A filming scene from Nevil Shute’s On The Beach in January 1959. Ava Gardner is running barefoot on hot, dry grass in temperatures of more than 40 degrees Celsius at Wilson Hill. When Wilson Hill was subdivided some streets were named after people involved in the film.By Jim Mynard
THE last section of the James Wilson land north of Berwick Village has been developed for upmarket residential properties.
Barry Plant Real Estate office manager Kate Linden said about 20 blocks would be marketed from the 10hectare property.
Ms Linden said the property was rich in history, dating back to settlement in the Berwick district during the mid1800s, and became a rustic time capsule.
“James Wilson was obviously a man of vision when he acquired the land north of the village in 1854,” Ms Linden said.
The homestead, known as Wilson House, again came into prominence in 1959 when film industry icons such as Gregory Peck, Ava Gardner and Stanley Kramer filmed part of Nevil Shute’s On the Beach at Mr Wilson’s farm, further embedding the property’s rich past in Berwick’s folk lore.
Wilson Botanic Park was also part of the original property.
Ms Linden said the land clearly had a magical pulse that enhanced the general undertone of the district.
“The success and prestige of this subdivision will further contribute to the fabulous past of the property, and those who have their roots deep in the soil of the district will be immensely proud of our achievements,” she said.
