Our history
About Us
How Hillstone, Hundred Acre and St Lucia Golf Links came to be
Hillstone St Lucia and Hundred Acre stand on the foundations of a very old house called Hillstone. The story of this house (and us) begins with the enterprising Englishman William Dart.
William was a wheelwright and coachbuilder who, after turning 20, decided to create a new life for himself. His solution was to immigrate to Australia in the 1850s. Within a couple years of arriving in Brisbane, he was growing cotton, bananas and a family (he had 8 children) on the Brisbane River flats. This was near where the university boatshed now stands.
Later, in the 1880s, William built a grand house for his wife and children and named it Hillstone. It served his family well until, 40 years later, it became the first clubhouse for the Indooroopilly Golf Club. This club was the predecessor of the rooms and terraces that we still have here today. However, in 1985 the Indooroopilly Golf Club moved to Long Pocket, so the area became St Lucia Golf Links, a public golf course with its own reception centre.
The original clubhouse is heritage listed along with Hillstone’s Mango Tree, an iconic centrepiece and focal point of all those in attendance at a Hillstone event. We invite you to take a step-by-step trip down our memory lane and explore the detailed history of our Home on the Hill below.
ABOUT US
Our home on the hill
1850s
An enterprising young wheelwright and coachbuilder named William Dart arrives in Brisbane from England. Within a couple of years he is already settled and prospering, growing cotton and bananas on the Brisbane River flats, near where the University boatshed now stands.
1860s
William imports sugar cane from Java and Mauritius to establish a cane plantation near our location. He also encourages other farmers on the river flats to do the same.
1870s
William Dart builds a sugar mill to produce brown sugar, but soon becomes a medal-winning pioneer in the manufacturing of white sugar.
1886
Now he’s well established, William builds a grand house for his family, called Hillstone.
1886
William sells one of his sugar plantations to fellow businessman William Wilson. With a keen eye for real estate, Wilson subdivides the land into housing blocks and calls the estate St Lucia, after the island in the West Indies where he was born.
in 1926
The land around Sandy Creek is declared a bird sanctuary and is subdivided into a 123 acre golf links, named the Indooroopilly Golf Club.
While in Australia, the world’s most profound golf course architect Dr Alister MacKenzie provides his recommendations on the course layout. Photo source: The MacKenzie Chronology Project
William Dart’s grand Hillstone homestead becomes Indooroopilly Golf Club’s first clubhouse.
THE 8O's
1986
In 1986, Jens Holland and Hans Pettersson took over the running of the old clubhouse – only recently having arrived from Sweden. Jens and Hans have continually invested in the expansion and refurbishment of the buildings over the past 37 years, making it an iconic landmark in St Lucia. They have met the changing needs of a growing market, catering to corporate meetings, events and the wedding industry. At the core of their service is the delivery of a first-class experience that is unique, homely and memorable.
Each of the rooms has been extended and upgraded, with décor exuding Queensland charm and intricate detail – enhancing the stunning views of the golf course surrounding it. The most recent renovations occurredin 2020, with the Hillstone kitchen upgrade and completion of mini golf with attached dining Pavilion.
1887
The Indooroopilly Golf Club moves to Long Pocket and this site becomes St Lucia Golf Links, a public golf course and reception centre.
1888
Jens Holland and Hans Pettersson arrive from Sweden after winning the tender to run the clubhouse.
The extension
2005
A magnificent extension takes place that not only provides for a full suite of offices on the lower level, but also greatly extends the Grand View room – effectively doubling its size.
Jens and Hans’s family business grows exponentially to employ more than 200 staff.
The 19th hole café undergoes a major facelift and is renamed the hundred acre bar.
2012
With inspiration from Scandinavia, Colorado and Bali, the hundred acre bar receives a new addition to its premise: The Living Room. This room caters for small events with a cosy fireplace for Wintermise: The Living Room. This room caters for small events with a cosy fireplace for Winter.
Saint Lucy caffé e cucina joins the Hillstone family, opening at the doorstep of the University of Queensland Tennis Centre.
2014
Hundred Are Bar is significantly damaged in a cyclonic storm on the 28th November 2014. Cyclone-proof sails are destroyed and the exhaust system, weighing 20kgs, blows away in the wind. Damage exceeds $500,000. It takes 12 months to restore the beautiful restaurant and temporary arrangements are made to continue trading in a marquee.
2015
Hundred acre bar opens a new bar in May. The restaurant receives more weatherproofing and the addition of a rooftop bar, to deliver the best views of the golf course.
2015 - today
2017
Jens Holland and Hans Pettersson win the management rights and lease to run St Lucia Golf Links. A house of brands unite.
Hundred Acre Bar reaches stage one of renovations. This includes the new Atrium bar area being completed. Plant Bar Arrangement Co moves in. Inspired by The Butler’s Cabin at Augusta National, a new fireplace is installed paying tribute to Dr Alister MacKenzie’s recommendations to the golf course.
The upgrades to golfing facilities begin. This includes improvements to the course, new golf carts, a golf simulator, and the building of a new Golf Pro Shop.
2019
We farewell Saint Lucy caffé e cucina and her saintly patronage. After 8 years of ownership, Jens and Hans sell the restaurant in July 2019 to focus more intently on their primary place of business.
Present
Still working closely with their families and first-rate team, Hans and Jens continue to transform and improve the golf course and home on the hill. They are always pleased to showcase their warm and distinctive Scandinavian approach to hospitality.
what to expect in the future
With St Lucia Golf Links recently joining Hillstone and hundred acre bar, all three brands have united to be operated and managed by Jens and Hans. In winning the lease agreement for the Golf Pro Shop and golf cart fleet, their promise to the Brisbane golfing community is to bring the course back to life in cooperation with the Brisbane City Council.
This promise has already flourished in 6 months alone, with significant investment going into upgrading facilities and introducing new features. These include the Foresight Golf Simulator and Golf Pro Shop, which also acts as a private events space.
Further renovations and improvements are planned for the coming years. Our story has a bright future and an interesting history.