Niana House, Castledare Retirement Village

Niana House

Constructed originally as a homestead and centre for an agricultural property it was later the centrepiece of the former Castledare Boys Home. During this period some internal alterations were made to the north facing bedrooms and a commercial kitchen was constructed in the north wing. These adaptations have now been removed. The homestead has been returned to much of its original configuration of spacious rooms arranged around a central corridor at ground floor level, and the loft space and timber staircase, constructed for study purposes whilst a boys school, have been retained for interpretation purposes.

Internally, spaces have been minimally adapted as self contained flats for retired priests, plus a communal lounge. The western extensions were demolished and a part new western facade was constructed. The handsome Federation Queen Anne homestead, with its encircling verandahs, was fully restored externally, including reconstruction of the original verandah formation. New balustrades to satisfy code requirements have been added. A striking belvedere, oriel window into the loft, hooded canopy with fretwork motif and original leadlight glass to the front door, that culminate the front facade have been reconstructed. Once again “Niana” homestead largely reflects its former glory.