Santa Fe

BOOKINGS OPEN AT 12 PM ON THURSDAY, 8 FEBURARY 2024

Architect/s: Herman Hutchison (1929)

Commissioned by Mrs. Eveleen Brettingham-Moore (1862-1938), Santa Fe is a manifestation of her Catholic faith and commitment to the Arts and Crafts movement. The house also reflects her mastery in woodcarving—an aspect often overlooked in Tasmania’s artistic history. Little is known about Brettingham-Moore’s woodcarving training, but her legacy is embodied in her home and community contributions.

Built in the Arts and Crafts style, Santa Fe is attributed to architect Herman Robert Hutchison (1872-1949) of Hutchison & Walker. The house, with a simple gable built-form in red brick, showcases the Arts and Crafts ethos, fitting seamlessly into Hutchison’s body of work from the 1910s to 1930s. Notably, Mrs. Brettingham-Moore had a familial tie to Hutchison, with her son marrying his daughter in 1929.

Within Santa Fe, Mrs. Brettingham-Moore crafted an elaborate baronial-style mantlepiece in 1928-29, adorned with floral emblems, dragons, griffins, and the Moore family crest. Additionally, she collaborated with her daughter, Marie Brettingham-Moore, on the altar and tabernacle for St John’s Catholic Church in 1929.

Remaining the Brettingham-Moore family home until 1992, Santa Fe witnessed the removal of the sitting room mantlepiece, replaced by a cedar creation from local woodcarver, Tony Brodribb. The original altar and tabernacle still grace St John’s Church, preserving the artistic contributions of the Brettingham-Moore family for visitors to appreciate.

Open: Saturday 24 & Sunday 25 February 2024, 1 pm – 4 pm

Note: This is a general open; however, you must register to attend the property.

Note: There is little on street parking available and St. John’s Circle is one way only. Please park beside St. John’s Church.