A grand historic residence in Manly that began as an exclusive seaside retreat for a wealthy banker now functions as a vital home for the Presentation Sisters.
An Exclusive Bayside Retreat
The house, originally named ‘Culterfel’, was built around 1885. It was constructed for James Gibson, a bank manager, as a holiday home. It was one of the very first holiday houses to be built in the area, which was being developed as the ‘Manly Beach Estate’.
The home was described in an advertisement from 1887 as a “mansion worthy of the site,” positioned to take advantage of the extensive views over Moreton Bay. Mr. Gibson and his family used the house for holidays until he retired in the early 1890s and moved in permanently.
After Mr Gibson, the property was sold in 1911 to a grazier named John Henry Hart. Mr. Hart also used the home as a holiday and retirement residence. During his ownership, the house was a centre for the local community, hosting fetes and meetings.
A New Community Role
The property’s purpose changed completely when it was purchased by Brisbane’s Roman Catholic Archbishop, James Duhig, in 1935. The Archbishop was working to establish more churches and schools in the growing suburbs.
He had already established the St John Vianney parish on nearby land where the ‘Wyvernleigh’ residence once stood. ‘Culterfel’ was immediately put to use, becoming the home for the parish priest, Rev. Father Butler. The lower level of the house was even used as a temporary mass centre for the local community.
In 1940, the house was remodelled to serve a new and lasting purpose: to become a seaside convent. The building was officially blessed and opened in January 1941 as the St Philomena’s Convent and School.
It became the home of the Presentation Sisters, an order focused on education and community outreach. The Sisters started the school from the convent building, opening with just over 80 students.
The school was later renamed St John Vianney’s Catholic Primary School and moved into a new, purpose-built schoolhouse across the road in 1953. The original ‘Culterfel’ building was formally transferred to the Sisters in 1959 and continues to serve as their convent to this day, a landmark of community service.
Published Date 18-December-2025
