Kirsten Serviced Accommodation are in 2 locations: Mudgee and Parkes. Parkes especially is thick with Australian history. And due to this historical connection we have named our Luxury Accommodation houses in Parkes after the famous historical ladies. Clarinda, Julia, Eleanor & Lily. Let me explain:

The Town of Parkes was named after Sir Henry Parkes the father of Australia Federation in 1873. You may remember a picture of him on our old $5 note. Did you know he had 3 wives & 18 children?

Lady Clarinda Parkes nee Varney (1813-1888) was Sir Henry Parkes wife for 50 years until her death. She was born in country England and became a Sunday School teacher at her local church. She married Sir Henry Parkes in 1838 at the age of 25yrs. In 1839 she & Henry sailed to Sydney to start a new life. The couple lived in Balmian & had 12 children together. Sir Henry Parkes was Premier of NSW for 5 consecutive terms from 1872 – 1891. It was said that even though Sir Henry held such a prestige position, the family lived on the edge of bankruptcy most of their lives. Clarinda was said to love her home & garden. She never appeared in public except for the opening of Parliament. The town of Parkes in Central NSW was named after her husband Sir Henry Parkes in 1873 and the main street of the Parkes township was fittingly named Clarinda Street after herself.

Lady Eleanor (Nellie) Parkes nee Dixon (1857 – 1895) was Sir Henry Parkes second wife, wed in 1889 after Clarinda’s death. Eleanor originally from England, at the age of 23 years gave birth to 4 children to Sir Henry before they were married and 2 more children their after their marriage. It is said that after their marriage, all of Clarinda’s daughters left the family residence prior to Nellie coming home, so not to be ruled by a step-mother. Lady Eleanor had a keen interest in social  & political issues and accompanied Sir Henry on political visits, making her popular with the community. Nellie died of of a long incurable illness at the age of 38 years.

Lady Julia Parkes nee Lynch (1872-1919) was Sir Henry’s 3rd wife, wed 3 months after the death of Lady Eleanor. Julia originally from Ireland, was 23 years of age when she became the wife and step-mother to ageing Sir Henry’s & his & Eleanor’s 5 young children. History believes that it was Lady Eleanor’s dying suggestion for the aged 80 year old, Sir Henry to marry Julia to take care of the 5 young children (aged from 2 yrs to 12 yrs old). Sir Henry died at the age of 81, 6months after their marriage. Lady Julia stayed on to be the step-mother of his & Eleanor’s children and  never remarried and never had any further children. She died at the age of 46yrs at Lewisham Hospital.

Lily Maria Parkes (1851-1854 died aged 3yrs) at Darlinghurst & Lily Faulconbridge Parkes (1862-1932) died aged 70yrs were both daughters of Clarinda & Henry Parkes. Lily Faulconbridge was a conchologist with an interest in natural science. She never married and had no children & died in Neurtal Bay at the age of 70yrs.

In summary, Kirsten Accommodation has named all our Luxury Accommodation houses in Parkes after the strong women surrounding Sir Henry Parkes life. 

Kirsten Serviced Accommodation prides itself on our attention to detail. Our accommodation provides both high quality facilities and service.

All our houses possess arcitectual attributes that are both beautifully modern & functional. We built the houses with accommodation in mind. Custom Australian made cabinetry, custom furniture, interior designer homeware & finishes make for a welcoming & relaxing space to stay.

Our service is what makes our accommodation luxury. Priding ourselves on always presenting our guest with a clean fresh home upon arrival. Our team of staff are never far away to offer honest country hospitality. We supply quality fresh white linen, fluffy white towels, feather pillows & high quality toiletries. Complimentary WiFi & Foxtel make your stay with us like your home way from home.