John Horbury Hunt

John Horbury Hunt (1838–1904), also known as Horbury Hunt, was a Canadian-born Australian architect who worked primarily in Sydney and rural New South Wales from 1863. Born in Saint John, New Brunswick, he trained in Boston before migrating to Australia. He initially worked with Edmund Blacket in Sydney for seven years before establishing his own practice. Hunt's architectural output was diverse, including cathedrals, churches, houses, schools, and other structures such as the Superintendent's Residence at Prince of Wales Hospital (1863) and the Catherine Hayes Hospital.

Among his notable works are the Convent of the Sacred Heart (now Kincoppal School), Tivoli (part of Kambala), St Peter's Anglican Cathedral in Armidale, and Booloominbah and Trevenna, both part of the University of New England. Hunt was known for his innovative, radical designs that were ahead of his time and influenced modern architecture in Australia. He introduced the North American Shingle Style to Australia, exemplified by Highlands (1891) in Wahroonga and Pibrac.

Hunt faced financial ruin during the 1890s Depression and died from Bright's disease at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in 1904. His personal effects, listed in the hospital records, included a metal box, gold rings, a silver pencil, and spectacles. He was buried at South Head Cemetery, Vaucluse. His home, Cranbrook Cottage, was demolished in 1925 after being repossessed due to his destitution. Some of Hunt's works are listed on heritage registers, including Highlands and Pibrac, both on the Register of the National Estate.