One of the north shore’s most iconic interwar mansions re-opens as
Luxe living apartments for over 60s

Lady Gowrie Village redevelopment complete and residents moving in to prestigious,
newly named ‘Gordon Quarter’ address

One of the North Shore’s most iconic heritage-listed mansions - Burnham Thorpe - has undergone a meticulous make-over to become several luxury homes for seniors, following an ambitious six-year redevelopment of Lady Gowrie Village, of which it is part.

As part of the redevelopment, the restored and renovated Mediterranean-style mansion is at the heart of the newly named, Gordon Quarter: the new look, reimagined retirement village on Edward Street, that is now open and welcoming new residents from the local community.

Set on a historical Sydney site - steeped in stories that date back to the 1930s - Gordon Quarter (GQ) includes the stunning interwar mansion, 40 purpose-designed retirement living units, and a brand-new 107 room Roden Cutler Lodge residential aged care home, all set within the idyllic landscaped grounds.

“After a six-year redevelopment to create a dream home destination on the North Shore for over sixties, Anglicare is delighted to unveil this unique village, and welcome residents to Gordon Quarter. This has been one of our most ambitious redevelopments yet, and we’re thrilled at the results. We think it really challenges the perception of retirement living,” says Peter Kesby, Gordon Quarter Village Manager.

On the site that was part of an original Crown Grant made to William Roberts in 1856, the land on which the village is on was passed through several hands before being purchased by flamboyant businessman, John Woolcott Forbes (1903 - 1985) in 1936. In a career spanning the best part of 50 years, the controversial Woolcott Forbes made and lost millions. There was no greater embodiment of his flamboyant lifestyle than Burnham Thorpe, which he had built on the site in 1937. It was bought by the Red Cross in 1940, and used as a Convalescence Home for WW2 soldiers until 1978. Anglicare took it over afterwards, opening it as a hostel as part of Lady Gowrie Village in 1982.

Working with leading Australian architectural firm, Allen Jack + Cottier (AJC), and Taylor Construction, the mansion has been thoughtfully restored, retaining many of its original architectural features, including its chandelier and grand cascading staircase connecting the home’s three levels. It also features an impressive-sized terrace and picturesque pool that has played host to local community events throughout the years.

Along with a stylish, contemporary Club House - including a formal lounge room, a Bridge room and a ballroom - for all of the Gordon Quarter community and their families to enjoy, Burnham Thorpe has been converted into eight, impeccably-designed independent living units.

Peter Kesby continues: “This landmark village has been well-known by local Gordon residents for decades. We have been told stories of local residents enjoying fetes, garden exhibitions and even learning to swim in the impressive outdoor pool, which has now been retained and refurbished.

“Blending old with new, Gordon Quarter is a celebration of both the rich history of this site and the vibrant seniors-living community that is here for a new generation. Despite only opening a few months ago, there is a really wonderful atmosphere and community being created by friends old and new. We have reunited old school friends who are now new neighbours, residents that have raised their children together, and residents who used to visit here when they were children themselves.”

Gordon Quarter also features new community facilities including a Café, snooker room, wine cellar, and outdoor BBQ areas. There is also an onsite Health & Wellness Consultant who coordinates a range of wellbeing programs and activities for residents.

The village also features environmental sustainable design elements including natural light and ventilation, energy- and water-wise fittings, rooftop solar power, and rainwater harvesting. There is also an onsite Health & Wellness Consultant who coordinates a range of wellbeing programs and activities for residents.

Recognising the depth of local interest in the site, Anglicare has also produced a booklet about its history, available to download for free at  https://gordonquarter.org.au/

About Anglicare Sydney:

Anglicare Sydney has cared for the vulnerable and housed senior Australians for over 160 years across two world wars, two pandemics, and numerous economic recessions and depressions. We are a Christian non-for-profit that has cared for vulnerable people and seniors for over 160 years.

With an annual turnover of over $300-400 million, Anglicare Sydney employs over 4,000 people and welcomes the support of 2,300 volunteers. Anglicare Sydney operates across the Anglican Diocese of Sydney – Greater Sydney, Blue Mountains, Southern Highlands, the Illawarra, Norfolk Island and the Shoalhaven – and the Anglican Diocese of Armidale.

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