Various leases where taken by Tangney Bentley and upon his death passed to Elizabeth Holmes, wife of Richard.
Ultimately with the deaths in the family and non payment of rent, the leases were taken up by George Mears, a Dublin Solicitor.
Today, Ballysax Manor House is a fine residence in mature timbered setting on 5 acres.
[One of the Racing Lodges of The Curragh].
It has 3 spacious Reception Rooms, Kitchen, 6 Bedrooms, 4 Bathrooms, Staff Flat and Office.
He had spent many years in India on active service and was not prepared to return to Ireland….rather, at the suggestion fellow officers he decided to travel to Tasmania.
He had a large family and their first home of six months was at Glenorchy in Hobart (Tasmania).
They then moved to “The Falls” just beyond New Norfolk awaiting a land grant at West Scottsdale in N E Tasmania.
On 29th August 1882 “the first blow of the axe was driven into the virgin bush” and Dilkhoosa, meaning “The Place of Hearts Delight” (Hindi) was commenced.
The builders were the eldest sons William and Henry with cousin William Donaldson, and took almost two years of great hardship to construct, whilst other family remained at New Norfolk.
The area was Primeval forest and approaches to the “block” were over corduroy roads and several creeks, up a steep hill to the slip panels at the entrance to Dilkhoosa.
During the building process, living was harsh in a two roomed slab sided hut with a bark roof.
The fireplace was 5ft wide by 4ft deep and made of timber slabs that also formed the chimney.
Beds consisted of timber planks and straw covered, with a rough blanket.
The hardships included plagues of Fleas!
Cooking was basic in the hut with an iron bar and hooks that hung pots to cook in and a billy for tea.
Food was brine cured bacon, eggs, toast, and black tea.
............... But the new house was completed !
