"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 histroy 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 and 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 and in the whole Potts Point Area, on an allotment o fover 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.
"Craigend" then had a succession of owners and then converted into a Hospital and 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
