Hunter Living Histories

Step inside Cintra House

Maitland’s crown jewel and a sprawling 31-room Victorian Italianate masterpiece. Built in 1878 during the height of the “Boom style,” this isn’t just a mansion—it’s a living, breathing timeline of Maitland itself.

More than Just Bricks and Mortar

Here’s why Cintra House is more than just “bricks and mortar”:

• A Grand Romantic Gesture It was originally built as a lavish “love letter” by a prominent Jewish merchant for his beloved wife.
• “If These Walls Could Talk” Over the last 148 years, Cintra has lived many lives – from a prestigious family estate and a venue for legendary wild parties to a somber hospital and a bustling boarding house.
• The Supernatural Element: It is reputedly 100% haunted, carrying the whispers of its storied past in every corridor.
• Ahead of Its Time: Designed by the renowned architect J.W. Pender, the estate sits on a lush acre featuring a signature heart-shaped entrance island. Remarkably, its Victorian-era mastery of light, water, and airflow rivals the efficiency of modern sustainable homes.

A New Chapter

Today, the Blanch family holds the keys, pouring their passion into meticulously restoring “the old lady” to her former glory. Whether you’re a fan of architectural brilliance, local heritage, or a good ghost story, Cintra’s century-and-a-half of history is a saga you won’t want to miss. Ready to see the restoration in progress? It’s a journey well worth the watch.

Thanks

Thanks to all who helped make this film possible including:

• Catherine Blanch, the present owner and custodian of Cintra House
• Glenn Dormand and Tony Whittaker, the Stories of Our Town Team
• Maitland City Council Local Heritage Fund
• Maitland Regional Museum
• Maitland Museum of Clothing
• Special Collections & Archives University of Newcastle
• Erica Wright, Vera Deacon Intern, GLAMx Lab University of Newcastle
• Dr Ann Hardy
• Simon Long
• Clare James, Heritage Officer Maitland City Council
• William Brown
• Dr Janece McDonald
• Lynette Huckstadt
• Dr Janis Wilton OAM
• Joe Eisenberg OAM
• The late Dinah Harvey
• Flynn Crouch
• Gionni Di Gravio OAM

For More On Cintra House

The Treasures of Cintra House Project on Living Histories
https://livinghistories.newcastle.edu.au/nodes/view/118358

Introducing the Cintra House Project

Digitising the Treasures of Cintra House: Mapping the Journey

Getting Career-Ready as the 2025 Vera Deacon Intern

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https://hunterlivinghistories.com/category/stories-of-our-town/

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