Wednesday, January 15, 2020

19 Rae Street, Randwick, New South Wales


19 Rae Street, Randwick, New South Wales 

Grand 6.5 Metre Victorian  Italianate Terrace Transformed Into Spectacular Family Home


Combining Period Detail With Contemporary Design On A Grand Scale, This Exceptional Family Residence Is One Of Randwicks Finest Homes.

With Interiors Perfectly Configured  For Family Living And Effortless Large Scale
entertaining, A Series Of Lounge, Dining And Entertaining Spaces Adjoin The Expansive Gas / Electric Kitchen Which Opens To The North Facing Sandstone Courtyard And Solar Heated Pool


Upstairs Accommodation Comprises Of 5 Large Bedrooms.   Including The Master Wing With Walk In Robe, En-suite And Balcony.


Part Of A Much Admired Row Of 6 Victorian Itslianate Terraces Built circa 1887, The Home Stands On A Deep Dual Access Block With  A Seperate Self Conatained Studio And Secure Double
garaging From Wood Lane.





- Classic Victorian Italianate Terrace Facade
- Wide 6.5 Metre Frontage
- 3.4 Metre Ceilings
- Elegant Entrance Hall, Grand Formal Rooms
- 4 Large Bedrooms And Luxurious Master Wing
- Self Contained Studio Above Garage
- Expansive Kitchen, Bar And Wine Storage
- Reverse Cycle Air Conditioning Plus Gas Heating
- Secure Garaging Via Wood Lane



FEATURED IN THE WENTWORTH COURIER









“Hexham” - 447 Darling Street - Balmain - 1897 Harbour View Manor


“Hexham” - 447 Darling Street - Balmain - 1897 Harbour View Manor 

Constructed In 1897, Hexham Is A Magnificent Victorian Itslinate Manir Widely Considered  To Be One Of Balmain Oeninsula’s Mist Soectacular Properties. Commanding Mesmorising Northerly Harbour Views From Each a of It’s Three Levels, It’s Set On A 749sqm Parcel Of Land Surrounded By Beautifully Landscaped Grounds By Secret Gardens.


Lovingly Revived To It’s Former Glory, The Residence Tastefully Combines  Classic Heritage Details With Luxurious Contemporary Touches To Create A Timeless Landmark In The Hearnmt If Blamain Village

It Contains Six Elegant Bedrooms, Two Studies And 5 Bathrooms.

Magnificent Formal Rooms With Original Italian Marble And English Ironwork Fireplaces With Generous Informal Living And Dining Soaces Embrace The Sophistiated Calcutta Marble Kitchen.


Upstairs , An Attic Level Billairds Room features A Wet Bar.

The Sublime Gardens Are A Highlight, Complete With An All Weather Barbeque Pavilion Overlooking A Fully Fenced Mosiac Tiled Pool And Level Lawn, While A Rooftop Garden Is Set Against A Breathtaking Backdrop.


Details Include Soaring 3.6 Metres Ceilings, Stained Glass Windows, Original Grand Marble Entry Hall And Australian Cedar Staircase, Floorboards, Ducted Air Conditioning And Rear Lane Access To A Secure Eight Car Garage.












447 Darling Street Balmain “Hexham”

Magnificent 1897 Harborview manner


Constructed in 1897, Hexham is a magnificent Victorian Italian manner widely considered to be one of Balmain peninsulas most spectacular properties.


Commanding mesmerising northerly harbour views from each of the three levels it’s set on 749 m² parcel of land surrounded by beautifully landscaped grounded garden spastic regards Of Sydney.


Lovingly revived was for my glory, the residents taste we combine spastic heritage details with luxurious contemporary touches to create a timeless landmark in the heart of Balmain Village.


Contains six elegant bedrooms, two studies and five bathrooms. Magnificent formal rooms with original Italian marble and English ironwork fireplaces while general informal living and dining dining areas embrace the sophisticated Calcutta marble kitchen. Upstairs, and attic level billiards room featuring the wet bar.


The sunblime gardens are a highlight, complete with an all-weather barbecue pavilion overlooking a heated fully fenced Mosiac tiled pool with level lawn, while rooftop garden is it against the breathtaking backdrop.


Details include swearing 3.6 meter stained glass windows, original ground marble entry hall and Australian cedar staircase, floorboards, Dr their conditioning and relaying access to a secure eight car garage.









30 Argyle Place - Millers Point - New South Wales



30 Argyle Place - Millers Point - New South Wales




An Iconic Offering Unmatched In Historical Value, Setting, Or Possibility, This Heritage Listed Reaidence Exudes A GranduernThat Has Been Hard Won Over Almost 2 Centuries. An Imposing Tri Level Circa 1834 Terrace Built In The Colonial Georgian Style, The Dilapidated Interiors Present A Rare Opportunity For Complete Restoration With Current DA plans For A 3 Bedroom, 2 Bathroom Modern Reconfiguration 






“Yoorami” - 90 Victoria Road - Bellevue Hill



“Yoorami” - 90 Victoria Road, Bellevue Hill NSW


Distinguished Bellevue Hill Estate in 2,903sqm


One Of Bellevue Hill’s Trophy Homes. “Yoorami” Is Secluded Amid Enchanting Grounds Of An Incredibly Private 2,903sqm Parcel Of Land. Accessed Via Elegant Palm Lined Driveway, The Property Is Reminiscent Of A Grand Hollywood Estate With Luxuriant Gardens Featuring A Sequence Of Outdoor Living Areas Plus Self Contained Guest Cottage. Originally Built In The 1920’s, The Home Has Been Meticulously Restored And Revived Under The Expert Guidance Of Revered Architect Michael Sutton With Interiors By Thomas Havel.

- 6 Bedrooms
- 6.5 Baths
- Gated Access To 4/5 LUG
- Formal Living And Sitting Rooms Marble Fireplace
- Master With Dressing a Room, En-suite And Sun Room
- Casual Living / Library, Family Living / Dining
- Designer Kitchen, Gaggenau Appliances
- Heated Pool, Seperate Guest Cottage

FEATURED IN THE WENTWORTH COURIER
WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 9th 2015




Sunday, December 15, 2019

“Girrahween Estate” 75 Kamabala Road



Girrahwheen Estate 
75 Kambala Road








This Historic Estate Presents The Best Position On Bellevue Hills Premier Street. 

38.5 metre Frontage 

Thursday, February 21, 2019

4 Marathon Avenue, Darling Point, New South Wales






4 Marathon Avenue, Darling Point, New South Wales


Contemporary Style, Classic Character And Custom Interiors Define This luxurious Designer Residence In An Exclusive Cul De Sac.


The Home Features Four Large Bedrooms, Three Bathrooms Including A Powder Room, Elegant Living And Dining Area, Custom American Oak Kitchen, Casual Living Area, Bespoke Joinery Throughout, Soaring Ceilings, Black Japan Floors, Plantation Shutters, Reverse Cycle Air Conditioning, And State Of The Art Security.


Standing On A Deep Block With Landscaped Gardens, Spa And Over Sized Double Garage.






"Warwick" - 48 Martin Road, Centennial Park, New South Wales




"Warwick"


48 Martin Road, Centennial Park, New South Wales


Federation Home Reveals Timeless Charm And Luxory At Distinguished Address








Commanding A Distinguished Position Overlooking Centennial Parkland, "Warwick"Welcomes You Into A Magnificent Federation Atmosphere On Timeless Granduer. Affording Pure Privacy, The North Of The Rear Parcel Of Land Is Encased By Lush Gardens That Draw You Inside To Two Generous Levels. Formal And Casual Areas Allow For Large Scale Entertaining, With A Gourmet Kitchen Effortlesssly Extending To a Level Lawn With A Swimming Pool. Enjoy The Recreational Delights Of The Park And The Entertainment Quarter At Your Door, With The Sydney Cricket Ground, Paddington, Light Rail And Randwick Racecourse Nearby





- 5 Bedrroms
- 6 Bathrooms
2 Car Spaces
1 Swimming Pool




















59 Victoria Street, Potts Point, New South Wales




59 Victoria Street, Potts Point, New South Wales



- 6 Bedrooms
- 4 Bathrooms
- 2 Car Spaces

- 3 Levels Of Formal And Informal Living And Dining & Courtyard
- Interiors By Alenxandra Kidd As Featured In Belle Magazine
- Lower Level With 2 Self Contained Spaces With Private Access
- Master With Ensuite, Walk In Wardrobe And Terrace
- Ducted Reverse Cycle Air Conditioning,
- Original And Gas Fireplaces
- Double Secure Underground Parking On A Seperate Title
























26-28 Cranbrook Road, Bellevue Hill, New South Wales




26-28 Cranbrook Road, Bellevue Hill, New South Wales 


This Exclusive And Substantial Residence Is Rich In Timeless Appeal And Elegance. Set Across 974 Metres, This Magnificent Family Home Is Embraced By Established Gardens And Private Courtyards. Upon Entry Through The Grand Foyer, It Opens Into A Vast Selection Of Sun Bathed Living Spaces That Extend To Rooms And Secluded Terraces Capturing Sweeping Views Across Main Harbour And Rose Bay. 


Located In One Of Sydney's Most Prized Harbourside Suburbs And Coveted Residential Streets, This Stately And Stylish Home Has Been Closely Held By Only A Privaleged Few. 




















- 6 Beds - 3.5 Bathrooms
- DLUG- Plus Off Street Parking
- Swimming Pool Encased By Romantic Gardens
- Upstairs And Downstairs Terrace Areas With Harbour Views
- Modern Open Kitchen With Butler's Pantry
- Stunning Staircase Feature - Period Charm
- Formal / Informal Living Original Wood Panelled Library 
- Close To Elite Schools, Amenities And Transport





"Tresco" - Historic Waterfront Estate - 97 Elizabeth Bay Road - Potts Point - New South Wales




"Tresco" - Historic Waterfront Estate 

97 Elizabeth Bay Road - Potts Point 





One Of Sydney's Most Historic  Beautifully Preserved Waterfront Estates, Tresco Is A Magnificent Example Of Early Vicotorian Italianate Architecture, Privately Nestled In The Exclusive Elizabeth Bay And Only 5 Minutes From The Sydney CBD. 


Designed In 1868 By Leading Architect Of The Day Thomas Rowe And Built By Italian Stonemasons, This Waterfront Estate Has Only Been Occupied By 4 Owners Over The Past 150 Years. 


Opening To Expanses Of Level Lawn Ideal For Grand Scale Events, The Expansive Property Cascades Down To Superb Waterfront Facilties Including A Proivate Sea Pool, A Jetty And A Boathouse. Capturing One Of The Most Breathtaking Uninterupted Northerly Harbour Panaramas You Will Ever Expeirence Anywhere In Sydney. It Gazes Across The Water To Clark Island and The Manly Skyline 

- 7 Bedrooms

- 4 Bathrooms

8 Car Garage

1 Pool 

1 Sea Jetty And Boathouse 
















Friday, September 14, 2018

DARLINGHURST - A Short History




Originally  the great Valley Of Darlinghurst was originally subdivided by Governor Ralph Darling in the mid 1820s when he created 17 allotments of land parcels to house public servants and other private citizens.

With the 17 land grants that Governor Darling  allowed he had strict conditions regarding that there could only be one dwelling per allotment, that each each dwelling should be built facing the city along the ridge, and that the land should have landscaped gardens around.

This changed the whole topography of the area when you sailed into Sydney harbour and Port Jackson  made a great difference from what people could see. It also gave a very strong impression of the colony and the prosperity that you could gain as a free settlers coming to Australia.


it was a very strong a pointer of what you could gain by coming to Australia it was also very strong reminder of what you could also lose

“Larissa” - 27 Nelson Street, Woolahra, New South Wales




LARISSA

“Walsholme” - 12 Lang Road, Centennial Park




“WASHOLME” - 12 Lang Road - Centennial Park




Standing Proud As One Of Lang Roads Finest Federation Mansions “Walsholme” Is Set Amid Manicured Grounds  On A Level Dual Access 950sqm Landholding Overlooking Centennial Park. The Two Storey Romanesque Style Has Been Meticulously Renovated To RevealA Seamless Fusion Of Historic Splendour & Contemporary Luxury.

Grand Formal Rooms Including A Unique Rooftop Terrace And Coach House For Family Living And Large Scale Entertaining. Soak Up Views Of The Park From The Master Balcony, Relax By The Pool or Enjoy The Magical Sunsets Over The City Skyline From The Rooftop Terrae










Tuesday, June 5, 2018

Nugal Hall - 16-18 Milford Street, Randwick, New South Wale







NUGAL HALL - 16-18 Milford Street, Randwick, New South Wales



Coordinates -
33 Degrees 54 Minutes 55 Seconds South
151 Degrees 14 Minutes 35 Seconds East
Construction Finished - 1853
Architect Mortimer Lewis
Who Also Designed -
- Darlinghurst Courthouse
- Old Darlinghurst Goal
- Richmond Villa - Millers Point
- Bronte House, Bronte
- Newcastle Police Station
THIS IS A LANDMARK GOTHIC REVIVAL MANSION JUST UP THE ROAD FROM ME. AND IT’S SUCH AN EXCEPTIONAL HOME WITH REAL HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE
“NUGAL HALL” IS THE LAST REMAINING GRAND GOTHIC REVIVAL HOME IN RANDWICK. EVERYTHING ELSE HAS BEEN DEMOLISHED.
THIS HOUSE IS A REAL MONUMENT TO TIMELESS CRAFTSMANSHIP, OPULANCE & THE ROMANCE OF A BYGONE ERA IN AUSTRALIA
“NUGAL HALL” HAS BEEN MUCH LOVED AND CAREFULLY RESTORED BY ITS CURRENT OWNERS .
I JUST HOPE TO GOD ITS NOT ANOTHER PIECE OF OUR HERITAGE THAT WILL FALL INTO FOREIGN HANDS WITHOUT A FIGHT.... WHO WILL THEN DO THEIR BEST TO LET IT GET RUNDOWN AND READY TO BE BULLDOZED TO PUT MORE APARTMENTS UP. THATS ALL THEY CARE ABOUT.
I PRAY “NUGAL HALL” WILL BE HERE FOR GENERATIONS TO COME.








The home, which had 12 original principal rooms, maids’ quarters and hidden stairways, featured a grand entry hall, majestic ballroom, formal dining with adjoining sitting room, kitchen with adjoining breakfast room and a formal drawing room.

There was a modernised self-contained section with conservatory, plus a formal servants quarters with a staircase.

The house was built in 1853 for the politician and businessman Alexander McArthur by the colonial architect Mortimer Lewis.

But it then had a series of famous owners: a Randwick mayor, Magnus Peden, and then his son, the politician Sir John Peden; an owner of the Coogee Bay Hotel, Dr Fred Tidswell.

Charles Cosens Spencer, a British-born film exhibitor and producer, called it home in the years leading up to 1918. 

And it then became a convalescent home for returning World War I soldiers.


As at October 2021, Nugal Hall is of State significance in NSW as an example of an impressive two storey mansion constructed of sandstone in the Gothic Revival style. Designed by the colonial architect Mortimer Lewis it was completed in 1853. The original land was a grant to Alexander McArthur, in 1851 by Governor Fitzroy, of 8.3 hectares (20.7 acres). Although not of the very high quality of a few Sydney Gothic Revival houses, Nugal Hall is nevertheless impressive. It is associated with a number of significant people. It is significant in Coogee and Randwick where increasing high rise development has deprived the area of much of its architectural history. The house sits well in its grounds and is visually important locally




The land on which Nugal Hall is built was granted to Alexander (Alex) McArthur in Randwick, over the period 1851–1853, by Governor Fitzroy. The land grants to McArthur involved four lots aggregating to some 8.4 hectares (20.7 acres) acquired by private tender on both sides of Avoca Street (then known as Frenchman's Road). McArthur (also spelled as 'MacArthur' (sic) in documents of the time) was likely investing the significant profits he had achieved at that time as a gold exporter and clothing importer in the great Australian gold rushes that started in early 1851.[4] The aggregate cost of the four lots was around £1,300.

The land granted to McArthur in Randwick extended from Judge Street to Belmore Road, and from Alison Road to Mear's Avenue. The land was bordered to the east by a 12.1 hectare (30 acre) block of land in Coogee owned by William Charles Wentworth, one of the leading figures in early colonial New South Wales and the richest man in Sydney at that time. Judge Thomas Callaghan bought a 2.1 hectare (5.2 acre) block to the south. Callaghan was another prominent Colonial figure and one of the first three judges in the Sydney Court of General and Quarter Sessions.[5]

Callaghan described the land at the time as resembling Ireland for its picturesque beauty involving waterfalls and rolling farmland from the top of the Randwick ridge line down to Coogee Beach and the Tasman Sea.[6] Callaghan named his house there as 'Avoca' after the 'Vale of Avoca' from County Wicklow in Ireland. 'Vale' means valley in Gaelic whilst 'Avoca' is said to mean 'meeting of the waters' or 'great river'. A number of streets in the immediate area were named after Judge Callaghan, including Avoca Street, Judge Street, Milford Street, and Ada Street.

Sandstone from the site on which Nugal Hall was located was used in the construction of a number of houses in the immediate vicinity. Most construction was undertaken by ticket of leave men (convicts on parole) under the supervision of Judge Callaghan. Callaghan presumably had an arrangement to use sandstone from the site of Nugal Hall for the construction of his own nearby sandstone residence 'Avoca' which was built at the same time. The stone for Nugal Hall was therefore quarried on the spot and the foundation of Nugal Hall is securely built on rock.[1][7]

Nugal Hall was designed by the Colonial ArchitectMortimer Lewis who came to Australia and worked from 1830 to 1861. Nugal Hall was one of his last buildings and was designed at the same time that Lewis was designing and building his own Gothic Revival mansion, known as Richmond Villaon the site of the current NSW Parliament buildings (now relocated to Millers Point). Lewis was a prominent architect in Colonial Sydney and involved in the design of many important government buildings, including the NSW Legislative Council Chamber (1843), the Australian Museum (1843), the Customs House on Circular Quay (1845) and the NSW Treasury Building and Premier's Office (1849). Lewis' residential designs included Bronte House (1838).

At the time of its construction during 1851–53, Nugal Hall was designed as a large two-storey Gothic Revival villa interconnected with a single-storey cottage (that echoed the villa in its design). Both buildings were interconnected with a single-storey servants quarters. The cottage and servants quarters were later subsumed within the two-storey northern extension to the house in 1885-87. The residence sat on the top of a Randwick ridge line with a commanding view over the 'Vale of Coogee' to the Tasman Sea.










Nugal Hall overlooks Wedding Cake Islandand the Coogee land-sea interface, from a ground floor terrace and gardens, ancillary to the east-facing ballroom.[1][40] The upstairs bedrooms to the east of the house have views over the Coogee basin, including of Coogee beach and out to Wedding Cake Island, while all other upper bedrooms have views that benefit from the location of Nugal Hall at the top of the ridge line above Coogee.[citation needed] The main bedroom has an east facing upper balcony positioned to watch the morning sunrise.[citation needed]

On either side of Nugal Hall's original east entrance are a large ball room and a large formal dining room. An entrance porch and terrace is accessed by french doors from the ball room. The dining room to the north of the entrance has views across the Coogee basin and Coogee Bay, partially obscured by a tree on a neighbouring property, as well as an eastern balcony with sea and beach views. Earlier views of the southern headland of Coogee Bay from the dining room were reduced by construction of a three storey building at 20 Milford Street, but most of that building is located below the line of sight from Nugal Hall due to the greater elevation of Nugal Hall. 20 Milford Street does not obstruct upstairs views. The ball room and terrace to the south of the entrance has views across the Coogee basin and Wedding Cake Island.[1]

Close up views towards Nugal Hall from the opposite side of Milford Street are largely screened by its elevation above the street, the generous front setback, and the heavily planted front garden. As a result, the house has a high degree of privacy notwithstanding its landmark stature. Nugal Hall is visible from the various locations in the surrounding area, (particularly with night time floodlights) for example from St. Brigid's Church in Brook Street, Coogee and from the Carrington Road/Coogee Bay Road corner, but is not prominent from these distant locations unless floodlit. Any earlier landmark status of the building on the Randwick skyline has been diminished by the volume and scale of surrounding development, including the Sacred Heart Church and the residential flat building at 12 Milford Street. However, Nugal Hall and its iconic palm trees are still a landmark on the hill when driving up Coogee Street.[1]