Bethungra, Canterbury, Historic house and former convent in Canterbury, Australia
Bethungra is a large stone residence on Fore Street with rusticated quoins and decorative window dressings across its exterior. The building features rough dressed irregular masonry made from locally sourced sandstone throughout its construction.
The building was designed and built in 1896 by architect Varney Parkes for the Quigg family. In 1901, just five years later, it was converted into a convent.
The house blends late Victorian and Federation Queen Anne styles, reflecting how residential design evolved during this period. These architectural choices are visible in the ornate window details and carefully worked exterior surfaces.
The Heritage Council protects this residence through strict conservation requirements, meaning changes to the exterior or structure are not permitted. Visitors can view the building from the street, though access to the interior may be restricted.
The sandstone masonry comes from quarries in the local area, making it one of the few well-constructed Victorian buildings still standing in the Canterbury region. Its use of local stone reflects building practices common to the era.
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