22-32 Argyle Place, Millers Point facts for kids
Quick facts for kids 22-32 Argyle Place, Millers Point |
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22-32 Argyle Place, pictured in 2019.
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| Location | 22, 24, 26, 30, 32 Argyle Place, Millers Point, City of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia |
| Built | c. 1830 |
| Built for | William Cole |
| Architectural style(s) | Old Colonial Georgian |
| Official name: Terrace; Cole's Buildings | |
| Type | State heritage (built) |
| Designated | 2 April 1999 |
| Reference no. | 905 |
| Type | Terrace |
| Category | Residential buildings (private) |
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22-32 Argyle Place, Millers Point is a special group of old houses in Millers Point, Sydney. These buildings used to be homes, but now they are used for businesses. They are also known as Cole's Buildings.
This property is very old and important. It was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 2 April 1999. This means it's protected because of its history and unique style.
Contents
A Look Back: History of Argyle Place
Millers Point is one of the very first places in Australia where Europeans settled. It was a busy area for ships and sea activities.
Argyle Place was planned by Governor Macquarie. He was an early governor of New South Wales. It was meant to be like a park square in London. The area was fully shaped around 1865 after rock quarrying stopped.
These houses look much like they did in the mid-1800s. They show us what life was like back then.
In 1958, an architect named John Fisher helped save old buildings. He worked with an artist, Cedric Flower. They convinced a paint company to paint a house nearby. This made people notice how important old buildings in The Rocks were.
Later, in 1982, the NSW Department of Housing started renting out these homes.
What the Buildings Look Like
These buildings are two storeys high. They are built from stone. They have a simple stone wall at the top called a parapet. The roofs were originally made of shingles. The front of the buildings, called the facade, is covered in painted stone.
The windows have simple stone sills. Above the main door, there's a small, decorative window called a fan light. It has twelve small glass panes.
The style of these buildings is called Old Colonial Georgian. They face Argyle Place. The outside of the buildings is in good condition.
Changes Over Time
Some small changes have been made to the doors and windows. Also, some modern services have been added. The buildings were last checked on 19 February 1995. Inside, some parts might still be original.
These houses were mostly built around 1830. They are still very much like they were back then.
Why These Buildings Are Special
These old Georgian houses from the early 1800s are an important part of Argyle Place. They show how the street looked long ago. They might even be older than 1832.
They are part of the Millers Point Conservation Area. This area is a well-preserved neighbourhood. It has homes and public spaces from the 1830s. It shows how people changed the land in the 1800s.
The houses at 24-32 Argyle Place are part of Cole's Building. They are next to another old house called Osborne House (No. 34). These are the only buildings left from a series built by William Cole. He was a local pub owner in the mid-1840s.
These houses are rare examples of modest homes. They were built after new building rules came in Sydney. These rules aimed to stop fires. The houses still show the style and details of homes from that time.
Cole's Building is special because it combines a row of houses with a larger townhouse. No other similar examples from the mid-1840s have been found. They are very important because they show how building laws affected house design. These laws made sure buildings used materials that wouldn't burn easily.
Millers Point is the oldest residential area in Australia still used for homes today. These buildings are a key part of this area. They are important for the whole state of New South Wales. They can be seen clearly from Argyle Place and from the harbour.
22-32 Argyle Place, Millers Point, was listed on the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 2 April 1999. This means it meets certain important standards.
Showing History
These buildings show how Millers Point grew. They were built as an investment by wealthy tradesmen. This shows how Sydney changed from a prison settlement to a place with a free market. This change might have even led to William Cole going bankrupt.
Important People
The buildings are linked to William Cole. He was a well-known pub owner and property developer. Later, they were also connected to the Merriman family.
Beautiful Design
The design of these houses shows the simple beauty of the Georgian period. Osborne House, a grander building, was also part of this same design.
Later changes to the windows and the front of the houses show changing styles. Owners wanted to make their rental properties look modern. This helped them keep earning money from rent.
These houses have long been seen as important. They were listed by the National Trust of Australia (NSW) early on. They were also included in the Register of the National Estate.
Cole's Buildings clearly show how standard house designs were introduced. They also show the effect of building laws from London and Sydney. These laws controlled things like building materials, roof edges, and wall thickness. Because they were built so well, the buildings were kept even after the government took over the land.
Community Connection
People who used to live here, and those who live here now, feel a strong connection to Cole's Building. They also feel connected to Argyle Place and Millers Point in general.
Learning from the Past
Cole's Buildings are part of Argyle Place. This area is a rare example of houses built around a park. They can help us learn about the history of New South Wales.
Rare and Special
Cole's Buildings are a rare example of houses from the 1840s. They were built as an investment, not for the owner to live in.
Key Features
Many original details of Cole's Buildings still exist. These include some window frames, staircases, fireplace surrounds, and roof shingles. It's especially interesting to compare the smaller houses at 24-32 with the larger townhouse at No. 34.
