Property Details

'SEA VIEW VILLA' circa 1840's EXCEPTIONAL RESIDENCE, PADDINGTON, SYDNEY

In the 1840’s, when colonials could still dream of an “inland sea”, Alfred Fairfax’s “Sea View Villa” was already attracting admiring comments. Contemporary accounts speak of its sturdy sandstone and brick structure, its slate roof “well-leaded and guttered”, its servants’ quarters and “complete stabling”. Today the horses and stabling are gone and its three broad verandahs look out over a level, north-facing garden, private, tranquil and filled with birdsong in the heart of the city.

Architect Bill Lucas’ 1970’s restoration of the house incorporated modern conveniences without sacrificing any of the original features. The French doors to the verandas, multi-paned windows, cornices to high ceilings on the upper floors and heavy interior doors were all carefully replicated or restored, along with the fireplaces. On the ground floor the sandstone walls and large fireplace were left undisturbed while kitchen and living room were opened onto the veranda and courtyard.

Generous living spaces, a study and five bedrooms look out over the fascinating patchwork of Paddington and city skylines whilst the large and well-lit attic has ample room for storage. At the bottom of the garden a brick-paved shed, with tons of character, provides a very private entrance to the property and room for four to five cars, with visitors’ parking for three more. The shed has served at different times as a basic residence, as a studio and artist’s workroom, as an exhibition space and as a venue for social gatherings flowing out onto the lawn and around an open fireplace.

This home, on its secluded 920 square metre block, on two titles, is an oasis of peace in the midst of the wonderful life of the inner-city. Only moments, via a European-style carriageway, from Oxford and Queen Streets, with their cafes and shops, it is also no more than a few minutes’ walk from the recreational opportunities of Centennial Park and ten minutes by car from Bondi Beach.

Much loved home to the one family for the last thirty years, “Sea View Villa” is ready to welcome its next owners.

Property ID: 2007696838