21-23 Lower Fort Street, Millers Point facts for kids
Quick facts for kids 21-23 Lower Fort Street, Millers Point |
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21 Lower Fort Street, pictured at left in 2019.
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| Location | 21, 23 Lower Fort Street, Millers Point, City of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia |
| Built | 1832– |
| Built for | John Nicholson |
| Architect | William Smart |
| Architectural style(s) | late Colonial Georgian |
| Official name: Terrace; Nicholson’s Houses | |
| Type | State heritage (built) |
| Designated | 2 April 1999 |
| Reference no. | 883 |
| Type | Terrace |
| Category | Residential buildings (private) |
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The buildings at 21-23 Lower Fort Street, Millers Point are special historic homes. They are known as "heritage-listed" terrace houses, which means they are important to Australia's history and are protected. These houses are located in Millers Point, a part of inner Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. They were built starting in 1832 and are also called Nicholson's Houses. These homes were officially added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on April 2, 1999, because of their historical value.
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A Look Back at Millers Point
Millers Point is one of the very first places in Australia where European settlers built homes. It was also a busy hub for activities related to ships and the sea.
How Millers Point Got Its Name
Millers Point got its name from "Jack the Miller" a long time ago. He built his windmills there. Also, a British officer named Lieutenant Dawes set up his observatory on the point. This area is located near Barangaroo, Observatory Hill, and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. You can see many different building styles here, from old Georgian houses and small workers' cottages to grander Victorian homes from the 1800s.
Homes for the Community
For much of the 1900s, many homes in Millers Point were used as public housing. In recent years, some of these buildings have been sold to new owners. This has brought new life to these old homes. It is very important that any updates or renovations are done carefully to keep their historic look and feel.
The Story of 21 Lower Fort Street
This house was built in 1832 for John Nicholson. He was the first Harbour Master, which means he was in charge of the port and ships. He received the land for the house as a special gift, called a land grant, from Governor Macquarie.
What the House Looks Like
Number 21 Lower Fort Street is built in a style called "late Colonial Georgian." This was a popular way to design town homes back then. The owners, with help from architect William Smart, have worked hard to keep as much of the original building and its decorations as possible. They made smart changes only where needed to make it suitable for modern living.
Changes Over Time
Some parts of the house have changed over the years. For example, a porch (verandah) was added, and a brick section was built at the back after 1930. There used to be a two-story stable building at the back, but it is no longer there. The NSW Department of Housing first rented out this house in 1984.
What Makes These Houses Special
The property at 21-23 Lower Fort Street includes two-story Georgian terrace houses. Each has five bedrooms and a basement. They face Lower Fort Street and have a special roof called a slate pediment roof. The wooden parts, especially the front doors, are very interesting.
Unique Features
The second-floor porch (verandah) has cast iron decorations and balcony panels from the mid-1800s. Later, wood was added to fill in some parts. This porch is supported by wooden columns on the ground floor. These columns look like they are from an even earlier time. The outside of the property is in good condition.
Updates and Changes
Over the years, some changes have been made to the outside of the houses. After 1930, a brick section was added to the back. The balcony was enclosed, and the stable building was removed. Some pipes were also added to the outside walls.
Why These Homes Are Heritage-Listed
As of November 23, 2000, these buildings are thought to be from around 1840, or possibly even earlier.
Part of a Historic Area
These houses are part of the Millers Point Conservation Area. This is a special neighborhood that has kept its original look and feel, with homes and public spaces dating back to the 1830s. It is a great example of how people built and lived in the 1800s.
21-23 Lower Fort Street, Millers Point, was officially added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on April 2, 1999. This means it is recognized as an important part of the state's history and is protected.
