Tempe House and St Magdalenes Chapel, Heritage estate and chapel in Wolli Creek, Australia
Tempe House is a Georgian villa on a 12-hectare estate in Wolli Creek featuring symmetrical architecture, timber floors, and classical details throughout. It includes St Magdalenes Chapel, which displays Gothic elements and stained glass windows added during a later expansion period.
The estate was built between 1833 and 1836 by architect John Verge for William Charles Wentworth as a private residence. After 1850 it was converted into an industrial school for orphaned children, marking a significant shift in its purpose.
The property takes its name from the Vale of Tempe in Ancient Greece, and the gardens were intentionally designed to reflect this classical landscape along the Cooks River. Visitors can observe how the setting creates a deliberate connection to that mythological geography.
The estate is open during scheduled hours and welcomes visitors to explore the historic buildings, grounds, and chapel at their own pace. The site occasionally hosts special events, so checking ahead helps plan your visit around such activities.
The Good Samaritan Order took over the estate in 1887 and transformed it into a retreat for women, which led to the construction of the chapel in 1888. This religious community left architectural marks that remain visible today on the grounds.
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