Mercedes House Forbes

Mercedes House initially called "Tarra" was built in 1895 as a single storey building by the Lee family. It was a family home for the Lees and consisted of many large rooms for entertaining, dining, an impressive kitchen and then smaller bedrooms. It is one of the earlier buildings of its type for Forbes, with extensive grounds of manicured lawns and rose gardens. The house was indicative of the style of homes with wrought iron veranda post and lace, lead light windows and double brick construction.

Later in 1921, the property was purchased by the Marist Brothers, and "Tarra" was converted to a two-storey building to accommodate around 150 boys as part of the boarding school. In 1956 the Marist Brothers school moved to their new location at Red Bend, located on the Lachlan River and then "Tarra" became an all girls school for student from years 7 to 12, this school was administered by the Sisters of Mercy and was called OLMC (Our Lady Of Mercy College)

"Tarra" now "Mercedes" was occupied by the girls boarding school till 1976 when Red Bend Catholic College became co-ed, it then became part of the Forbes Wilcannia Diocesan Office property, and would often accommodate the principals of the nearby St Laurence's Primary School.

In 1984, the new owners, Michael and Denise Jelbart purchased the "Mercedes" as their family home, and it has remained that way since and has been loving lived in for all this time.

Mercedes House still retains many of the original features of homes built in the last two centuries. It has been updated extensively to accommodate later styles of living and comfort. However, you can still find throughout the house period installations like high press metal ceilings, lead light windows, porcelain tiled foyer, original fireplaces, tongue and groove flooring, large verandas, large semi formal gardens and the odd quiet nook for relaxing.

Mercedes House is a historic building and is only a short stroll from the CBD of Forbes. There is a semi self-contained apartment with free access to Foxtel. There are also several private rooms with shared bathroom facilities. Patrons also have full use of the heated saltwater pool, barbeques and gardens, all of them being common shared areas. There is also free Wi-Fi access.