Retired Economist Rescues Sydney's Forgotten 1840s Priory

A retired economist armed with a lawnmower, sandpaper, and determination is saving a piece of Australian history one paint stroke at a time.

Craig James spent years as Commonwealth Bank's chief economist making regular TV appearances about finance. Two years ago, Parkinson's disease forced him into retirement, changing his daily routine to walks around his Sydney neighborhood of Huntleys Cove.

During those walks, he watched The Priory deteriorate. The sandstone building from the 1840s sat empty for 20 years with broken windows, peeling paint, and knee-high grass choking its grounds.

"I didn't want to see the building and its grounds go that way," James said. So he started mowing.

Without asking permission, James became the building's unofficial caretaker. He trimmed lawns, edged walkways, and sanded down weathered window frames before painting them fresh.

When he approached Hunters Hill Council about climbing ladders to paint higher areas, officials were supportive but concerned about safety. James offered to sign an affidavit promising never to sue if he fell.

The council has since joined his efforts, removing the boards covering broken windows and replacing the glass. General manager Nick Tobin said he meets with James regularly and supports his work maintaining the state-heritage listed building.

The Priory's history spans nearly two centuries. Built as a farmhouse in the late 1840s, it later housed Marist Father missionaries before becoming part of Gladesville Mental Hospital in 1887.

The NSW Department of Health vacated the site in 2003 but still owns the land, leasing it to the council. A failed cafe attempt left the building dormant ever since.

Why This Inspires

James isn't just maintaining a building. He's protecting a Victorian Palladian architectural treasure that represents early settlement in Hunters Hill.

His hands-on action has sparked bigger conversations. Local heritage group Hunters Hill Trust wants the building reopened for community use as a cafe or art gallery.

The council estimates it needs at least $6 million to make the building occupancy-ready, covering facade restoration and electrical upgrades. They're seeking state government funding to make that happen.

James proved that one person caring enough to act can change everything. "I don't think it's looked better," he said, surveying the transformed grounds.

Sometimes the best economic investment is the sweat equity of someone who simply refuses to watch beauty fade away.