Benedict House is a painting/ jewellery
studio, bead shop and cafe located in a former girls
boarding school and convent in Queanbeyan.
The Refectory Cafe
Our popular cafe 'The Refectory' is open Wed-Sun from 10am-4pm, serving lunch & afternoon tea. Guests can enjoy the old world ambience indoors, or when the weather is fine they can soak up the sun in our lovely courtyard and garden. All food is made from scratch, using produce from our kitchen garden & the local region whenever possible.
The Refectory offers:
- Private parties - Mini conferences
- Special events - High Tea
Beads & Jewellery
We sell our own designer jewellery, as well as a mixed range of vintage and contemporary gifts and accessories. Our bead shop stocks beads sourced from all over the world, including fairtrade Kazuri beads from Africa, and hand blown glass beads from Italy.
Workshops
Benedict House holds regular workshops on jewellery making techniques, as well as craft classes such as knitting and card making - please refer to the calendar for upcoming classes. Private workshops can also be booked for childrens or adults parties.
Produce
Benedict House also has fresh local produce for sale every Sat & Sun from 10am-5pm.
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Open Wednesday-Sunday 10am to 5pm
Bookings & Enquiries Ph
(02) 6284 2868
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A Bit of History
Benedict House has had a significant past. The building
is still imposing in one of the heritage streets, Isabella
Street, in Queanbeyan. Though built in the Victorian era it does
not feature the decorative style associated with that
period; instead its simple, symmetrical features are a revival
of Georgian architecture.
Originally
built as a boarding school by the Good Samaritan
Sisters it has had a colourful history - including
having former Prime Ministers, Ben Chifley named
after it, and Paul Keating as an owner in the 1980's.
Artist Kate Shelton and her husband Paul Maloney bought Benedict House at auction in December 2002 and have been developing their business since.
This charming old building makes the short drive
to Queanbeyan - only ten minutes from Manuka - well
worth a visit.
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