It is more than 130 years old, on a sprawling elevated site in Lawson, and was once owned by Sir John Sulman, of the eponymous art prize.
Kihilla, a 65-bed property on 9.8 hectares in Queens Road, is now up for sale.
The main residence of Kihilla was built in 1883 under the ownership of Robert Fitz Stubbs. He named it ‘Kihilla’ meaning brotherhood.
In the 1890s, W.B. Mitchell expanded the residence, adding stables, a gatehouse and a cottage.
In 1913, it was bought Sir John Sulman, the prominent Sydney architect who left behind a rich legacy in the form of iconic Sydney buildings, town planning reforms and architecture grants. The Sulman art prize, which was established through his bequest in 1936, is awarded annually to the best subject painting, genre painting or mural project by an Australian artist.
In 1934, Kihilla was converted into a retreat for 75 guests. A small dairy, fruit orchard, vegetable garden and horse riding school were also operated.
It was run that way for more than 70 years until, in 2009, it was gifted to the Church Army. which still owns it. It is currently operated as a boutique conference centre and retreat. Its 65 beds are spread over 15 rooms. There is also a large combined lounge/dining area, two conference rooms and multiple kitchens
The sprawling estate offers panoramic views and the expansive grounds provide the perfect venue for outdoor functions.
It is zoned E4 (environmental living) so any future development must be low impact and have no adverse effect on its ecological, scientific or aesthetic values. The established native bushland areas must be preserved and the form and siting of buildings must be appropriate for, and harmonise with, the bushland character of the locality.
With consent, it could be used for B&B accommodation, eco-tourist facilities, environmental facilities, home-based child care or emergency services facilities, among other possibilities.
The property is being sold by Stonebridge Property Group (William Blanch) and Raine and Horne Commercial (Gavin Shatford). Expressions of interest close at noon on Wednesday, June 27.