Move-in ready, this iconic and historically significant Kiama home blends modern comforts with historic charm. Photos: Harcourts.
In its near 200-year history, 19 Saddleback Mountain Road, Kiama has had just six owners, from a rebellious reverend to its current custodian, local history enthusiast Peter O’Neill.
“It’s such an enjoyable home, people tend to hold onto it,” Peter says.
For nearly two centuries, Kendall House has been the backdrop of cherished memories. Now back on the market, the next chapter of its story awaits.
Originally called Happy Villa, the residence is Kiama’s first permanent home. The cedar structure was built in 1828/1829 by Thomas Surfleet Kendall for his father, Reverend Thomas Kendall (grandfather of poet Henry Kendall).
The Kendalls arrived from England in 1810. Reverend Kendall, the first New Zealand missionary, compiled the first Māori–English grammar, mediated between Māori and Europeans, and stirred controversy through musket trading and his unorthodox views on Māori culture and religion.
“They were sent to New Zealand by Reverend Samuel Marsden, the so-called ‘Flogging Parson’,” Peter says. “As a magistrate, Marsden was notorious for inflicting severe punishments on convicts (notably extended floggings) for the slightest indiscretion. Kendall’s fascination with Māori language and culture was contrary to Marsden’s expectations.”
The original “Happy Villa” house. Photo: Supplied.
Returning to Australia in 1827, Kendall received 1280 acres in Ulladulla and bought 500 adjoining Kiama acres (Retreat Farm) stretching from Barney Street south, including East Beach and Kendall Beach. Thomas Junior, a trained carpenter, built the first house the following year, plus stables, a dairy, barn and fences.
The Kendalls ran a dairy farm and shipped produce to Sydney. The farm prospered, and an extension of local rock and cedar in Georgian style was added in 1866.
Tragedy struck in July 1832 when Thomas Senior’s ship hit a shoal off Jervis Bay, and all aboard drowned.
Thomas Surfleet inherited the property, later passing it to his daughter Charlotte, who leased part to the Boniface family. The Kendall custodianship ended with her death in 1919.
George Boniface in 1915 in front of Happy Villa before going off to World War I. Photo: Supplied.
The home was next purchased by the Weirs, local farmers.
“Descendants from both the Weir and Boniface families are still in Kiama today,” Peter says.
The Weirs added a Federation-style extension in 1921, closing the wraparound verandah into a hallway with tessellated tilework that remains.
Though subdivided, the property remains on 3350 sqm with dual street access.
It offers six bedrooms and three bathrooms across two residences, including a self-contained 1880s weatherboard cottage with two bedrooms, nine-foot ceilings, a veranda, cedar doors, period finishes and a full kitchen with gas cooking and a Miele dishwasher.
The main residence has four bedrooms, an office and three living zones. Period details abound: 10–12-foot ceilings with intricate cornices and gold-leaf roses, cedar French doors, hardwood flooring, sash windows and antique mantelpieces and cabinetry dating to the 18th century.
French doors open to a wraparound veranda. The elegant kitchen, with granite benchtops, Bosch appliances and bespoke cabinetry, flows to a dining area with raked ceilings and garden views.
The O’Neills have ensured their contributions are sympathetic, including wallpaper printed with original William Morris blocks and curtains imported from London.
“It was in good condition when we purchased it. Each owner has taken their turn looking after it, and always with the utmost respect to its history. Everywhere you turn, there’s evidence of it,” Peter says.
“When the last owners were doing work on the place, they pulled cedar panels off the front door and on the back of one was the name of the builder, George Switzer. He was a carpenter from England who served on Nelson’s flagship HMS Victory, which of course was the flagship Nelson was on when he won the Battle of Trafalgar.”
Additional features include attic storage, an oversized triple garage, a carport, forecourt parking for boats or caravans, a 6.5 kW solar system, reverse-cycle air-conditioning, and 18-inch walls for year-round comfort.
Outside are sprawling lawns, alfresco areas, a paved courtyard, a tessellated path, a firepit terrace and a mature orchard encased by silky oaks, Illawarra plums and native birdlife.
The home sits 900 m from Kendalls Beach and within walking distance of shops, cafes and Kiama High School. Saddleback Mountain lookout, Easts Beach, the Kiama–Gerringong Coastal Walk and the Blow Hole are nearby.
The asking price for the home is $2,990,000 to $3,289,000.
Whether you’re a history enthusiast, an investor or a family seeking multigenerational coastal living, this is your invitation to join Kiama’s enduring story.
For more information on 19 Saddleback Mountain Road, Kiama, call Harcourts’ Daniel Dajcic on 0432 660 440.
