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A devastating fire last night has gutted one of the Hawkesbury’s most beloved heritage venues, Loxley on Bellbird Hill at Kurrajong.
The alarm was raised at 7:06pm, with emergency crews on site in under ten minutes. Despite their swift response, the blaze tore through the historic property, leaving little more than a shell. Thankfully, no function was underway at the time, though staff were present. Early whispers suggest the cause may have been an electrical fault in the aging structure, though investigations are ongoing.
Channel 10 has already contacted local community leaders for comment, with footage expected to be shared across multiple networks. The story may feature in tonight’s news bulletins, albeit briefly.
A Place of History and Memories
Loxley on Bellbird Hill has long been a jewel of the Kurrajong Hills.
The property was originally constructed in the early 1900s, one of several grand homes that dotted the Bellbird Hill escarpment as Sydney’s well-to-do sought country retreats in the cooler hills above the Hawkesbury. Its timber and sandstone construction, deep verandahs, and high ceilings reflected the Federation-era style, designed both for elegance and for practical comfort in the Australian summer.
In its early years, the homestead served as a private family residence, with orchards and gardens spilling down the slope toward the valley. Generations of Kurrajong locals remember the property as a landmark on the steep climb up the Bells Line of Road — a gateway to the Blue Mountains that became known for its commanding views across the district.
By the latter part of the 20th century, as tourism to the Hawkesbury expanded, the estate was transformed into a boutique guesthouse and function centre. The name “Loxley” was adopted during this period, and the venue soon developed a reputation as one of Sydney’s most romantic wedding destinations. Its sweeping driveway, century-old trees, rose gardens, and outlook over the valley became the backdrop for thousands of ceremonies and celebrations.
Over the decades, Loxley on Bellbird Hill hosted not only weddings but also conferences, community gatherings, and special events. For many, it became a place of firsts and lasts: the beginning of marriages, milestone anniversaries, and even memorial services. It was more than a building — it was a keeper of personal and collective memories.
The name Bellbird Hill itself carried historic resonance. The slope, on the ascent from North Richmond to Kurrajong Heights, was named for the bellbirds whose distinctive chiming calls filled the air. The location became synonymous with Sunday drives, roadside tea-houses, and the rural tourism that gave Kurrajong its enduring charm.
Community Mourning
For the Hawkesbury community, the fire represents not only the loss of a building but also the silencing of a piece of living history. Loxley stood as a bridge between the Hawkesbury’s pioneering past and its thriving role as a tourism and wedding hub.
As investigations continue, the community’s thoughts are with the staff and owners of Loxley, who not only lost a business, but a heritage landmark that will be remembered with affection and gratitude by thousands who passed through its doors.
Photograph David Griffiths Kurrajong Comelroy Historic Society
