Commissioned by Mrs. Eveleen Brettingham-Moore (1862-1938), Santa Fe is a manifestation of her Catholic faith and commitment to the Arts and Crafts movement. The house also reflects her mastery in woodcarving—an aspect often overlooked in Tasmania's artistic history. Little is known about Brettingham-Moore’s woodcarving training, but her legacy is embodied in her home and community contributions.
Built in the Arts and Crafts style, Santa Fe is attributed to architect Herman Robert Hutchison (1872-1949) of Hutchison & Walker. The house, with a simple gable built-form in red brick, showcases the Arts and Crafts ethos, fitting seamlessly into Hutchison's body of work from the 1910s to 1930s. Notably, Mrs. Brettingham-Moore had a familial tie to Hutchison, with her son marrying his daughter in 1929.
Within Santa Fe, Mrs. Brettingham-Moore crafted an elaborate baronial-style mantlepiece in 1928-29, adorned with floral emblems, dragons, griffins, and the Moore family crest. Additionally, she collaborated with her daughter, Marie Brettingham-Moore, on the altar and tabernacle for St John's Catholic Church in 1929.
Remaining the Brettingham-Moore family home until 1992, Santa Fe witnessed the removal of the sitting room mantlepiece, replaced by a cedar creation from local woodcarver, Tony Brodribb. The original altar and tabernacle still grace St John's Church, preserving the artistic contributions of the Brettingham-Moore family for visitors to appreciate.
In conjunction with Richmond 200, Open House Hobart is super excited to announce Open House Richmond. This special one-off event will be held on Saturday 24 + Sunday 25 February 2024, and will form part of an extensive program that celebrates Richmond’s bicentenary. Open House Hobart is an annual architecture program that opens some of Tasmania’s most unique buildings to the public, including private homes and historic buildings across lutruwita Tasmania. We acknowledge that Open House takes place on the land of the traditional owners of lutruwita (Tasmania) and pay respects to the palawa people, Tasmanian Aboriginal Community and to Elders - past, present and emerging.
For detail of the full Open House Richmond 2024 program, head to openhousehobart.org/richmond
Ticket Conditions
Bookings open TBC. Tickets are free but are also limited and in high demand – if you are unable to attend please cancel your ticket via booking link or contact the Open House Hobart team: tas@architecture.com.au
Free - Bookings required.
Note: This is a general open; however, you must register to attend the property.