Boltons, the Hill, Newcastle

The Boltons, the Hill, Newcastle NSW

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• See also Federation Queen Anne style

The Hill was first known as Church Hill, then Prospect Hill. The area is the site of the first town plain laid out by Henry Dangar in 1823 and is the historic heart of Newcastle.


By 1860, Newcastle was emerging from its convict past and growing in economic importance as a place for coal exportation. The city’s fast growing middle class chose The Hill to establish a number of large fine houses, many of which still survive today.

• The Hill is a significant historical precinct and it contains numerous heritage items, significant trees, views of the ocean and harbour, and a steep topography.
• Its history is multi-dimensional as one of the oldest settled areas of the modern city of Newcastle.
• The Anglican Cathedral and burial grund of the convict colony is situated at the top of the hill, and it marks the eastern most edge of the Australian Agricultural Company's 1000 Acre estate (Brown Street).
• The first railway in Australia was located in this precinct, starting at the AA Coy's A Pit, just off Church Street. The flat bench created for the mine is still visible with the "The Boltons" heritage group now sitting over the site.
• Its first mine was equipped with two engines (A Pit), on the site of the present day Boltons residences, and these were the first steam engines to be used for mining purposes in the colony. They were used to raise coal and to pump water from the workings. The coal was then haulded to the Port via an incline plane, now conisdered by historians to be the first use of a railway in this country.

The Boltons are the group of four houses facing North.

3 The Boltons Off Church Street THE HILL

For sale November 2013 for $1,199,000

A well-preserved beauty

Author: Frances Thompson Date: 27/08/2011
Publication: Newcastle Herald Section: Domain

• Four sister houses bring a hint of San Francisco's cosmopolitan charm to old Newcastle.
• EVEN Novocastrians who know all about the city's secret places could fail to be impressed with a location like The Boltons, a row of four houses in a little lane on The Hill.
• For the first time in about 10 years, one of the timber terraces is for sale. It is number three, at the western end of the row, and expressions of interest are invited until Saturday, September 24.

The timber houses were designed by Frederick B. Menkens and built by G.W. Brewer in 1904. Menkens was perhaps Newcastle's most prolific architect.

• Newcastle Herald history writer Mike Scanlon said Menkens designed 28 major inner-city buildings, including houses such as Shalamah, Lance Villa and The Boltons.
• The Boltons' private lane runs off Church Street, near the site of the Australian Agricultural Company's "A" pit.

• Outside, all four north-facing terraces have the same ornate timber facades but are painted different colours. Newcastle's links to San Francisco are echoed in the style of the multi-coloured terraces, popular around the beginning of the 20th century.
• Inside number three, original features such as pressed metal ceilings, fireplaces, coloured glass panels, kauri timber floors and wooden wall panelling are on show.
• The owners have lived there for 17 years and told Domain their predecessors had been resident for 60 years.
  
• Soon after the present owners arrived they built a new kitchen out of two rooms at the back of the house. The large kitchen is modern but retains pressed metal ceilings and other original trimmings. It is evidence of the care taken so that the blending of old and new doesn't jar. The kitchen overlooks an elegant plunge pool and courtyard garden.

• The most impressive room in the house is upstairs at the front. The owners use it as a sitting room, but it could be a bedroom. It has french doors that open to the verandah, a fireplace and lovely views.

• Two small cars can fit in the side driveway and there is resident parking in the lane.
• As well as having historical significance, the house is in good condition. Nothing hides or obscures its appealing features. It has been in good hands.
• 

• Secretly tucked away in a private access off Church Street is this large 200sqm home.
• A creation of Newcastle's leading architect at the time, Frederick Menkens and built by GW Brewer in 1904. This design was very popular across Europe and the USA at the turn of the century.

• In Federation Queen Anne style, these homes are both beautiful and a unique part of local architecture.

Property Overview:

• The original weatherboard construction, carved timber posts and picture frame windows are high- lighted with contrasting pastel paint schemes.

• The 269sqm block is perfectly positioned to take in the panoramic harbour views, the Northerly aspect also takes advantage of warm winter sun and cool summer breezes.

• This unique property comprises entrance hallway, charming living room with lovely original open fireplace. There are high pressed metal ceilings, beautiful coloured windows plus polished Kauri timber floors throughout.

• There is a very spacious separate dining currently used as a 4th bedroom with another original open fire place. Downstairs w.c., very large modern kitchen with casual eating and family room opening to a very private courtyard with in ground pool.

• Up the magnificent stairs to the 2nd level are 3 bedrooms, main with en-suite all with high ceilings and a lovely family bathroom. The main lounge rooms opens to a beautiful balcony with superb harbour views.