Plans to turn abandoned mansion into eco tourist resort
A well-known abandoned mansion in Shellharbour — which is next door to a haunted homestead — is set to be transformed into an eco-resort. See the artist impressions and find out what the elaborate plans include.
Illawarra Star
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An abandoned mansion just 25 minutes south of Wollongong could be developed into a luxury eco-resort, complete with a restaurant and roof-top bar.
Nordon Jago Architects has lodged a development application with Shellharbour City Council, to redevelop the infamous “Minnamurra mansion” at 71 Fig Hill Lane, Dunmore, into an up-market “eco-tourism resort”.
The elaborate build of the now-abandoned mansion was started by Wollongong-based businessman John Kosseris a decade ago but was abandoned when his company went into administration a few years later.
The site has panoramic ocean views from its 5000sq m block on the outskirts of Kiama, and sits next door to the infamous Dunmore House, a reportedly haunted homestead that dates back to the 1860s.
If approved, “substantial portions” of the dilapidated dwelling would be demolished and replaced by a resort comprising of a principal building with 13 guest rooms, a gym and spa area, restaurant, lounge bar, panoramic terrace and pool, rooftop bar and three separated one-storey pavilions containing 20 additional guest rooms.
According to the plans, the principal building is a part two- and part three-storey structure, which at basement level would contain a gymnasium and beauty therapy centre, a restaurant, lounge bar, terrace and swimming pool.
Ten units and a reception would occupy the first floor level, while three additional guests’ units and a roof-top bar would be located at the rooftop level.
As well as the 13 units, the plans seek approval for the construction of a further three “clifftop pavilions”, housing a total of 20 guest units.
True to its name, the eco resort will also encompass sustainable design principles to “elevate environmental performance” and reduce the ecological impact on surrounding areas in terms of both construction and operation.
“Ecologically sustainable measures include on-site collection and storage of rainwater, water efficiency measures, passive thermal design and sustainable building materials and components,” the plans state.
“Efficient lighting, photovoltaic energy system with a maximum peak of 99kw peak, high efficiency air-cooled centralised conditioning system [will also be included].”
The plans, which have been lodged with Shellharbour City Council, are on public exhibition until December 11.