OUR HISTORY
A heritage of care and community
Kenilworth House:
where it all began
At the heart of Kenilworth Gardens stands Kenilworth House, a grand Federation-style bungalow built in 1917 for Claude Terry, a grazier from Young, NSW. Constructed by A. Stephens and Sons, the residence was designed in the popular Californian bungalow style of the era, with wide verandas, generous rooms, and elegant proportions.
Originally set on approximately four acres of gardens, orchard and paddocks, the home was described in 1922 as “a magnificent lounge room, wide veranda, splendid dining room and beautifully appointed bathroom” – a modern country residence in one of the Commonwealth’s most desirable districts.
Over the decades, Kenilworth House became home to prominent figures in business and public life, including Henry Ambrose Russell of the Sun and Telegraph newspapers, and later Sir Sydney Snow, a leading Sydney businessman and director of Sun Newspapers.
The property was known as one of Bowral’s distinguished country homes, admired for its formal gardens and gracious setting.
Becoming Kenilworth Gardens
In 1979, plans were lodged to transform the former Kenilworth Private Hospital site into a purpose-built retirement village. Construction began in 1980 under the direction of Copeland Developments, led by Timothy Copes.
More than 40 years ago, Kenilworth Gardens was established with a vision to create a retirement community that respected independence while providing genuine support. At the time, it was considered one of the most advanced retirement village concepts in Australia, inspired by similar models overseas.
The first residents moved in during 1981. Stage One included clusters of single-storey one- and two-bedroom villas. By 1982, 52 self-care residences were complete, along with plans for serviced apartments and integrated nursing care. Over time, the village expanded to 67 independent villas and units, with serviced apartments incorporated into a new wing of Kenilworth House.
The gardens
The land that Kenilworth Gardens occupies forms part of the original 1859 subdivision of Burradoo – later Bowral – created from land first granted to explorer John Oxley in 1823.
The estate surrounding Kenilworth House was always a defining feature of the property. Early descriptions refer to orchards, paddocks, and extensive formal gardens. When the site operated as a private hospital from 1965, the gardens were considered part of the therapeutic environment – blending homeliness with professional care.
Today, the 12 acres of gardens have matured alongside the community. Established trees, seasonal plantings and wide open green spaces create the peaceful landscape that residents and visitors experience today. The setting remains one of Kenilworth Gardens’ most treasured qualities.
Kenilworth Gardens became one of the first resident-funded retirement villages in Australia – a model that prioritised both lifestyle and long-term security.
Evolution of care
Kenilworth House opened as a private hospital in 1965, led by Nursing Sisters Evelyn Worth and Jean Coleman. Their vision was to create a hospital that felt homelike yet operated to the highest professional standards. The gardens and domestic character of the house were retained as part of the healing environment.
When Kenilworth Gardens Retirement Village was developed in the early 1980s, integrated care was central to its model. The village initially included plans for a nursing home component, which later operated from a purpose-built wing of Kenilworth House. In 1996, Kenilworth Gardens further expanded its care offering with the development of an Alzheimer’s Residential Care Facility, recognising the need to support residents through every stage of ageing.
Over time, care models evolved. External operators later assumed management of nursing services, and eventually dedicated nursing facilities were established elsewhere in Bowral. Kenilworth House transitioned fully into serviced apartments and community spaces.
From the beginning, Kenilworth Gardens has been committed to providing security, dignity and continuity of care – allowing residents to remain within a familiar community as their needs change.
Today and tomorrow
Today, Kenilworth Gardens is home to approximately 98 residents across 67 independent villas and units, and 16 serviced apartments located within Kenilworth House.
Since its establishment, ownership has evolved, with significant reinvestment over the decades to maintain and enhance the estate. In 2024, the property was purchased by DH KWGE Pty Ltd, a private Bowral-based entity, continuing its local connection.
While much has changed over the years, the core philosophy remains: this is a place where you can live well, on your own terms, in a beautiful setting with support when you need it.
Visit our heritage
When you tour Kenilworth Gardens, you’ll experience this history firsthand. Walk through Kenilworth House, see the gardens that have grown for over a century, and understand why this place feels so special.