Friday, June 3, 2022

“Ermington” - Crowley & Lancaster Avenue - Melrose Park - New South Wales

 

“Ermington” -  Crowley & Lancaster Avenue - Melrose  Park - New South Wales


“Ermington” was located between Crowley and Lancaster Avenue - Melrose Park and was Built in 1828 by Edmund and Sarah Lockyer. It was part of a 184 Acre estate. Other owners included Janet and Sophia Heydon and John And Agnes Linsley. 

The house had six bedrooms, drawing room, billiard and dining rooms, library, play room, nursery maids room, Main and back halls as well as servants quarters. 
A covered Roadway led from the house to the ballroom where parties and balls were held. Visitors entered via Wharf Road and drove through an Avenue of Pine trees to the house where the Camelias Grew 




“Lunnhilda” “Dudhope” “Putney Park House - New South Wales

 
“Lunnhilda”. “Dudhope”. “Putney Park House” - New South Wales 


This Property was built in the 1880’s by Francis Augustus and Emma Wright. Originally called “Lunnhilda”. It was located on the western side of Pellisier Road close to where it meets McGowan Street. It had a tiled hall, sitting room, library, dining and drawing Rooms, breakfast room, Six bedrooms, two servants rooms, small room in the tower, bathroom, kitchen, storeroom, pantry, storeroom servants hall, two cellars, laundry, small wooden boot room, conservatory on the verandah, cowshed, brick stables, boat and bathing house. 







“Glendower” - Cnr Constitution & Belmore Street - Meadowbank - NSW

 


“Glendower” - Corner of Constitution Road And Belmore Street - Meadowbank - New South Wales 


“Glendower” located at the Corner Of Constitution Road And Belmore Street, was built by Benjamin Charles Martin c1890. However it’s long term owners from 1907, were members of the Lackersteen Family, of jam and condiment fame. 
It was on a large block of land which was resumed in 1947 and 1959 for the building of the Meadowbank Public School. By the late 1950’s the house was occupied by two unmarried Lackersteen children: Cecil Octavious and Mabel. They died within 7 months of each other in 1962. 
















Sunday, May 15, 2022

“Guntawang” - Mudgee Region - New South Wales

 

“Guntawang” 







One of Australia’s most iconic and historic rural properties dating back to the first land grant in 1821.
The grand Homestead is unique with this impressive curved bow front, floor-to-ceiling sash windows, Italian eight characteristics and wide verandas with cast-iron pillars.
Based on the Georgian Italian and Renaissance from the early 1800s it is long held a reputation for wearing elite thoroughbreds and find life stock
Approximately 451 ha – 1116 acres – of pure soils prime pastures with an abundance of river and ball water for irrigation and life stop.

The master family room is very reminiscent of Vaucluse house in the same style as the original Wentworth design.










Thursday, February 10, 2022

14 Lang Road-Centennial Park-New South Wales

 
14 Lang Road-Centennial Park-New South Wales





One of Centennial Plaza’s finest homes delivering rare pedigree luxury
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This is a magnificent federation residence is one of the areas finest homes, situated on a tightly held at 961 m² parcel at the Woollahra and Centennial Park
From the grand entry foyer through to the fabulous gourmet kitchen, the property features an expensive array of casual at formal areas, spilling onto a secluded entertainers oasis  with a pool, outdoor kitchen and manicured gardens. 
Architecturally redesigned by Luigi Roselli and interiors by Alexandria kid design, it’s giving a zone showcases and it’s own unique ambience.
The layout incorporates a truly inspired master wing, a self-contained guest retreat above the triple garage, plus a home office with private entry via your front garden..


One of
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“Raeburn” - 157 Old South Head Road - Breadalbane - NSW

 



“Raeburn” - 157 Old South Head Road - Breadalbane - NSW



Raeburn, one of Australia’s great colonial Homestead, has been meticulously restored and modernised to create graceful country living on 154 ha of prime grazing land.
Ideally situated on the edge of the southern highlands, Raeburn is a two hour drive from Sydney and 45 minutes from Canberra.
Ideally situated on the edge of the southern highlands, Raeburn is a two hour drive from Sydney and 45 minutes from Canberra.
The heritage listed a wonder speaks to its Chisholm family past, with 13 foot decorative ceilings, Stunning see the mill work, marble fireplaces, stone cellar, stables and coachhouse.
stunning Cedar Mill work, marble fireplaces, stone cellar, stables in coachhouse.
Without losing any of its 1850s heritage, ripens modern comforts include a champion size tennis court, I thought water swimming pool and the finest European wallpapers and light fittings.
The vast Peter fudge designed garden has stunning northerly views with trivia, croquet lawn and stone walled orchard





Wednesday, December 15, 2021

Burradoo - “Clubbe Cottage” - Riversdale Avenue - NSW

   


“Clubbe Cottage” - Buradoo- New South Wales 






This is one of the  original 1890s Apollo club cottages. It’s an extraordinarily beautiful home designed by John Horbury Barry Hunt, 

The house remains in its original charm, from the shingle clad  exterior & open fireplaces, to the 14 Ft ceilings, stain glass feature windows, detailed timber work, & geometric verandas.


Currently, one wing of club cottage is utilised as a bed and breakfast but the layer is perfect as a five bedroom, three bathroom

GatedAnd superbly private, cinnamon magnificently manicure the grounds, this outstanding estate, designed by John Solomon, is one of Bahrat dos largest land holdings and is less than 90 minutes from Sydney.
 And superbly private, settlement magnificently manicured grounds, with outstanding estate, designed by John Solomon, is one of the para dos largest land holdings and is less than 90 minutes from Sydney.

Impeccably appointed and showcasing exceptional elegant and refined grand you are, the home is Boyd by sophisticated beauty and functionality, uniting original character features and contemporary seems to present anaesthetic that luxury buyers at this level would appreciate.
Impeccably appointed and showcasing exceptional elegant and refined grand you are, the home is Boyd by sophisticated beauty and functionality, uniting original character features and contemporary seems to present anaesthetic that luxury buyers at this level would appreciate.


-Ground you are and elegant, set for your grounds
-Grandeur and elegant, set for your grounds
-entrance foyer with original circa 1880s chandelier
-formal living and dining rooms spacious family zones
-superbly appointed kitchen with Butlers pantry and island
-Six well scales bedrooms, inclusive of two guest suite
-Six will scale bedrooms, inclusive of two guest suite
– ducted air conditioning, hydronic heating and to guest suite
– ducted Aircon hydronic heating and fireplaces throughoutlarge bespoke mud room/laundry, second laundry and wet conditions
–-Attached for car garage and workshop with Last storage
-Attached for car garage and workshop with Last storage
I-moments to Bowral cosmopolitan and thriving town.


Thursday, November 25, 2021

“Sienna” - 61 new south head Road-Vaucluse – New South Wales

 61 new south head Road-Vaucluse – New South Wales


Made for entertaining luxurious Lee renovated harbourside family entertain offers I Dilick level Gardens and expensive harbour views



Magnificently positioned offering all day sunlight, this charming character field Tuscan inspired home occupies an impressive 822 m² parcel of land, overlooking the magnificent iconic Sydney harbour views of Mossman, Manly, Watsons Bay, McQuarrie Lighthouse, the heads and beyond the Tasman Sea,

Sienna is tightly held and has only ever had three owners. Providing an impeccable family sanctuary ghosting apprised northerly aspect and a cleverly designed floor plan spread over three expensive levels.

Sienna is tightly held and has only ever had three owners. Providing an impeccable family sanctuary posting a prized northerly aspect and a cleverly designed floor plan spread over three expensive levels.


Beautifully renovated, no expense has been spared to create the ultimate in luxurious family entertaining with all the entertaining areas flowing seamlessly the sun soaked level gardens and wraparound alfresco spaces.


Complete with jewel level street access liar Captain Pipers Road assuring privacy, security and easy level access, this outstanding home is ultimately convenient, only a short level stroll to Vaucluse Village shops eateries and purchase price

97 Flinders Street – Darlinghurst – Surry Hills

   Melrose – 97 Flinders Street-Darlinghurst-Surry Hills demolished 1902

5 to 7 Attunga Street, Woollahra – New South Wales

 5 to 7 Attunga Street, Woollahra – New South Wales




Architectural masterpiece with Park like Gardens on the border of Woollahra Village.

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Situated on over 1100 m² of blue ribbon land, the 1868 home Attunga Lodge has been completely re-imagined, to showcase and exquisite family estate of magnificent proportions and masterful architectural design.


The versatility of the layout provides endless appeal for families of all stages. Interiors flow to entertainers Terrace, pool and exquisitely landscaped gardens. With a double garage +3 car spaces to select address circle position is hidden away with access to Queen Street in Woollahra Village

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629 new south head Road – Rosebay – New South Wales

 



 629 new south head Road – Rosebay-New South Wales







629 new south head Road – Rosebay-New South Wales



A rare surviving example of Rosebay is historic past, this exquisite circa 1880 residents is set on 895 m² approximately of perfect north facing level land, is it magnificent home of Graham proportions with modern additions and intimate harbour views.


Graced with soaring pressed metal ceilings and beautiful original fixtures, it reveals a faster rate of formal and informal living/dining area is extending to a sequence of travertine entertainers terraces and Sun based outdoor areas.


Graced with soaring pressed metal ceilings and beautiful original fixtures, it reveals a faster rate of formal and informal living/dining areas extending to a sequence of travertine entertainers terraces and sun based outdoor areas.


Featuring a gourmet island kitchen with superior life gas appliances, five generous bedrooms plus study as well as a separate self-contained residence.


Close to Rosebay promenade, waterfront eateries, Village shops, cafes, transport, parks, beaches and elite schools.

Close to Rosebay promenade, waterfront eateries, Village shops, cafes, transport, parks, beaches and elite schools.






Monday, November 15, 2021

“Fenton” - 8 Albert St - Edgecliff - NSW

 


“Fenton” - 8 Albert St - Edgecliff










“Fenton” - Originally designed by one of Australia’s most eminent architects, Robin Dodds (1868 - 1920) Of Parramatta, this estate home is a landmark property of unrivalled uniqueness.


Tightly held by one family for 25 years & situated on 1408 m² parcel of north facing land. 



Fenton is encompassed by extensive manicured grounds and a myriad of mature trees, hedges, and landscaped gardens.


Grand entrance gates & a tree lined 35 metre private driveway that transitions to a beautiful sweeping circular driveway, wrapped around an age old fig tree, to reveal this magnificent home which extends over to expansive levels


Sunday, October 3, 2021

18 Martin Road - centennial Park - New South Wales

 18 Martin Road - Centennial Park 










Extra ordinary expression of traditional design and classic elegance in the beautiful home that was built in the grand Victorian style.
The home resides on the highside over Special jewel Street access block, enjoying a privilege position adjacent to Centennial Park.

The home has been created with the sandstone look and a full brick and suspended concrete build to create durability and solidarity
Every piece of cabinetry including the built in robes were commissioned as a one of a kind and custom built by a master craftsman.
A more unique feature is it’s fast 14 car showroom style lock-up garage. Stroll to the entertainment Quarter water and SCG and be moments to Bondi junction in the CBD 14 million




Saturday, October 2, 2021

“Jenner House” - 2 Macleay Strret - Potts Point

 



“Jenner House” - 2 Macleay Strret - Potts Point 



* Originally Designed By Edmund Blackett In 1871 for the Hordern Famjly 

* Saw A Third Level Added in 1881 By Another Architect Thomas Rowe

* Expansive Views Of Sydney Harbour 

* Showcases an array of antique materials, including 11 Original 1800’s Fireplaces

* Built On Solid Sandstone Foundations With triple Layered Brick Walls & 4 Metre High Ceilings 

* Stunning Original Australian Cedar Joinery 










This is Chris at Georges in Regency mansion is an architectural heritage listed masterpiece with expensive views of Sydney Harbour situated on almost half an acre of prime harbourside land.
This is Quizit George in Regency mansion is an architectural heritage listed masterpiece with expensive views of Sydney Harbour situated on almost half an acre of prime harbourside land.
Originally designed by the prominent Australian architect Edmund Blackett in 1868 for the Hordern family, the residents saw a third level added in 1881 by another distinguished architect of the period, Thomas Rowe. 

The property showcases an array of extra ordinary and take materials, including 11 original 1800s fireplace mantle, oil crafted in white Carrara marble and imported from a single French ChĂ¢teau. The house is built on solid sandstone foundations with triple layered brick walls and spectacular four meter ceilings, with stunning original Australian cedar joinery adorning the elegant interiors, DA approved for a pool and an alfresco entertaining area. 







Audio king Peter Freedman already ranks among Potts Point’s best-housed locals thanks to his record $16 million penthouse purchase in 2018, but his property status is set to rise even further after he crossed the road to buy one of the area’s most expensive houses.

The landmark Regency Revival-style marine villa, known as Jenner House, has long been regarded as one of the suburb’s most significant houses, dating back to 1870 when it was built for the Hordern retail dynasty.


“I have been admiring Jenner House for a very long time, and I am incredibly excited to be the next custodian,” Freedman said. “I hope I do it proud.”

While the sale price remains a well-guarded secret, Raine & Horne Unlimited’s Samuel Schumann was asking $34 million before it sold, and sources say the result was close to $30 million after negotiations by Freedman’s buyer’s agent Byron Rose.


Freedman’s latest purchase comes soon after he joined the ranks of Australia’s billionaires – worth an estimated $1.35 billion on this year’s Financial Review Rich List 200 – thanks in large part to his audio equipment giant, Rode Microphones.



Rode Microphones’ Peter Freedman is expected to restore Jenner House to its former glory.

Rode Microphones’ Peter Freedman is expected to restore Jenner House to its former glory.CREDIT: 

Rode has done well globally in the post-pandemic market, with offices now in the US, Germany, China and Japan, a distribution that recently expanded to include 1400 Target stores across the US, and some 600 people employed at the company’s facility in Silverwater.

Freedman, 64, first made an impression locally five years ago when he paid $16 million for the Ikon penthouse of the late Macquarie banker John Caldon and media personality Lyndey Milan, setting an apartment record for the suburb.

The heritage-listed Jenner House is no less significant, even if it is not expected to top the $34 million house record set by another marine villa, Bomera, when purchased in 2019 by industrialist Sanjeev Gupta.



Thursday, July 15, 2021

"Rockwall" - 7 Rockwell Crescent - Potts Point - New South Wales

 



"Rockwall" - 7 Rockwall Crescent - Potts Point - New South Wales 







Rockwall was built between 1831 - 1837 by John Verge. It was owned by John Busby (1765 - 1857) who was a mineral surveyor and Civil Engineer. 
Busby Received a land grant of over 8 Acres in 1828. Busby had to sell in 1835
Hamilton Collins Sempill, a grazier and merchant bought the property. 
an 1840 painting shows exrensive gardens, including a carriage loop, shrubberies and Norfolk Island Pines.































Toxteth Park - Glebe - New South Wales

 

Toxteth Park - Glebe - NSW


Toxteth Park  was built in 1829 for Mr George Allen. Owned by 2 Generations Of the Allen Family, & in 1901 was purchased by the Catholic Church & it became a Convent School . 
The Building Is Now Used By The Sisters Of Good Samaritan as The Good Samaritan Congregational Centre

George Allen was born 1800 in London. His Father died at 6 years & his mother remarried 
In 1812 he was  convicted of Not Affixing Revenue Stamps to the medicine bottles and was transported to Australia. 
The Family followed in 1816.
George was articled out as a Solicitor & was a practising Solicitor in 1822. He was the first Solicitor to receive legal training in Australia.
In 1829 He Commissioned John Verge to Build Toxteth House on 39 Hectares (96 Acres). Over the years George Allen built other houses on the estate including "Tranby" 7 "Emslee"

In 1847 he built a Wesleyan Chapel. He died in 1877 and eldest son George Wigram Allen inherited the property. 

John Verge - Colonial Architect - New South Wales

 

John Verge

Born - 1782 - Christchurch - Hampshire - England
Died - 9th July 1861 (Aged 78-79) - Austral - Eden - Near Macleay River
Spouses
1.Catherine Nee Bowle (Married - 1804-1828)
2. Mary Nee Alford (Married 1858)
Children
George Phillip Verge (to Bowle)
Austral Verge (to Alford)
DESIGN - GREEK REVIVAL - VICTORIAN REGENCY
- Many generations of Verge family had been Bricklayers & Stonemasons, Married Catherine Bowles Aged 22 in London. 
- His marriage failed & in 1828 he migrated to Sydney
- His first land grant was in 1829, on The Williams River South Of Dungog, New South Wales called Lyndhurst Vale
- His second land grant was in 1838, on the Macleay River Named Austral Eden


- Builders were in high demand. He was patronised by many, prominant Businessmen & Colonists
- In 1858 he married 50 Year Old Mary Alford
- He was buried as Anglican in St Thomas Burial Ground At Port Macquarie





Some Of The Residences And Buildings He Was Responsible For 
- Toxteth Park Estate - Glebe
"Barham" - Darlinghurst
St Scholasticas - 1829
Goderich Lodge (1830-1832)
Tusculum (1830 - 1835)
Auburn Cottage - 1832
Rockwall (1831 - 1837)
Denham Court (1832 - 1833)
Hereford House (1832-1834)
Lyndhurst (1833)
Tempe House (1833 - 1836)
St Mary The Virgin Anglican Church (1833 - 1838)
Rose Bay Lodge (1834)
Elizabeth Bay House (1835 - 1839)
Enmore House (1835)
Forest Lodge Villa (1836)
Lyons Terrace - Liverpool Street - 1837
Orwell House - Potts Point
Springfield - Potts Point
Bedervale Homestead - Near Braidwood - 1842
Camden Park Estate
Salisbury Court




Main Projects 
Camden Park - Menangle (1835)


Camden House was completed 1 Year after John Macarthur died. The style is Palladian Style with Central 2 Storey block, one Storey wings and extensions at each side. The facade is giving a Colonial Elegancy Sense Of Looking
- White Stucco Walls
- Stone Porch
- Window Trimming That Results in visual Excellency 






Denham Court - Ingleburn - (1832)


Originally one storey, but from 1832 - 1833, Captain Richard Brooks, added 2 storey wings with two flanking bow fronted one storey room. This Court is Regency influenced With
- Trim Lines
- Stucco Walls
- Denham Courts Ceiling is 14 Feet High with a Geometrical stair Along The West Wall Of The House




The Vineyard - Rydlemere


Built for John Macarthur's Son William Macarthur. Later it became Subiaco Convent. designed for Hannibal Macarthur. 




John Verge Also did additions to Earlier Buildings 
1833 - Additions to Elizabeth Farm 
1832 -1833 - Vestries added to Francis Greenways St James Church

Famous Old Homes That Are Still Remembered - Newcastle Sun Saturday 30th December 1939

 


Famous Old Homes That Are Still Remembered. 



Newcastle Sun (NSW : 1918 - 1954), Saturday 30 December 1939, page 6


KING'S CROSS IN EARLY DAYS
MOVE FOR ''WEST END' AT POTTS POINT Famous Old Homes That Are Still Remembered
By WALTER E. BETHEL
Old-time speculators in real estate must have had much food for thought when contemplating probable extensions of settlement in & around Sydney as a city. Which way would development manifest itself?
Shops & residences for a long time continued to jostle each other & the demarcation of the two was a long drawn-out process. A move to create a 'West End' in the vicinities of Potts Point & Darling Point was noticeable as earlv as 1830.
Darlinghurst, which was once known as Henrietta Town— rolled so as one of Mrs. Macquarie's Christian names —was also included as part of this delectable area. Ail extremely well-to-do class was fast making its appearance in Sydney & the 1850's saw a highly prosperous population that had built themselves commodious homes mostly in the areas referred to. Henrietta Town may be described as comprising the whole of Woolloomooloo Bay & what ls known as Darlinghurst, & the story of how this locality became an exclusive residential area made all the more Interesting now that the' towering flats & restaurants & picture shows, boarding-houses & shops galore, known as King's Cross, represent the obliterating factors of a new age. 


To those of us whose memories carry back to 70 years ago, the metamorphosis is striking evidence of a progress somewhat bewildering. My own recollection may be said to date from observations commencing from 1870. as X was born in Darlinghurst in 1863. Woolloomooloo was then well on its way to become the closely packed area that its nearness to the city made inevitable. There was a time when it was very sordid growth, with aumerous little public-houses in Woolloomooloo-street & the adjacent corners. Sir Thomas Livingston Mitchell was responsible for constructing Willlam St, as a more direct way Into town, than that which was represented by the Old South Head-road. Many will remember his fine house, 'Craigend' built in 1830, Upper William St Sth (late woolcott-street). A large stone windmill shared this hill with 'Craigend.' The mill remained a landmark long after it had ceased to function as a mill. 'Craigend' had many tenants, the remotest of which after Sir Thomas Mitchell, being W. G. J. Rogers, solicitor & Mr. Henry Prince, warehouseman (Prince, Ogg & Co.). As settlement crowded around, it became a hospital & then a boarding-house, before it made its exit to make room for the terraces that shot up everywhere. 'Elizabeth Bay House' was another striking landmark, & still exists to gaze contemptuously down at the latter-day tenements that arc crowded round It. Sir Ralph Darling, in 1828 granted Alexander Macleay 54 acres. This took In all Elizabeth Bay & the western frontage of Rushcutters Bay. About 11 acres near the Point itself was granted to Judge Advocate John Wylde on November 1, 1822, & six acres & a half of this was conveyed to Mr. J. H. Potts, an officer of the Bank of New South Wales. From this ownership the famous Point got the name it bears to-day

Boomerah, the palatial home of the McQuades in early ? - (lays.
Dangar's Castle — as it originally was — when it was flippantly called the 'Pepper Box.' ?
Wylde-street, of course, being colled after the Judge Advocate. This area was sold in varying portions, & many fine houses were erected. Most of these were in keeping with the exclusive character of the Point. 'Bomerah,' the home of the McQuades, graced the extreme point & stands to-day shorn of much of its original splendor. An old resident named Caleb Wilson built a house on the Wylde estate, which was irreverently styled the Pepper Pot. Passing to Mr. P. Parbury, it was called 'Granthamville.' Mr. Henry Dangar then bought the property, & his son. Mr. H. C. Dangar, almost entirely rebuilt it, still preserving its castellated aspect. Dangar's Castle it was always called, & to-day it Is still so referred to by older folk. 'Clarens' was one of the homes of Sir James Martin. As far back as 1847 it was owned bv Georce Richard Griffiths, the father of P. C. Griffiths. general manager of the Bank of Australasia. Close to Dangar's Castle was the Douglas grant of 1831. On this Colonel Shadforth built 'Adelaide Cottage' Its grounds reached from Maclcay-st. to the waters of Woolloomooloo Bay. j. H. Challls, who so richly endowed the Sydney University, bought the property. & this, with other property valued at £250,000, was made made over to the University by Mr. Challis. 'Tarmons,' the home of Sir Maurice O'Connell, Commandant of the New South Wales forces, stood on the site of St. Vincent's College. It. still stands there, being incorporated in the general buildings.


Tusculum the present private hospital, was also a well-known home and is identified with such names as that of A, B. Spark (merchant), G. J. Rogers, Bishop of Broughton, the first Bishop of Sydney, & William Long, the father-in-law of Sir James Martin, who died there. Orwell House was a house of many associations. It was a grant to the father of Sir Alfred Stephen, the third Chief Justice, & was successively occupied by Mrs. Grose, Jas. Ramond, Postmaster-General, Colonel N. C. Wilson, Mr. Justice Milford, G. R. Griffiths, & P. Parbury, who lived there in 1847. It then became owned bv Sir William Manning & was subdivided. A notable house was Brougham Lodge, from which Brougham-street takes its name. The land was a grant to Mr. Justice Dowling in 1831. The grounds extended right down to Forbes-street. One of its frontages, Victoria St, was constituted out of a sub-division in 184G. I remember the house when it was j Hornlman's School. In 1882 £7000 was I accepted for it. Most of the data on which this article is casea was complied by the late J. A. Dowling, to whose indefatigable men we owe so much that is valuable in the shape of interesting reminiscence. Where the picture show now stands at the corner of Darlinghurst Rd & Virtoria St. stood Stirling Cottage. was originally part or tne Dowling grant. When Judge Dowling built 'Broug-ham Lodge,' William St did not exist, & a track for foot passengers acted as a short cut to the city. As before stated. Sir Thomas Mitchell altered all this. Vehicular traffic orieinally came from Sydney along Hyde Park, up the Old Sth Hd Rd to the gaol, & then across by Darlinghurst Rd to the hill at the top nf -Urtlltnm-effoAf
Captain John Piper found his way home to Vaucluse by way of what is now Glenmore Rd. or the track known as the Point Piper-Rd, which turned north from St. Matthew's Church at Paddington. Over 60 years ago I walked to church, on the Point Piper Rd via the Cobblers' Paddocks, adjoining
West's Bush, then on to the Glenmore Rd, over Gurner's Bush & by track to Point Piper's Rd. Gurner's fine old Georgian house stood where now stacks of terrace houses arc crowded into Paddington & Hargraves St's. William St was opened for traffic in 1845, & soon many fine houses adorned its frontages. Rosebank stood in grounds now occupied by the post office. Mr. Commissary General Laidley died there. Mr. Donald Larnoch lived there in 1848. Other tenants were Mr. Arthur Little & his son Archibald, a member of the legal firm of Little & Yeomans. Captain Smith, of Macdonald & Smith, lived there, leaving it to occupy a fine mansion called Goderich in Bayswater Rd. now part of the site of Hampton Court Flats. The grounds of Elierslie on the Darlinghurst Rd adjoined those of Rosebank in William St. J. H. Want, & later on Sir Allen Taylor, subsequently resided there. Rose Hall, in Forbes St, was part of a grant to William Cordeaux, who built the Hall. J. Parbury, John Walker & Henry Bell were subsequent occupants. The Hall's grounds were gradually shorn off, Burdekin's  Premier Terrace taking the Willlam St frontage, & houses & St. 'Peter's Church, closing In all round it. Barham, the home of Sir Edward
The effacement of Roslyn Hall before the onslaught of the flats.
Deas Thomson, in Forbes-street, was also similarly crowded out by small tenements. Woolloomooloo Bay was formerly known as Garden Island Cove. Fronting the Cove was the Wallamooloo Farm. This was made up of 100 acres granted to John Palmer, the Commissary General. The original name of Woolloomooloo was originally given as Wallabamullah, meaning a young male kangaroo or a male black Kangaroo. Another version claims that it was Wallamullah. a place of plenty, or where fish were caught. Wallamooloo it was, therefore, called
up to the end of the 1830's. when the present name of Woolloomooloo became generally accented. Kellett St, right in the heart of the King's Cross of to-day, was a famous street. Kellett House, at the back of the old-time Alberto Terrace, was once occupied by Sir Stuart Donaldson, the first Premier of NSW under constitutional Government. The house, formerly owned by Captain S. A. Perry, was at first known as 'Bona Vista' Another occupant, a Mrs. Jones, recalled the house 'Darlinghurst.' as a token of her friendship for Lady Darling. It was Donaldson who called
? ' ? ? if — — . Elizabeth Bay House — the survival of the fittest.
it Kellett House. The Hotel Mansions  now occupies a large part of this historic area. Down the slope, a bit to the east, was a nice stone house called 'Eaton,' in which in my time lived Mr. E. Fosbery, Inspector-General of Police. Cheverells was a fine home on the Elizabeth Bay Rd, built by the original David Jones. Other occupants of Cheverells were Captain Deloltle, J. Gosling. Henry Beit, James Ewcn & Hamilton Osborne; all were wellknown personages in their day. Greenknowe was a fine home in Macleay St that had many notable tenants, including Walter Lamb, F. H. Dangar. F. c. Griffiths, H. E. H. Allen & Bishop Saumarez Smith. This brief sketch of past days will enable readers to visualise what prevailed before the Invasion of King's Cross so completely changed the character of one of Sydney's most exclusive living areas. 








In The Early Days - Potts Point - SMH - Monday 1st October 1906







Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), Monday 1 October 1906, page 5


IN THE EARLY DAYS.
POTTS POINT AND DARLING
POINT.
NOTES BY MR ARTHUR DOWLING.
At the monthly mooting of the Australian Historical Society, held at the Royal Society's House, Elizabeth-street, on Tuesday evening. Mr. Arthur Dowling read an interesting paper in which he traced the history of many not-able buildings & proprties at Potts Pt & Darling Pt, associated with the names of men who have long since passed-away.
Mr. J. H. Maiden presided, and there was a large attendance.

Mr. Dowling commenced with a reference to "Craigend," fronting Upper William St Sth, now Woolcott St, built by Sir Thomas Mitchell, Surveyor-Goneral, on a Crown grant, dated October, 1831. In time it wns converted into a hospital, & subsequently into a boarding house. "Goderich Lodge," near the Windmill-Hotel, in Victoria St, was built and occupied by Mr. T. M'Quoid, sheriff in the 1830's & 1840's. Dr William Grant Broughton (Bishop of Sydney) at one timo was a tenant at the Lodge. The "Roslyn Hall" property fronted Macleay St. The house was a large well built mansion with a spiral iron stair case to the upper storey, & was built on land having an area of 9 acres. "Barncleuth" (now called "Kin-nell"), adjoining "Roslyn Hall," was occupied by Mr. John Brown, who was a spirit merchant, & afterwards by Mr. Henry Moore, agent for tho P &O Company. "Greenknowe" was, built on a portion of the Macleay grant, by Mr. John Gilchrist, in 1846. The Macleay pro-perty had an area of 54 acres, and was grant-ed to Mr. Alex. Macleay, by Governor Darling, in 1828 "for the purpose of erecting a family house & cultivating a garden." It took in all Elizabeth Bay & the western frontage of Rushcutter Bay, as far as the eastern boundary of "Roslyn Hall." A large portion of land at & near the extreme Potts Point, 11 acres in extent, was originally granted to Judge Advocate John Wylde, on November 1, 1822. Mr. Wylde delayed the fulfilment of the condition of the grant for Governor Darling, in a despatch dated March 20, 1829, wrote: "The allotment bearing Judge Wylde's name was granted to that gentleman by Governor Macquane several years since, & 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, Judge Wylde ultimately fulfilled the conditions, for he subsequently conveyed 61/2 acres of the grant to Mr. J. H. Potts, one of tho early officers of tho Bank of NSW, first established In 1817. The Point Is named after Mr. Potts; & Wylde St, running botween Macleay St & the Point is evidently named aftor the Judge. "Grantham Ville" was built on the remaining 4½ acres of Judge Wylde's grant. The land had previously passed into the possession of Mr. Caleb Wilson, father of Felix Wilson, a defendant in the celebrated Newtown ejectment writ of "Devine v Wilson." He built the first house on the property, & called It "Caleb Castle,'' & by reason of its turrets it was also known as the "Pepper-box." Afterwards it was called Grantham Ville, & became tho property of Mr. F. Parbury. It then passed into the hands of the late Mr. Henry Dangar, & is now owned by his son, Mr. H. C. Dangar, who almost wholly rebuilt it in 1870, & changed the name to "Grantham." Immediately opposite "Grantham Ville" was "Cla-rens," purchased in 1847 by Mr. Geo. R. Griffiths, father of Mr F.C. Griffiths, who came out to Sydney as general manager of the Bank of Australasia. Later the property was occupied by Sir James Martin, & is now, under the name of "Wilga," owned & occupied by Dr. Faithfull. "Rockwall," now known as "Allanthus College," & "Tarmons," the residence of Sir Maurice O'Connell, & afterwards of Sir Charles Nicholson, were built; on land granted in 1831 to Mr. John Busby, of'the early Sydney water supply fame. "Tarmons" has been absorbed in the building known as St. Vincent's Convent. Next to this was a grant dated October 19, 1831, to Mr. A. B. Spark of 9 acres 3 roods 33 perches, on which "Tusculum" was built. This property was afterwards in the occupation of Dr. W. G. Broughton, the first Bishop of Sydney. Sub-sequently Mr. William Long, the father-in-law of Sir James Martin, became the owner, & lived there until his death. It is now being subdivided. Mr. Justice Stephen, who was tho first pulsne Judge of the State after the Charter of Justice, & the father of the late Sir Alfred Stephen, built "Orwell" upon a grant of 11 acres 37 perches, dated October 19, 1831. "Orwell"'subsequently fell Into tho hands of Sir William Manning. 'The property has been subivided, but the original house still exists.


Adjoining the grant to Justice Stephen was a grant of 9 acres 3 rods (October 19, 1831) to Mr. Alex. Baxter, the second Attorney General under the charter. Upon this land, "Springfield," was erected. "Springfield" has had as tenants Mr. Robert Campbell, Mr. Robert Fitzgerald, & Mr. M. J. Macnamara, & is now used as a boarding-house. "Telford Place" was bullt on a grant of 9 acres 22 perches to Mr. Edward Hallen, Government surveyor. "Brougham Lodge" was erected by Justice Dowling on a grant of 8 acres (October, 1831). It was named after Lord Brougham, through whose influence Justice Dowling received his appointment. Justice Dowling gave the land for the present Vic-toria St (named after the late Queen), for Brougham St (named after Lord Brougham), for Duke St (so-called In honour of the Royal Family), for Dowling St (named after himself), & for Forbes St (named after the then Chief Justice. The land was subdlvldod in 1846, & sold fairly well, but that portion In Victoria St on which Brougham Terrace now stands, with a corresponding frontage to Brougham St, containing under an acre, was retained for a residence, in which Justlce Dowling lived. In 1882 £7000 cash was accopted for the house & land. This was considered a good price, & was larger than the amount realised for the other portion of the eight-acre grant. When "Brougham Lodge" was built there was no William St, but only a track for foot passongers from Sydney on the site of the street, which was not opened for use until 1845. Vehicular traffic till then car from Sydney along Hyde Park, up Old Sth Hd Rd, to the Gaol, & across thence to Darlinghurst Hill. Any person wishing to go from Sydney to the Sth Hd had to travel by the Old Sth Hd Rd (part of which Is now known as Oxford St), this being the only route past Bellevue Hill. "Barham," the residence of the late of Sir Edward Deas-Thomson, was built on grants bearing date January, 1835. West of the Dowling & Deas-Thomson grants lay the grant to Mr. John Palmer, Commissionary General, by his Honor Francis Grose, Lieutenant Governer, on February 25, 1793 of "100 acres of land lying at the head of Garden Island Cove, on the east side of the line laid down as a boundary for the common ground appropriated for the town of Sydney," to be known as the "Wallamooloo Farm." This land, sold to the Riley family on May 3, 1822, for £2290, was afterwards known as the "Riley Estate." The original native name,of Woolloomooloo was "Wallahahmullah," meaning a "young male kangaroo," or a "male black kangaroo." Another narne was "Wallamullah," meaning "a place of plenty," or "where fish were caught." The name Wallamooloo was used up to the end of the 1830's, when that of Woolloomooloo came into common use.
On the east side of Darling Pt Rd, in the vicinity of what was known as Mrs. Darling's Pt (named after the wife of tho Governor), lay the grant of 8 acres made by the Crown to Mr. Thomas Holt in November, 1833. 


"Canonbury," the residence of  Mr. Harry Rickards, stands upon a part of the Holt grant. At the gate leading to "Carthona" was a cottage, in which Sir (then Mr.) Daniel Cooper lived. "The Willows" was bullt on a grant (November 28, 1833) to Mr. Jamos Holt. 'When Mr. Mitchell purchased the bush land between Daniel Cooper's cottage & Mt. Adelaide he also purchased ,"The Willows," & made one property, known as "Etham." "Etham House," where Sir Matthew Harris now resides, was built by Mr. Mitchell on the edge of the slope fronting Double or "Keltie" Bay, and behind where "The Willows" originally stood. Next to "The Etham" Estate was "Mount Adelaide" The house was originally a large, comfortable cottage, known as "Derby Lodge," built by Mr. W. M. Lewis, Colonial Architect in 1848. It was subsequently purchased by Mr. Henry Mort, youngest brother to Mr. T. S. Mort. "St. Mark's Cottage was built by a well known solicitor named Callaghan, who died some 60 years ago. It was supposed to be the first dwelling built on Darling Pt, & is now occupied by Mr. E. M. Paul, Consul for Russia. To the past, & adjoining the Double Bay portion of "Green-oaks," was situated "Brooksby," built by Mr. Cooper Turner on portion of Elizabeth Pike's grant. It Is now the residence of M. Pinard, the Consul for France. Adjoining "St. Mark's Cottage" came the entrance lodge to "Green-oaks," and then St. Mark's Church and St. Mark's Cres. The church was opened for service in 1847, with the Rev. Thomas Cusack Russell, B.A., In charge. The church & St. Mark's Cres are built on a portion of T. W. Smith's grant, dated April 8. 1835, of 14 acres 2 roods. In tho early 1850's &, indeed, at a much lator date there were very few well known families living In the neighbourhood, & they were almost all worshippers at St. Mark's. Up a right-of-way from tho "Greenoaks" prĂ­vate road into the Glenrock  property is a house claimed to be the oldest on Darling Pt,  is called the "Octagon," by reason of the shape of the main portion of it. It was originally a guard house, & was purchased by Mr. Henry Gilbert Smith. It was added to, & subsequently came Into tho possession of Professor Liversidge, the present occupant. Land in the early 1850's at Darling Pt was thought of no value. It was stated that the Hon. George Thornton, who lived at "Longwood," adjoining Mr. Hordern's property, & now owned by Mr. Tillock, purchased the bulk of the land surrounding his property for £80, and "on being told that it was too far from town, & of no prospective value, resold It for £100. Darling Pt was at night a dark, dismal place, without gas & other modern conveniences, & for the safety of travellers, who at night generally carried lanterns, It was like the Sth Hd Rd, patrollod by a body of mounted police.
At the conclusion of the address Mr. Dowling was accorded a vote of thanks. 







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