Avonmore Terrace

Avonmore Terrace
Avonmore Terrace
	Avonmore, Randwick, pictured in 2015
Location	26-42 The Avenue, Randwick, City of Randwick, New South Wales, Australia
Coordinates	33°54′45″S151°14′29″E / 33.9124°S 151.2413°E
Built	1888–1891
Architectural style(s)	Victorian Italianate
New South Wales Heritage Register
Official name	Avonmore Terrace; Randwick Mansions
Type	State heritage (built)
Designated	2 April 1999
Reference no.	565
Type	Terrace
Category	Residential buildings (private)
Builders	John Walsh
	Location of Avonmore Terrace in Sydney Avonmore Terrace (Australia)

Last updated December 11, 2024

Avonmore Terrace is a heritage-listed row of terrace houses at 26-42 The Avenue, in the Sydney suburb of Randwick, New South Wales, Australia. The terrace houses were built from 1888 to 1891 by John Walsh. It is also known as Randwick Mansions. The property is privately owned. It was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 2 April 1999.^[1]As of 2007^[update], the terrace houses are predominately used as domestic housing, with one of the terraces used as a boutique hotel.

History

The site was originally part of an 1864 land grant to the Church of England, most of which was used for St. Judes Church Cemetery on the west side of the Church and Municipal Council Chambers on Frenchmans Road (now Avoca Street) and bordering Frances Street and Johns Lane (renamed The Avenue in 1895). The land grant comprised three acres, three roods, and thirty seven perches, which is approximately 1.6 hectares.^[1]

The 1864 map shows the present attractive park opposite the terrace was offered to five other denominations to provide a Cemetery for Wesleyans, Independents, Jews, other denominations, and the largest sections for Roman Catholics and Presbyterians. The land was not taken up by those religious bodies within the required time and was consequently resumed by the Government to be used as a cricket ground.^[1]

In June 1886 a Select Committee of the NSW Legislative Assembly was set up to consider and report on the "Randwick Cemetery Unused Lands Sale Bill" and determine if there were any bodies buried in the unused section of the land proposed for sale by the Trustees of St. Jude's Church, and secondly to enquire as to what purposes the money from this sale would be put to. In 1868 an Act was passed prohibiting any more burials at Randwick except in the fenced Cemetery ground already taken up. Residents had expressed concern about pollution of the water supply from the Cemetery.^[1]

Witnesses called included Geo. Bishop, a Surveyor and the Rev. W. Hough incumbent of St. Jude's, as well as one of the Cemetery Trustees and the Caretaker. They all agreed that there were no bodies left in the proposed section; as the remains of two infants and one adult had been removed two years before. The witnesses also agreed that money realised from such a sale would be spent on enlarging the Church; providing suitable accommodation for the caretaker; plus funds to keep the Cemetery in better order, and to give a grant towards erecting a new Church in Coogee. It was expected that about $6,000 would be raised as local land values at that time were between $36 and $32 per foot (0.304 m.)^[1]

In May 1888 the Church sold off an area of one acre, one rood and one and a half perches - approximately .510 of a hectare to John Walsh.^[1]

The first of the terraces to be built was the middle terrace - the largest of the nine terraces. It was built by John Walsh, a building contractor, as his own family home. It was commenced after May 1888, he then continued building the adjoining terraces. Which were completed by February 1891 with tenants in all but No. 8 according to the Randwick Rate books.^[1] The 1889 Randwick Rate records as at February are marked no residents. However Rates were charged to J. Walsh on Nos. 1 to 9, marked "Houses". They were Valued at $280 each for the eight smaller terraces and $320 for No. 5 - "Avonmore". Rates paid were $12.20 each for the 8, and $14.40 for "Avonmore".^[1] In 1890 Rate records show 3 residents - "John Walsh, Contractor, "Avonmore" - in No. 5 (now No. 34), No. 1 - Mr. Thompson and in No. 8 - James Angus - tenants.^[1]

John Walsh was a successful Building and Railway Contractor who was born in County Galway, Ireland in 1843. He built railways in Queensland. In 1867 John married Margaret Jane Clohesy from Kilkenny, Ireland, at Brisbane. She was 22. Walsh built the Goulburn to Cooma Railway and apparently made enough money by 1888 to build the nine three storey terraces. John's wife Margaret produced six daughters in the twenty years up to 1888, consequently they needed a large residence with a bedroom for each girl, guests bedrooms, and servants quarters. It has been speculated that the large reception rooms on the ground floor were used for entertaining the local important families, and showing off the eligible daughters. "Avonmore" has about 16 rooms.^[1]

In 1891 the Rate Books show some early citizens of note in Walsh's Terrace. From the south end:^[1]

No. 1 Alfred Drake
No. 2 David Storey, a merchant and later Sir David, and the first Member for Randwick
No. 3 James Angus
No. 4 M. A. Dalley
No. 5 John Walsh, Builder and Railway Contractor
No. 6 Rev. J. Campbell was an Anglican church militant who published a book - "Gold and how to get it or, One solution of the Unemployment Problem". He was Curate at St. Nicolas Church, Coogee, and preached a series of sermons on the "Difficulties of Belief". He received a gold medal from the University of Sydney for Geology and Agricultural Chemistry.
No. 7 Robert Beeston
No. 8 Vacant
No. 9 A. T. Bolton. He built a large house Stratheden on corner of Belmore Road and High Street, Randwick and then moved into it on completion.^[1]

House names first appear in 1892 for Walsh's Terrace in Johns Avenue, as listed in "Sands Directory". It is unknown whether John Walsh chose the names for his rented terraces.^[1]

"Etruria" - James Angus No. 2
"Wattsbridge" - David Storey in No. 3
"Eurotas" - F. Foy
"Avonmore" - J. Walsh No. 5
"Laleham" - Rev. J. Campbell (Church of England)
"Kylemore" - No. 9 (in 1893/4) Lewis Moore, son-in-law, resided here with his bride.^[1]

John Walsh died on 13 February 1893 aged 50 years and was buried in Waverley Cemetery. His widow, Margaret then moved to No. 2 and continued renting the eight terraces, via the Perpetual Trustees, until 1905 when they were all sold to the Estate of B.O. Holterman.^[1] Just prior to the First World War the terrace row was named 'Randwick Mansions.'^[1]

From 1903 until 1908 Lotaville Private School for young ladies was conducted at Avonmore by Professor Patrick Henry Hughes, who was born in 1839 in Corfu, and his wife Mary Jane born in 1840. Boarders were also accommodated. High standards were apparently achieved as some pupils obtained university qualifications from Lotaville.^[1] From 1909 to c. 1916 Brighton College took over at Avonmore, under Miss Amos and Richard C.Amos. They probably took over the pupils from Lotaville School.^[2]^[1]

No. 34 is currently run as a boutique hotel. The remaining terraces are all in private ownership.^[1]

Description

Avonmore is a group of nine three-storey Victorian Italianate terrace houses of imposing proportions with number 34 being the central and grandest one. It is constructed of load-bearing rendered brick and a timber framer roof.^[1]

The central terrace (No. 34) is divided into five bays with a window or door opening in each bay and at each storey. Large tower providing centrepiece for the whole row. The central bay projects in front of the bays on either side and is unique to the central terrace. All of the other terraces in the row have only two bays with bullnose verandahs.^[1]

The facade has a heavy balustraded parapet except at the central bay which has a broken pediment surmounted by an urn. The lettering 'AVONMORE" is set in the walling in the pediment. Interior contains carved staircase engraved with family initials, "W" may also be seen in the cornices of various rooms. Stained glass adorns the large front door. Marble and tiled fireplaces. Ornamental ceilings.^[1]

Palisade fence. Magnificent cast iron lace work and elaborate mouldings. Some original tiled verandahs and pathways.^[1]^[3]

Condition

As at 22 September 2011, the physical condition is good.^[1]

Heritage listing

As at 22 September 2011, Avonmore is a group of nine Italianate terrace houses of imposing proportions. It was built by John Walsh who completed it in 1888. The row is significant for its Victorian Italianate style façade, its decorative detail and large rooms. Being located opposite Alison Park, it is important for the contribution it makes to the St. Judes Precinct. The elements of the row considered to be of high significance are the entire façade including the central tower and the verandahs with cast iron balustrades and corrugated iron roofs. The interiors (hallways, front rooms, stairs and fireplaces) of some of the houses are of high significance. The row of terraces demonstrates the process of subdivision and development in Randwick in the late 19th century and the wealth and expectations of the period.^[1]^[3]

Avonmore Terrace was listed on the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 2 April 1999.^[1]

Related Research Articles

Randwick is a suburb in the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney, in the state of New South Wales, Australia. Randwick is located 6 kilometres south-east of the Sydney central business district and is the administrative centre for the local government area of the City of Randwick. The postcode is 2031.

Coogee is a beachside suburb in the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, eight kilometres south-east of the Sydney central business district.

South Coogee is a coastal suburb in the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney, in the state of New South Wales, Australia. South Coogee is located 9 kilometres south-east of the Sydney central business district, in the local government area of the City of Randwick.

The Spot is a locality in the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, south-east of the CBD. The Spot is located in the south-eastern part of the suburb of Randwick, around the intersection of Perouse Road and St Pauls Street. It is a vibrant part of Randwick and consists of a collection of shops, restaurants, cafes and a cinema.

Terrace houses in Australia began to be built in early 19th century Sydney, closely based on the models found in London and other UK cities. They soon developed unique features, particularly elaborate balconies, and became a very popular form of housing right through the Victorian era, with some still built in the Federation era. Large numbers of terraced houses were built in the inner suburbs of the two large Australian cities, Sydney and Melbourne, mainly between the 1850s and the 1890s, with some examples in the smaller cities and towns.

The St Jude's Church is an active Anglican church in Randwick, a suburb of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. It is part of a significant heritage group that includes the church, cemetery, rectory and original Randwick Borough Chambers, later converted to church use. The group is located on Avoca Street, Randwick, and has a federal heritage listing. It was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 2 April 1999.

Nugal Hall is a heritage-listed Gothic Revival style former private residence, ambassador's residence, boutique lodge, embassy and now private residence located at 16-18 Milford Street, in the Sydney suburb of Randwick on the boundary with the suburb of Coogee. Nugal Hall sits in the City of Randwick local government area as part of the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney in New South Wales, Australia.

Cliffbrook is a heritage-listed former residence, school and government building and now university research, administration building and university press located at 45-51 Beach Street, Coogee, New South Wales, an eastern suburb of Sydney, Australia. Built in 1921, its design is attributed to John Kirkpatrick. The building is owned by the University of New South Wales. The property was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 2 April 1999.

Sandgate is a heritage-listed former residence, repatriation hospital and heritage centre at 128 Belmore Road, Randwick, City of Randwick, New South Wales, Australia. It was built during 1879 by Simeon Pearce. It is also known as Kilkerran and Felton. The property is owned by Randwick City Council. It was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 2 April 1999.

Venice is a heritage-listed apartment building and residence in Randwick, City of Randwick, New South Wales, Australia. It was built from 1884 to 1885 by Stephen Gee. It was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 2 April 1999.

The Randwick Post Office is a heritage-listed former post office located at 124 Alison Road in the Sydney suburb of Randwick in the City of Randwick local government area of New South Wales, Australia. The former post office was designed by Walter Liberty Vernon in his capacity as NSW Government Architect and was built from 1897 to 1898 by W. B. Chessell. It is also known as Randwick Post Office (former) and Jubilee Fountain. The property is owned by Australia Post (Federal Government). It was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 23 June 2000.

Rathven is a heritage-listed former private residence and boarding house for school and private residence in the Sydney suburb of Randwick in the City of Randwick local government area of New South Wales, Australia. It was designed and built by George Raffan during 1887. It was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 2 April 1999.

Corana and Hygeia are a heritage-listed pair of semi-detached residences at 211-215 Avoca Street in the Sydney suburb of Randwick, New South Wales, Australia. They were built from 1893 to 1894. They are also known as Corana & Hygeia Victorian Terraces,Corona, Randwick Lodge and has recently re-branded to The Lurline. The property is privately owned. It was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 2 April 1999.

65 Windmill Street, Millers Point is a heritage-listed boarding house and former residence located at 65 Windmill Street, in the inner city Sydney suburb of Millers Point in the City of Sydney local government area of New South Wales, Australia. The property was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 2 April 1999.

Undercliffe Terrace is a heritage-listed row of terrace houses located at 52–60 Argyle Place, in the inner city Sydney suburb of Millers Point in the City of Sydney local government area of New South Wales, Australia. The property is also known as Grimes' Buildings. was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 2 April 1999.

62–64 Argyle Place, Millers Point is a heritage-listed row of two terrace houses located at 62–64 Argyle Place, in the inner city Sydney suburb of Millers Point in the City of Sydney local government area of New South Wales, Australia. The property was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 2 April 1999.

46–48 Argyle Place, Millers Point is a heritage-listed terrace house and now boarding house located at 46–48 Argyle Place, in the inner city Sydney suburb of Millers Point in the City of Sydney local government area of New South Wales, Australia. It was built during 1850. The property was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 2 April 1999.

Milton Terrace is a heritage-listed series of terrace houses located at 1–19 Lower Fort Street, in the inner city Sydney suburb of Millers Point in the City of Sydney local government area of New South Wales, Australia. It was built from 1880 to 1882. The property was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 2 April 1999.

40–44 Argyle Place, Millers Point is a row of heritage-listed terrace houses located at 40–44 Argyle Place, in the inner city Sydney suburb of Millers Point, within the City of Sydney local government area of New South Wales, Australia. The property was included in the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 2 April 1999.

36–38 Argyle Place, Millers Point are a row of heritage-listed terrace houses located at 36–38 Argyle Place, in the inner city Sydney suburb of Millers Point in the City of Sydney local government area of New South Wales, Australia. The property was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 2 April 1999.

References

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 "Avonmore Terrace". New South Wales State Heritage Register . Department of Planning & Environment. H00565. Retrieved 2 June 2018. Text is licensed by State of New South Wales (Department of Planning and Environment) under CC BY 4.0 licence .
↑ June Moore 1998
1 2 Heritage Branch files.

Bibliography

Attraction Homepage (2007). "Avonmore on the Park Boutique Hotel". Archived from the original on 17 March 2012. Retrieved 16 September 2018.
Moore, June; Randwick and District Historical Society (1998). Avonmore No. 34 The Avenue Randwick - History.
Pollen, F.; Healy, G., eds. (1988). 'Randwick' entry in "The Book of Sydney Suburbs".

Attribution

This Wikipedia article was originally based on Avonmore Terrace , entry number 00565 in the New South Wales State Heritage Register published by the State of New South Wales (Department of Planning and Environment) 2018 under CC-BY 4.0 licence , accessed on 2 June 2018.

External links

Media related to Avonmore Terrace at Wikimedia Commons

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[nswshr-565-1] 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 "Avonmore Terrace". New South Wales State Heritage Register . Department of Planning & Environment. H00565. Retrieved 2 June 2018. Text is licensed by State of New South Wales (Department of Planning and Environment) under CC BY 4.0 licence .

[nswshr-565-206-2] June Moore 1998

[nswshr-565-001-3] 1 2 Heritage Branch files.

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