Thursday, May 21, 2026

Rosebank - Darlinghurst

“Rosebank” - Darlinghurst

Rosebank - Woolloomooloo - home of James Laidley by Conrad Martin 1840

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Rosebank - residence of dc laidley 1831-1836

Friday, April 24, 2026

Craigend - Darlinghurst - Darlinghurst Villas - Demolished 1922

"Craigend" - Darlinghurst - Demolished 1922

This Picture shows the members of the extended Pechey Family on the steps of Craigend Mansion on the Darlinghurst Ridge, about 2km from the city.

This Beautiful Georgian Mansion at this time was owned by Alfred Pechey, who was a Solicitor & a Member of Parliament. It is the history of the home which is most interesting, being built in 1831 by the Surveryor & Explorer Thomas Mitchell, known As Major Mitchell.

The Darlinghurst Ridge is a high ridgeline within the suburb of Dalirnghurst. It overlooks the surrounding area. It was chosen by Governor Ralph Darling as a prime location for the homes of the Colonial Elites.

Craigend Was the first home to be built there in the whole Potts Point Area, on an allotment of over 9 Acres that was granted to Sir Thomas Livingstone Mitchell.

Major Mitchell arrived in Australia from Scotland in 1827, as he'd been appointed Assistant Surveyor General. He named "Craigend" after his family's home in central Scotland.

The home was designed with Parthenon style Portico, which lead to it becoming known as the Acropolis of Sydney. Mitchell lived there for less than 10 years and sold the mansion in the late 1830's.

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Plan Of Allotments at Craigend - Darlinghurst -

the property of Sir T.L. Mitchell, S.G. &C. for sale by Mr. Stubbs

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"Craigend" then had a succession of owners & then converted into a Hospital, then a boarding house in the early 1900's. It was Demolished in 1922 to make way for A Block of Flat (How Sad Is That?)

Overlooking Woolloolmooloo from The top Of the Darlinghurst Ridge - Craigend Mansion - Painted in 1845 by George Edwards Peacock

Tuesday, April 21, 2026

“Prestonville” Later Named "Cairo" - 81 Macleay Street - Potts Point

"Prestonville" Later Named "Cairo" - 81 Macleay Street - Potts Point

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Australian Town & country Journal - Sydney - Saturday 27th May 1876 - Page 20

Evening News - Sydney - Thursday 9th August 1911 - Pg 5

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The "Cairo"

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Building Layout

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Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), Wednesday 13 November 1929, page 16

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