Glebe House

GLEBE HOUSE

Glebe House was built by Anglican Chaplain, Reverend George Otter, and his wife, Mary Anne Wedge, in 1842, on a site they bought the previous year after the closure of the Green Ponds convict road station. Hailing from Suffolk, they emigrated to Van Diemen’s Land in 1839 for George to take up the Chaplain post for Green Ponds – a role he held until 1848 before his departure to Victoria.

Touted as one of the finest houses in the town, Glebe House was described as ‘having every possible convenience and suited to a gentleman’s residence or scholastic establishment.’ It was advertised in 1851 as an ‘Establishment for Young Ladies.’

Clearly a gem of the time, the property passed through several hands and in 1921 was bought by Colebrook farmer Walter Munnings who built a shop at the front on the block which was later moved across the road.  It was purchased by the current owner in 2011, who has been working on a faithful restoration. The house has remained remarkably unaltered and retains practically all its original joinery and form.

Custodianship continues to this day, with archaeologist Brad Williams continuing to uncover the stories within and celebrate the homes’ vibrant histories.