a little history of Bleak House
Bleak House in Mudgee is named after the famous novel by the same name written by Charles Dickens.
Charles Dickens (1812-1870) is considered to be one of the greatest English novelists of the Victorian period. Dickens's works are characterized by attacks on social evils, injustice, and hypocrisy. Bleak House is not certainly Dickens's best book; but perhaps it is his best
novel. Such a distinction is not a mere verbal trick; it has to be remembered
rather constantly in connection with his work.
Bleak House was built by James Atkinson c.1861 and opposite his own elegant house in Lawson Street. For a time it was occupied by Richard Blackman and described as " a storey residence of 18 inch brickwork throughout, covered in iron and comprising 8 communal rooms, kitchen, large storage room and cellar under the same roof".
In 1896, Mrs Coates - Wilson opened her Private Boarding School for Young Ladies, having previously run two establishments in Denison Street and earlier in the de licensed Paragon Hotel . Bleak House continued for a long period as a hostel and during the war years became accommodation for munitions workers.
After reverting to a private residence and being lovingly restored Bleak House is now luxury accommodation for visitors to enjoy.