On the way to Wollongong we’ve all driven past Appin Inn, a large but derelict stone homestead on the right hand side of Appin Road a few metres from the local shops.
Built in 1826 to operate as an inn, it changed hands in 1833, was renamed Union Revived Inn, was turned into a guest house, private residence and boarding house before its inevitable decline.
Looking at it today it’s obvious its glory days are long gone, but thanks to the Walker Corporation, the big housing developer of Appin Valley, they are coming back.
Walker have agreed to pay for the $1.2 million full restoration of the historic homestead as part of their community contributions.
It means the Macarthur district gets one of its former jewels back, but Appin gets much more.
The local community will benefit even more because once Appin Inn is restored it will be available for use.
Exactly what use hasn’t been determined yet, as company chief Lang Walker told a gathering today for the official announcement of the $1.2 million restoration.
Mr Walker said the company bought the site of the Inn a few years after the company started developing Appin Valley in the early 2000s.
The State Member for Wollondilly, Jai Rowell, commended Walker Corporation for both the Appin Inn restoration and spending $10 million on community facilities in Appin.
“Between here in Appin ad Wilton is the new centre of Wollondilly looking forward to the next 20-30 years, so this $10 million investment into Appin by Walker Corporation is very welcome,’’ Mr Rowell said.
Also in attendance on the site of the Inn today were representatives of local historical societies in Appin and Campbelltown as well as local resident Deirdre Darcy, whose family has a connection to the Appin Inn.
Below: The sad state of what must have been a beautiful stone homestead in its heyday.
Michelle Maroun
Sue Gay
The so-called restoration of the old Appin Inn is really a total obliteration of its character and history, for the purpose of a sales
office for Walker Corp.
The oldest 1826 section will be sacrificed for the new obtuse plan and modern toilets, which also involves the removal of earliest fireplace and original joinery.
The laughable renovation is so extreme, it eclipses the worst 1950s makeovers.
With its gleaming roof devoid of chimneys, the “restored” Inn will be nothing but a concrete slab with a movie-set façade – devoid of any of the historical significance it once had.