In the second half of the 19th Century, the Marist Fathers named an extensive property near Toulon in France "Montbel".

Such was the fondness of this property with the French Marists who lived at Villa Maria in Hunters Hill, that small 19th century stone cottage on Gladesville Road overlooking Tarban Bay was named "Montbel" in its honour.

Montbel House was used as a residence and later as an apostolic school.

Above: Montbel House, where Hunters Hill Lodge now sits on Gladesville Road.

The residents of Hunters Hill Lodge welcomed the change to hold onto the historical significance of the site by naming the newly refurbished theatre and libraray area "The Montbel Room". This room servs many purposes and is ideally situated looking out over Tarban Bay toward where Burns Bay Bridge and Gladesville Bridge meet in the distance.