- A bit of History -

The Old Post Master and Station Master’s Residence

Almost 20 years ago the homestead and former Post Master’s residence was converted into tea rooms by Dutch couple John and Enneke van Middelkoop and opened as Hargraves Tea Gardens. Enneke has fond memories of Raymond John (Bill) Hingston (the Post Master from 1947) and his lovely wife Violet. It was through their weekly bush walks together and Vi’s steadfast support and enthusiasm that the idea of a tea garden came to fruition.

Bill and Vi gave 40 years of faithful service to “the Park”. When Vi passed away the opportunity arose for the van Middelkoops to purchase the property. At the time they had already established Articles Tea Rooms across the road and had essentially outgrown the premises.

Despite the record high interest rates and financial hardship of the late 1980’s, Hargraves Tea Garden opened its doors on 20th August 1988 and blossomed as an old-worlde haven where tourists, Sydney-siders and locals alike would flock to for some good old-fashioned home-style cooking and a bit of peace and quiet. The kitchen was her domain and the garden his. Together they created a truly unique environment for guests to enjoy.

Returning full circle the Dutch couple’s youngest daughter Suzi followed in their footsteps opening Tea by the Sea almost 20 years later.

Something in her bones told her she had to reignite and honour the “light” that her parents propagated all those years ago which had faded over time.

With a colourful and interesting history dating back to 1895, the building - which hasn’t changed much in structure, formerly the Post Office and prior to that the Station Master’s residence, Tea by the Sea oozes the same charm of yesteryear with a delightful upmarket but cosy feel. Interestingly the history shows the Post Office was “manned” by numerous Post Mistresses in it’s time. Perhaps an explanation for the lovely feminine energy about the place?

Lawrence Hargrave

Perhaps Australia's greatest contributor to the early science of Aeronatics, Lawrence Hargrave was born in Greenwich, England on 29 January, 1850. He and his family arrived in Sydney on the 15th December, 1865. Lawrence was an apprentice engineer at the engineering shops of Australian Steam Navigation Company.

He lived at 'Hillcrest' at Stanwell Park (just up behind Tea by the Sea) for six years and died in 1915. In November 1894 Lawrence Hargrave succeeded in lifting himself to a height of sixteen feet above the ground using four box kites. His invention of curved surfaces to give lift was adopted by all future aeronautical designers. This work gave impetus to the development of the aeroplane. (Walker, 1984)

An engraving of Lawrence Hargrave alongside a number of his gliders appeared on the reverse of the Australian $20 banknote from 1966 to 1994 (click here to view the $20 note >>) .

There is also a memorial to him at Bald Hill overlooking Stanwell Park beach.

A day out in the Park, a day by the Sea >>