Houses Of Colonial Sydney NEW BOOKS REVIEWED - - - - Conducted by Clive Turnbull
Houses of Colonial Sydney
SOME HOUSES & PEOPLE OF NEW SOUTH WALES, by G. Nesta Griffiths (Sydney: Urc Smith)
The shelves in an Australian library which ought to be labelled Memoirs & Social History are mostly blank. Only in recent years has there been any attempt to tell us about the people, apart from governors & politicians, who made the Australia we live in.
SOME Houses & People of New South Wales?" very entertaining, one of the gaps. It Is Australia's story, with a small "s" certainly, disregarding most of the economic background, but it does provide a vast amount of information about the people who built Sydney's best known houses, from the days of the Macarthurs onward, & it's illustrated with a valuable series of photographs of dwellings as they used to be & are now. Written with knowledge, & sympathy, this Is an amiable round-up by an author to whom the ramifications of the Sydney families are an open book, in terms which all of them would certainly approve.
There's nothing discreditable about anyone's great-grandfather. To readers who know the houses & the descendants of the people described the book will obviously have a special appeal. Others may regard It as the groundwork for an historical study — Miss Griffiths supplies the facts: you may supply your own interpretation.
The houses photographed Illustrate the decline in taste which we should expect. The simple forms of the Georgian colonists gave place to the sometimes grotesoue ostentation of the later Victorian ace. One's fear that some of the more charming houses may be pulled down is balanced by a hope that some of the others will. Notable & gracious houses here shewn include Camden Park, Elizabeth Bay House a groundless survivor amid architectural parvenus. Tusculum, Glenrock & Fassy. There are some harmless equivalents of Toorak Renals. The' horrible examples one forbears to mention: they are plain to see.
Of all these dwellings' ElizabethBay Bay House is probably the most familiar as in its latter-day status as a rooming house, it has harbored many birds of passage. As Miss Griffiths points out there are probably hundreds of people in Sydney today to whom the name Macleay means a street on Pott's Point, though there are still a few who can remember Elizabeth Bay House before it was shorn of its glories.
Alexander Macleay was appointed Colonial Secretary in the twenties of last, century, & was later granted 54 acres at Elizabeth Bay. "a mile & a half from Sydney," for the purpose of erecting a family house & cultivating a garden — he had been secretary of the Lutheran Society. The house was completed in the 1830's, & the garden included all or what is now known as Elizabeth Bay to the western frontage of Rushcutter's Bay. Even in the forties it had become "one of the most perfect places I ever saw in my life." according to a visitor — the house "like a nobleman's palace." Macleay planted flowers & trees from "every climate, from Rio to the West, & East Tndies. China, & even England." from the Cape & from New Zealand. Both Macleay & the son who succeeded him were great patrons of learning &, indeed, everything agreeable, & entertained everyone of consequence from John Gould, of bird celebrity, to T. H. Huxley.
The celebrated staircase at Elizabeth Bay House, Sydney, now a forlorn reminder of colonial grandeur in a suburb of lowering pais. In 1915 the garden was greatly reduced. This century the house was occupied by various families, & In 1927 the estate was cut up & sold, the house for £14.000. the land for £150 a foot, a total of £57.509. "As the high ltde of progress Inps around what remains of this beautiful house." says Miss Griffiths, "It stands a pathetic relic surrounded by great blocks of flats. The gracious bow windows with their slightly curved/glass still 'retain a few original panes. The lovely panelling, the door frames, & those immense & capacious cellars remain to give some idea of Its past magnificence. but the glory of the garden Is only a memory. "In the hall at the old house the beautiful cantilever staircase soars upward in a gradual curve like the flower of an arum lily." Sydney has not been kind to these charming old houses. Burdekin House, Macquarle Street completed In 1811 for Thomas Burdekin — the river is named after his son — was demolished "in the cause of progress in the carlv nineteen-thirties." Of another estate we read "the lovely park overlooking the Parramatta River, bounded by the Duck River & Hacking's Creek Is now bordered- by the Homebush Abattoirs & Carnarvon Golf Links." It was nice while it lasted. C.T.
It's Really Hard To Imagine What It was like in Kings Cross & Potts Point 150 years Ago, when Darlinghurst & Potts Point Were being built literally from the ground up. Every Time I walk through that area I try to imagine where the Houses had been, & what they looked like, & property Boundaries & the way the topography of the land is now.
There is very little left, next to nothing actually of the Grand Structures that used to be there, from stables, cottages, servants quarters, and carriageways.
In the early days the area had been named "Henrietta Town", named after Governor Macquarie's wifes First Name. The First House Of Note Was "Craigend" Fronting Upper William St South, now Wollcott St, built by Sir Thomas Mitchell, Surveryor General .
Just behind "Craigend" was the last of old Darlinghurst Windmills, known as Hynde's Windmill. Originally there were 3, one near the goal, 2 were made of wood & required Manual labour but the third was mechanical.
Across Upper William St at its junction with Darlinghurst Rd, formerly Woolloomooloo Rd, was the property of the Hon Richard Jones MC known as "Merchant Jones" which extended into, & along Darlinghurst Rd. The property was built on a portion of land 3 acres 2 rods & 8 perches in extent, formerly granted on 19th October 1831 to Mr S.A. Perry. The land extending between it & Roslyn Hall was afterwards the site of Alberto Terrace, built & owned by John Solomon. Next going east was a grant dated 23rd September 1839, of 4 acres 2 rods & 24 Perches, to Thomas McQuoid mentioned before.
"Kellett House" was built on it by Sir Stuart Alexander Donaldson, the first Premier in 1856 under Responsible Government; he lived there for some years & it was afterwards owned by Mr W.F. Buchanon, who pulled down the house, & built a terrace there known as "Bayswater Terrace"
Then there came "Sevenoaks" & "Eaton" where Mr Edward Knox, & afterwards Captain Martindale, then occupied by Mr Edward Fosberty, the late Inspector General of Police
On the opposite side of Princes Road (Off Bayswater Road) & in front of "Sevenoaks" which also had a frontage to that road, were 2 cottages, one known as "Lara" was occupied by Mr James Norton - Solicitor, before he went to Double Bay. The other house was pulled down & it has been occupied by Lady Dowling, when she vacated "Brougham Lodge" on the death of Sir James Dowling, & after her Sir Henry Parkes & Mr W.H. Piddington.
Then to the east of Upper William St North came 2 cottages next to "Eaton" with an old fashioned wooden pump at the bottom of the private road between them, belonging to Mr T.W. Smart. Then there was Vacant Land round & along the gate of Roslyn Hall, owned by Mr Thomas Barker; he built the house, Mr Ambrose Hallen being the architect, living there for a time. St Canice Roman Catholic Church Stands on the site of the exit gate of the property
"It is hardly Visible to the eye from the South Head Road, being surrounded by Advertisement Boardings. Opposite was West's Bush, densely timbered, where the black used to camp.
Just to the north of "Craigend" is "Goderich Lodge" which was built & lived in by Mr T McQuoid, the then Sheriff in the 1830's until he died in 1841. The Bishop of Sydney (Dr William Grant Broughton was also a tenant, also Mr S.A. Perryu, the Deputy Surveyor General, Mr William Carr Solicitor in 1848, Mr Charles Scott - Ironmonger, & Mr Frederick Tooth Sold it to Captain Charles Smith of the firm Mcdonald Smith & Co, & was occupied by his widow. At one time its gardens extended to the Junction of Upper William Street (North) now Bayswater Road, & Upper William Street (South) where the Warahtah Hotel is now. Subsequently "Waratah" was built next to & on the East side of "Goderich Lodge"
Just a little below these to the east was a later built house, owned by Mr John Williams, the Crown Solicitor, now "Kurragheen"; next thereto was "Hillside" now the site of a large building to be used as dwelling flats, & next to that was a small cottage...
Behind "Hillside" was a house in which the Late Mr Justice Hargrave resided. The land on which it was built was a portion of 70 Acres grantred on 30th May 1844 to Mr T West. Roslyn St had not been formed but the Southern boundary of the property ran along to the Junction of Macleay St with the site of its present junction with Rosyln St, close there were 2 Windmills owned by Mr T Barker.
The "Roslyn Hall" property fronted Macleay St, & the second iron lattice entrance gate at the entrance was in Darlinghurst Rd, nearly opposite "Springfield".The house was a large well built mansion, with a spiral iron staircase to the upper storey; the rooms were large, with a bath fixed in most of the bedrooms level with the floor, so that one had to step down, not up, to get into it.
"Roslyn Hall" was one of the gayest houses of the time. The land extended on the South East to the site of St Canince Church, taking in Roslyn Gardens & Roslyn Road to the East, & on the north "Barnclueth" now called "Kinneil" & part of Elizabeth Bay Road.
To the north is "Chevverals" on part of the Macleay grant, next came a large substantial cottage or low built house at the corner of Macleay Street.
Spacious Days Of Long Ago - New Flats For Old Mansions - A Legacy of Ill - Sydney Morning Herald - Saturday 23rd July 1938 - Page 13
- Specific Houses Mentioned in Article are -
- Craigend Mill - Built of Stone - 90ft High - DEMOLISHED
- "Roslyn Hall" - DEMOLISHED
- "Larbert Lodge" @ Larbert Avenue - DEMOLISHED
- "Grantham" - DEMOLISHED 1937
- "Springfield Lodge" - DEMOLISHED
- "Tusculum" -
- "Rockwall" -
- "Tarmons" - Part Of The Catholic School - Home of Sir Maurice O'Connell
- "Barnclueth" (Kinniel) - DEMOLISHED - Made A Multi Level Carpark
- "Maranamah" - DEMOLISHED - King Cross Park - Fitzroy Gardens
- "Cheverells" - DEMOLISHED
* Elizabeth Bay House - The Entrance Gates To The Private Carriageway Stood At The Start Of Elizabeth Bay Road & Onslow Avenue. The Stables Were Located At Holdsworth Avenue
* Jenner House -
- "Greenknowe" - DEMOLISHED - Made Greenknowe Avenue
- "Orwell House" - DEMOLISHED - Made Orwell Street
This cottage was purchased and considerably added to & converted into a house by Mr Sparke, who named it "Maranamah", & his family lived there for a time. Located at 64 Macelay Street.
Fitzroy Gardens wasn't always a public Space & Park. There used to be 3 Exlusively Beautiful Homes on the land.
"Maramanah" was built in the 1840's for the shipping Merchant Deloitte. The house was then sold to Anna Challis.....
From There it went through many owners, including the Hollander Family Who featured in Robin Dalton's 1965 Memoir Aunts Up The Cross"
During the Second World War, "Maranamah" became a recreational centre for the USA Navy & then a Royal Navy Canteen. When the War was over, several returned Servicemen & their families Squatted in the 20 Room Mansion, demanding they be allowed to live in it. There was a lack of Post War Housing, & the Community supported them but the Mood Changed when it was alleged that Communist Party Meetings were taking Place inside.
"Maranamah" was taken over by the City Of Sydney, & operated as a Hostel until the Mansion & its Grounds were added to The Parcel of land from which Fitzroy Gardens was created and demolished in 1954.
"Cairo" - 81 Macleay Street The Ikon building - formerly the Chevron Hotel - may have a Special Place in Potts Point History, but it actually stands On the Site of A Plush hotel & Guesthouse named "Cairo". Featuring 2 Lawn Tennis Courts & a large Garden. "Cairo" Started its life as a Mansion Called "Prestonville" & Only became a Hotel in 1911.
In 1929 Mrs JJ Copeman sold "Cairo" at 81 Macleay Street for 45,000 Pounds to Mr LH Hinks. It was his intention to build a Big Block Of Flats on the site. It Was Widely Regarded As one Of The Most Beautiful Buildings in Kings Cross, until it was Knocked Down in 1959 to Make Way For A Block Of Flats.
"Barnclueth" adjoining "Roslyn Hall" was occupied by Mr John Brown, Senior Partner of Brown & Co, wine & spirit merchants & afterwards Mr Hernry Moore, the Agent for P&O company, when the Steamers of the company only arrived once a month, & fired a gun off Fort Denison to announce their arrival. It was later purchased by Mr Amos, the Contractor, & added to & modernised, & is now called "Kinneil" & utilised as a boarding house
Following down Macleay Street, next to the house occupied Mr Hodgson, the land was vacant until arriving at "Greenknowe", also on portion of the Macleay Grant, the residence of Mr John Gilchrist the Senior Partnert of Gilchrist, Watt & Co & it was ultimately purchased
Next came two smaller dwellings, & then "Larbert Lodge" which was built & tenanted by Mr C.D. Riddell, the Colonial Treasurer.
Next to this property was a stone rubble wall, the western boundary of the Macleay Grant, down to the centre of Potts Point, where "Chatsworth": was built in later days by the Hon C J Roberts. This Wall was erected by William Sharp Mackey, a son of Alexander Macleay. He was a recluse & a naturalist. He had the credit of having loose bloodhounds about the property as a safeguard against thieves & marauders, but I think this was only meant for a scare. He always guarded the beach on Elizabeth Bay, & wouldn't allow anyone to land there, or even anchor a boat there. The Macleay property was 54 Acres in extent, & was granted to Mr Alexander Macleay By Governor Darling in 1828, who in despatch to the Right Honourable William Huskinsson, dated 128th March 1828 stated: - "The land granted to Mr Macelay at Elizabeth Bay, a mile & a half from Sydney, was for the purpose of erecting a family house & cultivating a garden. Mr Macleays knowledge as a Horticulturalist is likely to prove beneficial to the Colony. He has already spent a considerable sum on the improvement & cultivation of his grounds, & in erecting a stable & offices preparatory to building a house, which it is his intention shortly to commence, From the manner in which he has entered into this undertaking & scale on which he has commenced to settle & stock the land he has received for agricultural purposes ( the usual grant of 2,500 acres), he will, no doubt, prove an important acquisition to the Colony in this respect alone, the Capital which he has already vested in stock & is still continuing to expand, being considerable." The Grant took in all Elizabeth Bay & the Western Frontage of Rushcutter's Bay, as far as the Eastern boundary of "Roslyn Hall". It was approached by Elizabeth Bay Rd, as at present. The house was the present "Elizabeth Bay House", another good speccimen of the family mansion. The frontage to Macleay Street, from the corner of Elizabeth Bay Rd to "Chatsworth" was later built upon. The rest of the estate, with the exception of Elizabeth bay House, & grounds, was later divided into numerous building allotment by Mr Alexander Macleay's Son, the late Sir George Macleay, & let on long building leases, on which the present residence & villas were erected. The formal Grant was dated 19th October 1831. Elizabeth Point was so named by Governor Macquarie after his wife's Second Name. The Native name was "Yarrandabby" A large portion of land near ther extreme Potts Point, 11 Acres in extent, was originally granted to Mr Judge Adviocate John Wylde on the 1st November 1822 (who was the last Judge Advocate, & for a short time a Judge of the Supreme Court under the Charter of 1823) who delayed fuilfilling the conditions of the grant, for Governor Darling in the above despatch of 26th March 1828 states :- "The Allotment bearing Judge Wyldes name was granted to that Gentleman by Governor Macquarie several years sincce, & still remains unimproved. I propose writing to inform the Judge that it will be resumed by the Government unless the conditions of the grant are speedily fulfilled. " However, he ultimately fulfilled the conditions. he subsequently converyed 6 & a half acres of it to Mr J.H. Potts, who was one of the early officers of the Bank Of New South Wales, hence the Name Potts Point. It was also called Point Campbell in a survery by Governor Phillip in 1792. The native name was "Carrageen" The street from the end of Macleay Street opposite "Grantham" is called Wylde Street, evidently after the judge. On the North Side of this street, built on this land, were the present "Bellevue", "Clarens","Creelwood", "Clifford","Tarana", some of which have been rebuilt or added to or renamed, including the site of Mr W.R. Halls modern "Wildfell", & opposite thereto "Bomerah", belonging to the McQuade family, a few years ago occupied by the Admiral on the station. Then the property "Cintra" & "Campbell lodge" (a portion of the same grant) of Mr J F Hilly, the architect, & opposite this was "Grantham Ville" built on the remaining four & half acres of John Wyldes Grant. This land, on which the house was erected, became, through the purchase from the Judge, the property of Mr Caleb Wilson, the fatheer of Felix Wilson, a defendant in the celebrated Newtown Ejectment Suit of "Devine v Wilson" he Built the first house on the property, which he called "Caleb Castle" & by reason of its turrets, it was also known as the "Pepper Pot", & afterwards as "Grantham Ville"; it subsequently became the property of Mr F Parbury. It then passed into the hands of the Late Mr Henry Dangar, & it is now owned by his son the Hon H.C. Dangar M.L.C, who almost wholly rebuilt it in 1870, and changed the name to "Grantham" Immediately Opposite "Grantham Ville" was "Clarens" before mentioned, which was in 1847 purchased by Mr George Richard Griffiths, father of Mr F.C Griffiths who came out to Sydney as the General Manager of the Bank Of Australasia, & after resigning this appointment he conducted a Merchants business in Sydney under the style Of Griffiths, Graham & Co. He sold out when he went to England in 1853. Later this property was occupied by Sir James Martin, the Chief Justice, & is now under the name of "Wilga", owned & occupied by Dr Faithful.
On the West side Of Macleay Street, next to "Grantham" came Dr Douglas's Grant of 8 Acres & 9 Perches on the 19th October 1831. He afterwards sold it 22nd September 1832 to Colonel Shadforth, Who built "Adelaide Cottage" on it. The land extended from Macleay Street down to the waters of Woolloomooloo Bay. The whole property came later into the possession of Mr J.H. Challis (Manager for Messrs Flower, Salting & Co, who gave it with another property as a magnificent Bequest, valued at 250,000 Pounds to the University of Sydney. For some time after his deatth it was occupied by Mr MacDonald, of MacDonald Smith & Co.
When you look at the list of names of these Houses & Properties, it really shows just how many things have been demolished in Sydney - Potts Point especially.
Not much has been saved at all. What a shame... Some of those houses and Properties and Frontages could've been Integrated into the new buildings, but no thought was ever put to that. it was all about just bulldozing them over.
We can be thankful for the protests and Green Bans in the 1970's when they were going to fully destroy "The Rocks" - "Woolloomooloo" and "Victoria Street". There was even talk of Destroying The Queen Victoria Building to make way for a Carpark for the Sydney Council.
Elizabeth Bay House Would've Matched Vaucluse House had the grounds and waterfront had been kept
There are just so many things that could've been integrated and maintained, it really just shows a lack of vision and greed of the time. Properties like Craigend, Roslyn Hall, Larbert Lodge, Greenknowe, Goderich Lodge, Springfield Lodge, Grantham,, Maranamah, Orwell House shoul'dve kept and maintained. There could've been so many uses for those original
Elizabeth Bay House was built between 1835 & 1839 In the Regency Architectural Style & was originally surrounded by a 22 Hectare garden, in what was then the Fashionable Suburb of Woolloomooloo Hill.
The rooms, Sweeping staircase and lavish furnishings reveal the tastes of its original owner Alexander Macleay. The one time Colonial Secretary Of New South Wales, had magnificent gardens Expressed his passion for the natural world. By the 1840's a downturn in the economy ushered him towards financial ruin.
Alexander macleay arrived in Sydney from England in January 1826, with his wife Eliza, 9 of 10 surviving children, and his extensive entomological collection. At the time he possessed the finest and most Extensive collection of any private individual in England.
Architect John Verge produced a design for a splendid "Marine Villa" in the Greek Revival Style which was at its peak of popularoity at the time.
A Nearby grotto with accompnaying stone walls & steps, plus several trees, are all that remain of the original extensive Gardens. It helf Macleays considerable native and exotic Plant Collection, an orchard & kitchen garden.
The main axis of the house is aligned with the Winter Solstice.
For the remainder of the 19th Century & well into the 20th Century Elizabeth Bay House had a Chequered history, With the property being subdivided, the gardens were reduced to a small fragment. The house became home for a succession of tenants inclusing many artists.
In 1961 the National trust started to list and publicise important histporic places and Elizabeth bay house was One of the first 50 names.
in 1977 the house was extensively restored and refurbished. Initially so it could become the offical residence of the Lord Mayor of Sydney, it later became one of the first properties acquired by the Historic Houses trust.
Elizabeth Bay House was an allotment of 54 Acres granted to Alexander Macleay in 1828. It Is 1 of only 5 remaining homes from the original 17 Darlinghurst Villas that were the first buildings to be deceloped on Woolloomooloo Hill also known as Darlinghurst in the 1830's
But it is only 1 of 3 that survive in their original condition without serious modifications.
These Include
- Barham (1833) inside the grounds of SCEGGS - Tusculum (1831-1835) On Manning St Potts Pt
The Other 2
Telford Lodge (1831)
- Rockwall (1837)
Are Barely recognisable & have been extensively modified or partially demolished
The greatest thing about Elizabeth Bay House today is that it's owned by the Historic Houses Trust & is open to the public.
Scottish born Macleay was a passionate and extravagent man who spent liberally on landscaping his homes and his entomological collections of which his main interest was of moths & butterflies. in 1795 he had Entered the British Civil Service as Chief Clerk of the War Office and was later Secretary Of the Transport Board, but when the board was disbanded in 1818 he was out of work
With mounting bills for his homes in Westminster & Surrey, which were undergoing landscaping improvements- as well as his big spends for his entomological collection and Investment Losses, he began borrowing from his eldest son William.
But in 1925, his former colleagues rallied and secured him the Australian post, which came with a 2000 pound Salary and Official Residence that was initally rent free.
Macleay arrived in Sydney in 1826 with his wife & daughters (of a total of 17 Children) but he was so enamoured by the place he eventually persuaded other family members to join them, including his son William & Grandchildren Arthur & Georgina Onslow, who were the children of his Indian based daughter & son in law Ross & Arthur Onslow
In those days Macleays bug collection was recognised at the largest in Private Possession. He brought it with him to Australia & it possibly had pride of place in his library which at the time was the largest room in an Australian home, reflecting the importance Macleay placed his books & natural history Collections.
With 54 Acres of Bushland at his disposal, Macleay immediately began establishing a Botanic Garden of imported plants in compliment with the native Vegetation, & the green space became wuite an attraction with its rustic bridges, terrace walls and grottoes.
Today only 1 section of garden remains just across the road at the front of the house and is known as Arthur Mcelhone Reserve. There is also only 1 Grotto left if you know where to look - about 100 metres south of the house down Onlsow Avenue, and follow the public path between the flats Eltham & Tradewinds.
The design of the house was as equally celebrated as its gardens and harbour views. The enormous two storey Greek Revival Villa with Cellar, was designed by John Verge & was considered one of the most Extravagent Constructions of the day, with costs totalling around 10,000 Pounds.
Plans for the house were developed in 1832 but construction was delayed until 1835, & the house wasn't completed until 1839
The villa design means the rooms are arranged around the central column or Stair hall and allowed for Architectural experimentation with shaped interior spaces.
But with all the love and passion Macleay dedicated to the development of Elizabeth Bay House and its garden, he wasn't able to enjoy it for long. in 1817 Governor Richard Bourke forced Macleay to retire from his position, losing his 2000 Pound salary. In the 1840's, when the economy crashed in the new colony of Sydney, macleay found himself further in debt. In late 1844 the house was mortgaged as Macleays debt to his son William reached 18,195 pounds
The Macleays were forced to sell off furniture to settle some of the debts and in 1846 William took over the Elizabeth Bay House Mortgage and assumed control of the estate.
After less than 6 Years in his Grand unfinished house, Macleay then moved to his country property, Brownlow Hill near camden. Macleay died in 1848 at Tivoli, The Rose Bay Home of his daughter and son in Law.
William Macleay moved into the house in 1845 & lived there alone for 20 years. But lacking the easthetic sensibility of his father, gave no thought to completing the building.
William sounds like a curious character, and during his time at Elizabeth Bay House, the residence was closed to all but the small circle of scientists and Colonial intellectuals with whom he associated. The Boundary of the estate was marked with signs warning potential Trespassers of Guard Dogs.
William died in 1865 and the house was inherited by his brother George, who remained in London. George subdivided the Estate and sold off lots on 99 Year Leases, he sibdivided again only leaving 18 acres. In 1882 Another subdivision was made and there was only 3 Acres of Garden around the house.
George And William's Cousin, William John Macleay, and his wife Susan, were tenants of the house from 1865 to 1903. Susan was the daughter of Edward Deas Thomson, Alexander Macleays Successor as Colonial Secretary, who owned another one of the original Villas - Barham
William John was also a keen Entomologist and had taken over the care of Macleay's Vast collection, building the Macleay museum on an area that is now the lowere corner of Ithaca Road & Bilyard Avenue. William john donated the Collection to the Macleay Museum at the University of Sydney in 1888 and was Knighted for his Generosity. He died in 1891.
From 1891 to 1911 was owned by James William Macarthur Onslow, Great Grandchild of Alexander Macleay. Because George Was based in London the house had been quite neglected, as Macarthur Onslow Embarked ona maintenance program, which included new plumbing, the introduction of gas lighting, 2 new bathrooms, a Servants bell and a new portico.
From 1903 Macarthur Onlsow leased the house to a leather merchant George Michaelis. In 1911 Michaelis purchsed the house for 800 pounds, becoming the first owner who was not from the Macleay family. He stayed at the house with his wife and 3 children until 1926, when he sold it to retailer Sir Sydney Snow.
Snow's shop was on the corner of Pitt St & Liverpool St, and paid 40,000 Pounds before on selling it to Elizabeth Bay estates Limited for 60,000 Pounds.
The final Subdivision of the Estate took place in 1927 with 16 lots put up for auction. 5 lots were sold and were no doubt developed into apartments that exist today. The remaining 11 lots were sold in 1934 and the late 1940's, when more apartment buildings were developed.
The actual house failed to sell at auction in 1927, and thats when the Squatters moved in . This period when the Charm School Artists occupied the house . Artists that lived at the house up until 1935 included Donald Friend, Rex Juilius, Wallace Thornin, who held wild parties in the decaying mansion.
In 1935 Elizabeth Bay Estates leased the property to a Mr and Mrs Hall, and a Mrs L Minnett who renovated and redecorated the house as a venue for fashionable receptions.
In 1940, Evangiline Olga Murray, wife of realtor James Daniel Murray purchased the house and immediately began renovating the house into 15 Apartments, which was carried out Sympatheticallu and without damage to the original fabric of the house.
In 1959 the house was declared an historic building whose preservation was essential for reasons of historic and architectural interest under the County of Cumberland Planning Ordinance.
When Mrs Murray died in 1963, the Cumberland County Council purchased the house and the following year when the council was abolished, it became the responsibility of the State Planning Authority.
The Authority Commissioned the repair works to the roof, dome & Portico and in 1973 dedicated $275,000 to the buildings restoration but the costs rose to $750,000
In 1977 the house opened to the Public and in 1981, along with Vaucluse House - became one of the first properties acquired by the Historic Houses Trust. ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Daily Telegraph - Thursday 30 September 1926, page 10
HISTORIC HOME SOLD ELIZABETH BAY HOUSE
One of the finest historic homes in Australia. "Elizabeth Bay House," Onslow Avenue Elizabeth Bay; was sold -yesterday for £42,500 to a'well-known city business man. . The vendor was Colonel Geo. Mlchaelis. managing director of M'Murtries, Ltd. "Elizabeth Bay House" was built, in 1828 by Alexander Macleay, then Colonial.- Secretary, he having : obtained a grant of .54 acres of ground on the foreshores - of Elizabeth Bay. Here he devoted a great deal of time and money, to the study & -classification of fauna & flora, & the property, was-famous- for its collection of flowers & shrubs from all over the world. The home was built by convicts, & underneath the dwelling are-two large cellars, now subdivided into- several rooms, where the convicts were quartered." The house is constructed entirely of 'Stone, & it is understood that it cost over- £10,000 to build. That sum represented a very large amount of money nearly 100 years ago. . . "Elizabeth Bay House" was occupied, by the Macleay family until 1903. The present' occupants. Col. Mlchaelis & his family, have lived there for over 20 years, & the previous resident was Colonel Onslow. In 1875 the extensive grounds were subdivided into streets & avenues, which form: portion of the suburbs, Potts Point, Elizabeth Bay, Rushcutters Bay and; part of Darlinghurst.. The original property extended from the shores of Elizabeth and Rushcutters Bays to William St Darlinghurst.
