‘Wagon Wheels’ Revisited

By Karen Carpenter

Duclie and Colin with Geoffrey, the current owner

Wagon Wheels at Stanwell Tops was the setting for a romantic rendezvous first enacted in the 1940’s, during a church function held at Wagon Wheels, then called Undola. A well known boarding house and holiday place it was very popular with the local community.

Colin Davies met his future wife Dulcie, fell in love and courted her for 5 years as was the custom in times gone by. They were married just after World War II and both returned to spend their honeymoon at Wagon Wheels.

Recently, Colin and Dulcie contacted the owner of Wagon Wheels, Geoffrey Pybus, to see if they could revisit to celebrate their 60th Wedding Anniversary. During an enjoyable luncheon, a photo was taken in the same corner of the Grand Ballroom as was taken 60 years ago. They both reminisced about their time spent at Wagon Wheels. They are both hale and hearty at 86 years of age.

As locals may have noticed, Geoffrey has spent a great deal of time and effort to restore Wagon Wheels to its former glory. Additions include the stone and wrought iron bridge, a 160 foot long wisteria colonnade and the lovely fountain and stone pond set in a circular driveway. A proposal is before Council to create an ornamental lake and a 7 acre rainforest.

Built in 1895 as a holiday home for Henry Halloran, a George Street real estate agent and his wife and children, Wagon Wheels stayed in the family for many years. The Grand Ballroom was added in 1935 to create work for the unemployed during the Great Depression of 1929. During the 1950’s and 1960’s it was a successful boarding house and restaurant. Many parties, dances and events were held there. As many as 28 guests stayed overnight and some slept in the large old barn.

It is hoped that Wagon Wheels will again regain its place in local events, especially for weddings and birthdays. Accommodation of a more luxurious style is envisaged for smaller numbers of guests. For enquiries, please contact Geoffrey on 0419 429 458.