Vienna Cottage

Vienna Cottage is a rare example of an artisan’s home of the past century. Built in 1871, it was the home of John and Ann Hillman and their five children. They lived in what was a typical tradesman’s cottage, with four rooms in the main building and a detached kitchen and laundry at the back. John Jacob Hillman was a cobbler and later also a village lamplighter. The home was originally run as a dairy, and also produced fruit and vegetables from the small orchard beside the house, which to this day is preserved as a small park called Hillman Orchard.

Although having undergone few renovations and repairs over the years, the house remained in the posession of the original family until 1984, and so retained much of its original character, fittings and furniture. The house was rented out from 1926 the last tenant leaving in 1991, having acted as caretaker from 1984. The cottage had little furniture when purchased and has been maintained “as found”. Consequently, no improvements have been made but the slate roof was restored, floor boards repaired and halls not painted but sealed to keep out the moisture.

In 1984 the house was purchased by the National Trust on behalf of the people of Hunters Hill, while the old orchard was bought by Hunters Hill Council. Both were opened to the public in 1988 as part of the bicentenary project.

Vienna Cottage is in the heart of the Hunters Hill peninsula, and within easy walking of many heritage buildings, including Hunters Hill Town Hall (26 Alexandra St), Hunters Hill Congregational Church (1 Ferdinand St.), All Saints Church (cnr Ferry and Ambrose St), Garibaldi Inn (cnr Alexandria and Ferry St), and many other private residences of historic interest.

Within easy driving distance are St Joseph’s College, historic buildings at the old Gladesville Hospital, Kelly’s Bush, the old ship-repair Dock at Clarke’s Point, Hunters Hill High School and Hunters Hill Public School. Many other foreshore sites, such as Woolwich Wharf, from where the Great North Walk starts, Gladesville Reserve, and Boronia Park Reserve, are within the Hunters Hill precincts.

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