Historic significance of Netley House

KICKING off the invitation to readers to send their unique stories about living in the Queensburgh area, or historical information, local resident, Paul Raw tells us about Netley House in Flame Lily Park.

Email your Queensburgh stories and photos (as jpeg attachments, at least 1meg) to michelled@dbn.caxton.co.za

NETLEY House derived its name from a village in Hants, England, from where the Haynes family originated.

It was built in 1889-1900 for Mr Haynes, the brother-in-law of Mr Walter Hillary. Mr Edward Hillary and Mr Doughty were the contractors.

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The house stands in the grounds of Flame Lilly Park and became the residence for frail aged.

The lovely brick home commanded a fine view of the surrounding landscape, the undulating panorama of hills and valleys, with natural bush spreading out before it.

During the winter and summer months it was a popular guest house.

Mr. and Mrs. Haynes were noted for making guests welcome and comfortable. The homely atmosphere made them want to return on another vacation.

In those days, supplies were delivered by means of mule to ox-wagon.

A carriage was used to meet expected quests at Malvern Station to convey them to Netley House.

Those that followed the Kuhne-Science for health reasons were catered for, which was a special service for people on diet.

It was several years later that Netley ceased to be a guest house, and after the death of the owner it was sold in 1935. It was whilst Malvern was still a part of the Catholic Parish of Bellair that the house was acquired at the request of Father Chadwin Parish Priest at Bellair.

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Mother Mary of the Cross of St Augustine Order arranged for the purchase of the property. It then became an industrial school for Coloured boys.

In 1938 it was used to accommodate the sisters of the Order when St Philomena’s Orphanage was established.

By that time the top floor had deteriorated and became uninhabitable, and so only the ground floor could be used.

In April 1977 the combined MOTH Organisation took over the house when they purchased the property.

Splendid restoration work was carried out to repair the house, and restore it to its former glory. It is still serving a worthwhile purpose to the community.

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