Friday, February 28, 2014

Sydney Gothic Queen Anne

Sydney Federation Gothic Queen Anne


[Previous post: Brighton Bungalow, S.A., ....next post: Renovation Good and Bad ]

17 Mary Street Longueville NSW, asking $6 million
17 Mary Street Longueville NSW, asking $6 million
Hartford, 244 Glebe Point Road GLEBE, asking $4.5m
Hartford, 244 Glebe Point Road GLEBE, asking $4.5m
Charlesville, 10 Grafton St BALMAIN EAST, expecting $3.5m
Charlesville, 10 Grafton St BALMAIN EAST, expecting $3.5m
Typical Melbourne Federation Queen Anne 1895 - 1910
Typical Melbourne Federation Queen Anne 1895 - 1910

Queen Anne Style 1895 - 1910

Derived from English and American styles that revived elements from the architecture of Queen Anne’s reign (1702-14), these picturesque houses were deliberately complex, creating a kind of vigorous grandeur[1]

Here are three contrasting 1890s Sydney properties, all worth many millions of dollars and all in Gothic Queen Anne style:
  1. The first is an early Federation Queen Anne style house, with Victorian interior decoration
  2. the second a very Victorian era house internally, echoing Melbourne post-boom housing
  3. the third while also of Queen Anne style, and built in the same decade, is now quite Edwardian in interior style.

1. Carrum Carrum, 17 Mary Street Longueville, Queen Anne style

One of the lower north shore's finest Victorian-era mansions, Carrum Carrum, is back on the market.
One of the lower north shore's finest Victorian-era mansions, Carrum Carrum, is back on the market.


Lucy Macken
Lucy Macken
February 28, 2014
Lucy Macken
Prestige Property Reporter
View more articles from Lucy Macken

Inside Story visits Longueville

"This imposing Italianate Queen Anne villa was built in 1890 for James and Alice Macken (nee Foy, of the retail family Mark Foy), the great-great-grandparents of Title Deeds. (Lucy Macken doesn't know her Federation styles)
  • After James Macken died in 1908, aged 45, his widow and her seven children lived at the property, with their maid, Rose Lindsay, who later married artist Norman Lindsay.
  • Originally a much larger estate, it was subdivided during the Depression, the front garden lot being the last to be sold off in 1931 following Alice's death.
The coloured window panes are a Federation feature, a gothic influence giving a memory of grand cathedral spaces illuminated by stained glass lighting from above
The coloured window panes are a Federation feature, a gothic influence giving a memory of grand cathedral spaces illuminated by stained glass lighting from above
It last traded in 1991 for $925,000 when entrepreneur John Bradley and his wife, Patricia, bought what had then become a rundown boarding house on a battle-axe block.
  • The Bradleys have spent years restoring it and even bought back the house in front for $1.22 million in 2001 to reinstate the garden.
  • The 2604 square metre historic treasure includes a billiards room, formal lounge and dining rooms, library, six bedrooms and stately gardens.
  • It was for sale in 2012 for $7 million, but is now at $6 million-plus through Sotheby's International's Andrew Hennessey and McGrath's Brent Courtney.[2]
"One of the north's finest 19th century manors; impeccably restored by its current owner, 'Carrum Carrum' c1890 is one of Longueville's original architectural treasures.

  • Regal proportions and elegant historic details are complemented by 2,604sqm of gardens, footsteps from the picturesque shores of Yacht Bay."
    The rich red walls are a Victorian style, the arches Romanesque, not Gothic (gothic arches are pointed). The floorboards are a Federation feature.
    The rich red walls are a Victorian style, the arches Romanesque, not Gothic (gothic arches are pointed). The floorboards are a Federation feature.
  • Brilliantly revived for a life of modern family entertaining
    This is a rare Victorian bath room, with Federation features such as the polished wooden floor (not tiled in black and white, Victorian style), relatively simple cornice and wooden window frames with casement windows. The fireplace is Federation style, the mirror above in Art Nouveau style.
    This is a rare Victorian bath room, with Federation features such as the polished wooden floor (not tiled in black and white, Victorian style), relatively simple cornice and wooden window frames with casement windows. The fireplace is Federation style, the mirror above in Art Nouveau style.
  • Soaring ornate ceilings, Kauri floors and Kalantis fittings
  • Six verandahs, nine fireplaces, sumptuous bay windows
    This room has Federation features such as the minimal cornice, timber picture rails, gothic coloured glass panels above the casement windows, polished floor boards and Federation chest of drawers. The curvy wooden bed with barley twist corners is Victorian in style. Notice the classic porthole window, a Federation feature derived from the work of English Queen Anne architect Norman Shaw.
    This room has Federation features such as the minimal cornice, timber picture rails, gothic coloured glass panels above the casement windows, polished floor boards and Federation chest of drawers. The curvy wooden bed with barley twist corners is Victorian in style. Notice the classic porthole window, a Federation feature derived from the work of English Queen Anne architect Norman Shaw.
  • Grand dining room, drawing room and ball/billiards room
    This games room is pure Federation style, with wooden fireplace, polished floor and ornate ceiling panels.
    This games room is pure Federation style, with wooden fireplace, polished floor and ornate ceiling panels.
  • Central sandstone courtyard, rolling lawns, classic fountains
    The chimney stacks are of a unique style and derived from the English Arts and Crafts movement. An architect with English experience designed this house!
    The chimney stacks are of a unique style and derived from the English Arts and Crafts movement. An architect with English experience designed this house!

    The integrated roof over the verandah is a very 'modern' style for 1890, this being a feature of Federation bungalows built 20 years later. This style of verandah roof comes from the Arts and Crafts movement in England.
    The integrated roof over the verandah is a very 'modern' style for 1890, this being a feature of Federation bungalows built 20 years later. This style of verandah roof comes from the Arts and Crafts movement in England.

2. Glebe Gothic Queen Anne
  • This home was built for American-born dentist E. Randolph Magnus in 1898. The home, with Scottish Baronial elements, is also said to have an American influence, which is apt given the background of its first owner.
  • I couldn't give this first estate greater justice than by quoting from the Radical Terrace blog last year, (still on hiatus), the property being still on the market in 2013. - As published on: 15 October 2012 from Radical Terrace


A Queen Anne Mansion in Glebe’s Toxeth Park Estate Lists for $4.5m+


Hartford, 244 Glebe Point Road GLEBE, House for Sale in GLEBE, NSW by Ken Jacobs 
In 2013, For sale - $4,150,000
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Hartford, a Queen Anne mansion on Glebe Point Road has listed through Christie’s agents Ken Jacobs and Darren Curtis with $4.5m+ expectations. The home sits on a high point of Glebe Point Road on the edge of the prestigious Toxeth Park Estate. Toxeth Park, the c1831 mansion of George Allen, remained in bucolic isolation for its first 50 years.
  • When Allen’s property was subdivided by his son in the late 1880s, a covenant was placed on new development requiring all homes be built of either stone or brick.
  • The covenant further stipulated that no pubs or drinking establishments be placed on the land. These restrictions encouraged a higher socio-economic class of Sydneysiders to populate Glebe Point than were beginning to settle the neighbouring Balmain Peninsula and other portions of Glebe closer to the University of Sydney campus.
  • The strictly residential nature of the Toxeth Park Estate and Glebe Point continued well into the 20th Century, its prestige buoyed by easy access to the CBD via a tramway running in front of the subject property along Glebe Point Road.
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"A c1909 map, over a decade after Hartford’s construction, showcases the more prestigious Toxeth Park Estate, with the tram line in red running along Glebe Point Road, terminating before the street falls in elevation to the harbourfront.

"By in large, most prominent homes along Glebe Point Road have survived the test of time, albeit with several notable examples of post-war apartment block construction. The usual tale of single family mansion-turned-multi-family-turned-boarding house rings true for many of the homes in this stretch. However, ‘Hartford’ was owned by the Presbyterian Church until - we believe - a sale to private hands occurred in December 1998 for $1.52m.

"According to publicly available records, the home last traded hands in April 2006 for $3.24m, a record for Glebe at the time. In the last few years, there has been a high precedent of prestige sales set for the Toxeth Park-precinct of Glebe. Well-renovated homes on small blocks have traded for big sums: 40 Toxeth Park Rd (608sqm) for $4.2m in Nov 2011 and 55 Hereford St (680sqm) for $3.8m in Dec 2011). Although Hartford is situated on the busier Glebe Point Road, its massive 1,113sqm allotment affords some level of privacy. 
external image tumblr_mbxy2eVMYe1r3nwh5.jpg
White-painted wrought iron balustrades and pillars are a Queen Anne influence
White-painted wrought iron balustrades and pillars are a Queen Anne influence
"The interiors of the three-storey, 5-bedroom, 6-bathroom home appear to maintain the same floor plan as at the time of construction. While the home has maintained its character features, a dramatic interior reinvention will need to take place to firmly entrench this home as being one of Sydney’s best. All in though, we have no qualms seeing this home sell well above its $4.5m+ expectations, and it may just set a single family record for the suburb. Few other homes in Glebe are as well qualified."
William Morris-inspired Leadlight glass windows, arches are a gothic influence
William Morris-inspired Leadlight glass windows, arches are a gothic influence
The listing: Hartford, 244 Glebe Point Road, Glebe
Below: more images and a FLOOR PLAN
Victorian arch and Leadlight glass
Victorian arch and Leadlight glass
A fireplace heats the kitchen! Wooden trim is very period.
A fireplace heats the kitchen! Wooden trim is very period.
Simple door frame and light white walls are a Federation feature, the niche and arch are Victorian styles.
Simple door frame and light white walls are a Federation feature, the niche and arch are Victorian styles.
Original fireplace and Leadlight
Original fireplace and Leadlight
An almost original bathroom, ceiling is Victorian, the light is very Gothic
An almost original bathroom, ceiling is Victorian, the light is very Gothic
Wrought-iron balustrade is a Victorian influence, but a Queen Anne gable is just visible..
Wrought-iron balustrade is a Victorian influence, but a Queen Anne gable is just visible..
external image tumblr_mbxyd9qG5z1r3nwh5.jpg

3. A Rare and Historic Peninsula Home

Charlesville,10 Grafton St BALMAIN EAST
Wrought-iron verandah decoration
Wrought-iron verandah decoration
"Elevated and facing due east to Barangaroo, the locally known captain's house, 'Charlesville' is a circa 1890's Queen Anne Federation home which offers everything now and opportunity for later.

Exposed rafter ends and white-painted detail typify Federation style
Exposed rafter ends and white-painted detail typify Federation style
"A freestanding brick home it boasts harbour and city skyline views and would suit discerning buyers who seek and respect comfort, space and privacy in the Peninsula Waterfront precinct.
Victorian-style Leadlight glass
Victorian-style Leadlight glass
  • "Located in a quiet cul-de-sac within East Balmain and adjoining Ewenton Park which laps the harbour foreshore at Cameron's Cove, this tranquil oasis is 500m metres across the water from the CBD.
  • "With only two owners in it's long life the original features of the home remain in pristine condition. Four marble and tile ornamental fireplaces, western red cedar timber windows and doors, wedding cake ceilings, kauri floors and spectacular leadlight are just a few.
  • "Modern updates include a large kitchen with european appliances and granite benches with butlers sink, air conditioning, gas, swimming pool, spa and rainwater tank storage.
  • "Accommodation provides four large bedrooms, three and a half bathrooms, three living areas and poolside entertainment room. Set amongst landscaped gardens there are four distinct outdoor living spaces contained in this fully secure and private block of approximately 750 sqm.
  • "Rounding off the list of features, secure and remote garaging for four cars via Grafton Lane."

Victorian arch and Edwardian picture rails
Victorian arch and Edwardian picture rails
Original fireplace and picture framing, carpet is a later addition
Original fireplace and picture framing, carpet is a later addition
Carpet overlays original floorboards except in hallway
Carpet overlays original floorboards except in hallway
Rare Queen Anne Federation home in Balmain



external image photo.jpg
Lyndsey Douglas 
Original doorframes and picture rails, cornice is Federation style.
Original doorframes and picture rails, cornice is Federation style.
external image searchlogo_21127.GIF10 Grafton St BALMAIN EAST* Photo Gallery

Rare Queen Anne Federation home in Balmain

"A $3.5m+ historic Queen Anne Federation home, on a secure and private 750 sqm will hit the market next week in Balmain.
"The one-level circa 1890′s home has original features in pristine condition and was, at the time of erection, the Ship’s Captain’s house for Jubilee Wharf.

  • "Today 10 Grafton Street, Balmain East has a modern european kitchen with granite benches and butlers sink, three and a half bathrooms and a heated inground pool and spa.
  • "The four-bedroom, four-garage home has both “location and position” according to marketing agent Emily Sim of Ray White Balmain
  • “The home has a due-east harbour and city skyline view and sits on a quiet cul de sac location in Balmain East. The gorgeous original architectural features are in wonderful condition,” Ms Sim said.
“The Queen Anne features are most rare for this area.”

  1. ^ http://www.cv.vic.gov.au/stories/what-house-is-that/11725/queen-anne-house/
  2. ^ http://smh.domain.com.au/real-estate-news/game-set-and-match-for-hewitts-in-palmy-20140227-33iyg.html
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Saturday, February 22, 2014

Original Federation Interiors

Recently two properties have been advertised for sale with either original interiors or faithfully restored interiors. 

Both are fascinating for the detail they display, the furniture used, and the colour schemes they use.

1. Ruskinian, 4 Rayner Street Lilyfield NSW

Ruskinian, An historic window into the elegant past
This house is Federation Queen Anne style, with Victorian features, such as the geometric designs in the stained glass windows, separate verandah roof and internal plasterwork.
This house is Federation Queen Anne style, with Victorian features, such as the geometric designs in the stained glass windows, separate verandah roof and internal plasterwork.

"Established gardens, stained glass windows"[1]
The old and the beautiful: Federation-era charmer 4 Rayner Street, Lilyfield.[2]

The old and the beautiful: Federation-era charmer 4 Rayner Street, Lilyfield.
The old and the beautiful: Federation-era charmer 4 Rayner Street, Lilyfield.

"The inner west is chock-a-block with old houses and the front facade of this Federation house in Lilyfield shows it to be another beautiful example. But what makes it extra special is the exquisite detail intact inside, and the 733 square metre block, more than double the suburb average. One of three ''gentleman's residences'' built by Steward & Emmerick between 1904 and 1906, the advertisement for it in The Sydney Morning Herald of 1904 contains an exhaustive list of features, such as ''chaste classic art figures'' on the ceilings and ''costly incandescent gas fittings'', almost all of which are still there.
It helps that present owner Meredith Walker is a heritage consultant. Ms Walker has owned the property for almost 30 years and has lovingly preserved everything, including the 1950s kitchen. Agent Simon Pilcher, of Pilcher Residential, is quoting about $2 million before its March 8 auction."
Since the house is designed by builders, not architects, the styles are popular, rather than of the new period.
Since the house is designed by builders, not architects, the styles are popular, rather than of the new period.


"A Federation-period residence, beautifully conserved and unique in both decoration and intactness. Built c1905 by Steward and Emmerick as one of three 'Gentleman's Houses' and retaining almost all of the original appointments, Ruskinian is set on an expansive 733sqm approx.
  • "Exacting artisans' attention to detail

Timber picture rails are Federation period. The wreath decoration above the rails is a Victorian design. The patterned ceiling is Federation period. The marble fireplace, just visible, looks a Victorian 'fussy' design, as is the mirror. Furniture fabric is period, as is the plant and plant table.
Timber picture rails are Federation period. The wreath decoration above the rails is a Victorian design. The patterned ceiling is Federation period. The marble fireplace, just visible, looks a Victorian 'fussy' design, as is the mirror. Furniture fabric is period, as is the plant and plant table.
  • 'Rare wood-grained joinery, elaborate plasterwork

Federation style is a celebration of timber decoration, and here we see timber grain as a Federation feature. The furniture is mostly turn of the century, however the sideboard, not very visible, could be Victorian.
Federation style is a celebration of timber decoration, and here we see timber grain as a Federation feature. The furniture is mostly turn of the century, however the sideboard, not very visible, could be Victorian.
  • "Versatile plan, separate living and dining
The gothic coloured glass panels are typically Federation Queen Anne style, and so is the ceiling. However the wreath patterns are a hang-over from Victorian celebratory excess.
The gothic coloured glass panels are typically Federation Queen Anne style, and so is the ceiling. However the wreath patterns are a hang-over from Victorian celebratory excess.
As noted above, since the glass is not Art Nouveau design, its design is typically Victorian, as are the hallway friezes and hallway arch. Notice the ventilation outlet, typical of gaslight installation.
As noted above, since the glass is not Art Nouveau design, its design is typically Victorian, as are the hallway friezes and hallway arch. Notice the ventilation outlet, typical of gaslight installation.
  • "Mid century linoleum, generous parlour/master
The Victorian marble fireplace with decorated marble is a feature. The furniture visible is of Federation style, as must be the venetian blinds! The elaborate ceiling cornice I take to be Victorian, and look for knowledgable advice...
The Victorian marble fireplace with decorated marble is a feature. The furniture visible is of Federation style, as must be the venetian blinds! The elaborate ceiling cornice I take to be Victorian, and look for knowledgable advice...
  • 'Marble fires, ornate ceilings, plaster reliefs
Clearly not an original Federation kitchen.
Clearly not an original Federation kitchen.
  • "Neatly presented 1956 eat-in gas kitchen

2. Tullamore, 11 Telopea St Wollstonecraft

"TULLAMORE: A Stunning Single Level Family Home
Exposed rafter ends are a sure marker of Federation style, as are the chimneys.
Exposed rafter ends are a sure marker of Federation style, as are the chimneys.
A classic c1912 Georgian revival sandstone/brick residence of rare distinction & style offering an opportunity to live in one of Wollstonecraft's finest homes. Tullamore is set gracefully on 1132sm of level land. It has been superbly restored and flawlessly finished with exquisite period detailing. Generously proportioned interiors faithfully combine period charm with contemporary quality to create a timeless elegance."

This hallway has a Federation style fretwork arch in timber, timber floors and timber woodwork throughout.
This hallway has a Federation style fretwork arch in timber, timber floors and timber woodwork throughout.

• Period features - high ceilings & timber polished floors
A beautiful ceiling, typical polished floorboards, no picture rails, and another marble (Victorian) fireplace.
A beautiful ceiling, typical polished floorboards, no picture rails, and another marble (Victorian) fireplace.
• Six beautiful working fireplaces
A bay window, ornate ceiling and cornices, picture rails, wooden fireplace are perfecty Federation style. Also the coloured glass panels. The dining furniture is however not of Federation style, since it is a complicated style of an earlier era.
A bay window, ornate ceiling and cornices, picture rails, wooden fireplace are perfecty Federation style. Also the coloured glass panels. The dining furniture is however not of Federation style, since it is a complicated style of an earlier era.
A very period bedroom, every part of which is in period, save the bed itself, since wooden beds are more typical of Federation period.
A very period bedroom, every part of which is in period, save the bed itself, since wooden beds are more typical of Federation period.
I love this bedroom, from the coloured glass gothic window lights to the elaborate cornice.
I love this bedroom, from the coloured glass gothic window lights to the elaborate cornice.
Now this is a Federation bathroom.
Now this is a Federation bathroom.
Who could blame an owner wanting a modern kitchen, but not out of character, and handsome as well.
Who could blame an owner wanting a modern kitchen, but not out of character, and handsome as well.
  1. ^ http://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-lilyfield-116035503
  2. ^ http://news.domain.com.au/domain/real-estate-news/lilyfield-federation-masterpiece-expected-to-fetch-2m-20140215-32sl4.html
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