View of the front verandah of The Hermitage, Denistone East, 1941 with ficus covered wooden pillars. The Hermitage, located in Pennant Avenue, Denistone, was built by John and Ellen Blaxland in the 1840s. The Nicholson family lived there in the early 20th century. Catherine Nicholson, on marriage, became Catherine Hamlin, who co-founded the Fistula Hospital in Ethiopia. Once used as a research facility of the CSIRO, it has now reverted to its original use as a family home. Ryde Library Service. Acc. 5483263. The Hermitage (Denistone East) / 11.