Heritage award winner Hanworth House lights up for Christmas

Environment Minister Dr Steven Miles joined in the festive cheer on Tuesday evening (22 December), lighting up the Christmas tree at historic Hanworth House, one of Brisbane’s oldest residences.

It was the first in a series of public evenings at Hanworth House, following an invitation from owner Marisa Vecchio for the public to view the Christmas tree from 7-8pm each evening until Christmas Eve.

Dr Miles thanked Ms Vecchio for picking up on an old tradition of opening historic homes and gardens to community viewing in the evenings in celebration of the Christmas holiday season.

“Brisbane’s climate lends itself to enjoying the cooler evenings rather than venturing outside during the day under a hot sun and beautiful Hanworth House is a magical setting in which to revive this fine tradition,” Dr Miles said.

“It’s also a great opportunity to see the sensitive restoration which was recognised just last month (November) with a top prize in this year’s Premier’s Sustainability Awards.”

Ms Vecchio used the prize money from the award win to light up the Christmas tree on the property for community enjoyment.

“We were pleased to be able to use the prize money to purchase low wattage LED Christmas lights and decorations to dress one of the magnificent trees on the property which survived a terrible fire that badly damaged the property three years ago,” Ms Vecchio said.

“I invite everyone to come and view the Christmas tree, house’s gardens, and restoration work and share in our enjoyment of one of Queensland’s best preserved residences.”

Dr Miles paid tribute to Ms Vecchio, who purchased the 19-bedroom property in 2012 and began restoration work, only to see 80 per cent of the home destroyed by fire later that year.

“Thanks to Marisa’s vision and tenacity, Hanworth House rose like a phoenix from the ashes to reopen in time for its 150^th anniversary on 16 July 2014,” Dr Miles said.

“Her work has conserved and repurposed one of Brisbane’s oldest residences in keeping with the values which make it one of the jewels of the Queensland Heritage Register.”

More information on the Premier’s Sustainability Awards and Hanworth House is available at www.ehp.qld.gov.au

ENDS

Public are invited to view the Christmas tree from 7–8pm from Tuesday 22 December until Christmas Eve.

Photos:

1) Marisa Vecchio, owner of Hanworth House, Steven Miles, Minister for Environment and Heritage Protection and Nicole Lessio, Labor Candidate for Gabba Ward

2) Friends and neighbours of Hanworth House under the tree

3) Marisa Vecchio, owner of Hanworth House and Steven Miles, Minister for Environment and Heritage Protection

4) Hanworth House interior