One of the district's oldest buildings and rich with character, 'St Helena' is being offered to the market for the first time in approximately 146 years spanning 5 generations.
The residence of Napoleon Bonaparte during his exile on the island of Saint Helena was called Longwood House. Harry Tubb, a keen student of Napoleon, appropriately named this building 'St Helena' after arriving in Longwood in 1875. Fifty years later, his sons from St Helena went on to fight and even die, for Napoleons countrymen in France. It is rumoured that the willows on the Winding Creek originated from cuttings of the original tree on Saint Helena.
'St Helena' was originally planned to be the third hotel in what is now known as Old Longwood. However, after the railway line went through in New Longwood, the folk gradually moved to the new settlement, and 'St Helena' was left as an unfinished shell.
Harry Tubb and his wife Emma, both school teachers purchased St Helena and originally lived in the upstairs rooms with the downstairs being stables for the horses. Harry and Emma had 10 children - two of the sons being awarded military honours with Frederick Tubb gaining the Victoria Cross and his brother Frank receiving the Military Cross.
The original kitchen was an outhouse. St Helena underwent a renovation in 1982 when the fifth generation of Tubbs took up residence.
The original garden boasted a tennis court, croquet lawn and showpiece garden. There was a vineyard, cellar and wine making until the pholoxia destroyed the crop.
Today, the property represents a brilliant opportunity for someone to restore this piece of local history to its former glory. Be that as a residence or potential commercial venture (STCA), the options are endless. With large formal rooms, several fireplaces and 4-5 bedrooms upstairs a restoration would be rewarding.
The 31 acres approx. of land in some 5 certificates of title and an unused road lease has a large machinery shed, other shedding, stock yards and shearing shed. The Winding Creek meanders through the south eastern corner of the property and a large dam provides ample additional water. The property also has town water connected.
A truly remarkable opportunity.
