The Discalced Carmelite Friars moved to Varro Ville in 1965 to establish a novitiate for trainee priests, to get them in touch with the land. At that time, Varro Ville was very much in the country. Since then, the 300 acres has been surrounded by suburbs – a rural oasis on the edge of Sydney. The Friars used the retreat center as a place of residence and a retreat center until 2012, when it was completely renovated and refurbished. The Friars also built their own priory on site, which they remain in to this day. In 2019, the Carmelite Friars entered into a unique collaboration with YMT Australia who now proudly manage and operate the Retreat Centre.