National Trust Property Guide - "Mindaribba", Hunter Valley, New South Wales

Originally Built in 1902 as The Commercial Bank and Managers grand residence, it was seen as a sign of confidence in the commercial strength and prosperity of the area. Below is an extract from the book " Where the Rivers Meet" Coraki 1840 to 1915 from the year 1902.

"On the commercial side, business seemed to be very good. That was even more enhanced by the opening if the Commercial Bank's new premises. Mr R.P. Napier, resident manager felt very proud to be the occupier of such a magnificent building. It certainly was a masterpiece and one of the finest in the district. The following description bore testimony to that.

The roof with exposed beam ends was of red Marseilles tiles. These coupled with the clinker brick exterior, high gables, turned wooden verandah posts, and a distinctive shingle pattern under the entrance gable under the entrance gable gave it a grandoise appearance. French doors with eight foot long shutters at each side and rectangular fanlights over the interior doors made it the most exquisite building in the town. Inside there were pressed metal ceilings with varying patterns in every room. Four plain marble fireplaces had been selectively installed in the main rooms. To the average person, that building certainly certainly depicted a prosperous future for the area."

"Over the years that fine building has been well maintained . When the bank ceased operation in the 1940's Doctor B.C. Terrey purchased the property and converted the premises to surgery and residence. The location proved excellent for the towns doctors"

The practice changed hands a number of times until it ceased operation as a doctors surgery in 2001 and was sold to the current owners. It is currently used as a fine home, with the bank rooms used as an a la carte restaurant.

This Magnificent building, so rare on the North Coast of NSW, being only 20 minutes to the coast and the commercial hub of Lismore, 1 hour to Byron Bay and 2.5 hours to Brisbane, is now Heritage listed.

Before the current building was built, a weatherboard home built by the Yabsley family was on the site and was used by the bank from the 1880s until it was demolished to make way for the new building in 1902. Part of the original home, and the original stables, both dating from the 1870's are still in use today!

Situated in approximately 1/2 an acre, the property overlooks the Richmond River and would make a fine home, or you could continue to run a Restaurant or other commercial enterprise (subject to council approval) in the bank rooms.