(Image courtesy of the State Library Victoria)
In August 1874, Samuel and Eliza purchased 20 acres of land at the head of the small ocean bay of Little Coogee (now Clovelly). The property had been a small farm, with a homestead, stables, coach-house and dairy. This was to be their retirement home. Six miles from the Sydney CBD, it was a quiet isolated location, with only a few large estates sporting “marine villas” dotted on prominent locations on the surrounding slopes, all taking advantage of the uninterrupted ocean views.
Stroll through the timeline below to read about the history of the property, both before the Bennetts took residence, and during their tenure.