George B.Studley was a popular and very influentail resident of Brenwtood in the late 1800s.He was the son of Hiram Studley,who cofounded the New York Transfer Comapny with his brother,Warren.After Hiram's death in 1875,George took over the company and looked after his father's interests.He also was a lawyer in New York City.He came to Brentwood for his health.
George also went into the real estate business,just as a diversion at first.But it ultimately led to what he is best remembered for in Brentwood:the Austral Hotel.George formed a syndicate with Arthur B.Hart and Clinton W.
Kellam.Together,they bought the large,well-developed Pearsall estate and an additional 250 acres of land.on this property,they built the legendary Austral Hotel.The toatl cost was $200,000.The hotel had 135 rooms and could accommodate 225 guests.But it was doomed from the start.Whilr the hotel was large,comfortable,and very
impressive,it was also extremely expensive to run and maintain.It never attracted enough customers to be
profitable,and so it failed.The hotel building was later sold to the Sisters of St.Joseph,who turned it into what is now St.Joseph's Academy.
George was elected a Justice Of The Peace in 1891,and held the office for three years.That same year,he married
Mary Spaulding.They had two children,Barrett and Grace.Incidentally,George's aunt was Mrs.Charles A.Codman.