History

 The origins of this splendid building date back to the Gold Rush era of the 1860’s when it was built as the private residence. During the 1880’s it was purchased by the Catholic Church and converted into The Holy Cross Convent and Boarding School for Girls. Closing in 1973 the building and grounds fell into disrepair. In 1988 prize-winning artist and ceramicist Tina Banitska bought the property with great plans. The nun’s infirmary and one of the nuns ‘cells’ or bedrooms have been left un-restored to give visitors an insight into how things once were.

For more detailed information about the history of The Convent click the link above to download a detailed pdf.