to re-create the sumptuous surroundings of the original owners. Some of the chandeliers were found in France, some in Italy and some in England. The Hudson family are historic and famous names in the timber industry in Australia and two of the chandeliers now at Yester Grange came from their former family home.

Following Gil and Elizabeth Clarke's stewardship the Crockett Group are taking the restoration of Yester Grange to the next level. The careful restoration to date now shows the house as it would have been when occupied by extremely wealthy men and women a hundred years ago. Men and women who were prominent in business and society and who surrounded themselves with the best of everything that the world had to offer. There are still many years of work ahead.

Yester Grange Historic House & Estate
Enquiries: PO Box 7027 Leura NSW 2780
Tel. (02) 4757 1110 Fax. (02) 4784 2510

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