The state heritage-listed Peterborough property at 2 Callary St, known as St Cecilia, was sold earlier this month by Elesa Wood of Barry Plant Norwood.

From the first moment she saw the property, late in 2020, Elesa was captivated by it. Seldom do the few steps down the entry path to the front door of a property tell a story. But then again, most properties don’t have the statue of a headless woman, a Roman noblewoman no less, sitting right in the middle of the path surrounded by beautiful native gardens.

One of the most intriguing historical treasures of the mid-north, St. Cecilia was originally built in the early part of the 20th century for John Norton, a catholic bishop known as the ‘Bishop of the Railways’. The first home with electricity in Peterborough, this breathtaking 15 room property (plus detached coach house with additional 7 rooms) has been many things over its storied journey; bishop’s home, convent, boarding school, bed and breakfast, and of course, a much-loved family residence.

There are rumours that the ghost of Bishop John Norton has been spotted roaming the premises and this has been thoroughly looked into by actual paranormal investigators, but Elesa didn’t encounter the ghost while selling the property.