The Property
Mulla Villa prior to the verandahs being added in 1927
The original property consisted of two lots of 50 acres each, which Dunlop purchased from the Crown in January and February 1841. The Georgian design sandstone house was built by David Dunlop with the use of convict labour and it is believed the foundations were laid in 1840. There were a minimum of 14 convicts on site during the construction of the house. It is believed that the only other convict built stone building in the Valley is Laguna House.
Most reference texts refer to the name "Mulla Villa" as meaning the "House by the River". There is a suggestion that "Mulla" may have been a place in Ireland that Eliza was associated with in her early years ("Mullagh").
In his official capacity as Police Magistrate, he was assigned convict servants, who were confined at night to the cells underneath the house. During the construction stage, the convicts were housed in the cellar situated underneath the rear kitchen. The entrance to this cellar has since been covered in.
The existing verandahs were added in 1927, and prior to that, the front door was graced by a covered porch and had stairs leading down in front of the cells.
The rear portion of the house extends at right angles to the main building, and contained the servant's area and kitchen. This was originally separate to the main building and joined together at about the same time as when the verandah was built.
There possibly may have been a squatter living on the property before the land was granted to Dunlop, and he may have built the servant's quarters, this however has not been confirmed.
"Mulla Villa" remained with the Dunlop, even after the death of David. After this, the Milson family ran the property until around the turn of the century. The property was run as a dairy until about 1981, and owned by various long established families in the area, including the Prestons, Andrews and the Sternbecks. The cells were used as cool rooms to store the pickled carcasses of beef.
The house was then a private residence until 1988 when the Maul family purchased the property with 75 acres and continued with the restoration of the house. The house was then opened it to the public in the form of a guesthouse. "Mulla Villa" is now a Heritage listed property.
“Tremendous hospitality, very personalised service, had a really fun and romantic stay, thanks Caroline”
Eamonn O'neill, Warriewood, October 2007
