Ashton, Elizabeth Bay facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ashton |
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| Location | 102 Elizabeth Bay Road, Elizabeth Bay, City of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia |
| Built | 1874–1875 |
| Architect | Thomas Rowe |
| Official name: Ashton and its grounds; Caprera (c.1875-c.1910); Brema or Braemar (c.1910-c.1920); The German Consulate | |
| Type | State heritage (built) |
| Designated | 19 November 2003 |
| Reference no. | 1684 |
| Type | Mansion |
| Category | Residential buildings (private) |
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Ashton is a beautiful old mansion in Elizabeth Bay, Sydney, Australia. It is located at 102 Elizabeth Bay Road. This special house was designed by Thomas Rowe and built between 1874 and 1875. It is known by a few different names, like Ashton and its grounds, Caprera, Brema or Braemar, and even The German Consulate. The house is privately owned. It was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 19 November 2003. This means it is a very important historical building.
Contents
The History of Elizabeth Bay and Ashton
Elizabeth Bay was once a fishing village. Governor Macquarie set it up around 1815. It was for the Cadigal people, led by Bungaree. The area was named after Elizabeth Macquarie. Later, in 1826, Governor Darling gave Alexander Macleay a large piece of land here. Macleay built his grand mansion in the 1830s. His estate was famous for its beautiful house and gardens. The land where Ashton now stands was part of Macleay's large estate.
What Ashton Looks Like
Ashton is a two-storey house. It is built in the late Victorian Italianate style. This style often features grand designs and fancy details. The house sits on the harbour side, with views of Elizabeth Bay. It has a tall tower that you can see from far away. This tower makes it a local landmark.
The house has been changed and updated over the years. But it still has many of its original Victorian features. The main part of the house is made of brick. It has a sandstone base. Later additions were made to match the original building. The roofs are usually made of slate. The tower has a unique, steep roof with metal decoration.
There was once another building on the property called Esplanade Cottage. It was taken down after 1999. Its old foundations can still be seen. The gardens have old sandstone walls and terraces. They offer great views of Sydney Harbour. The front garden has some original plants, like curly palms.
How Ashton is Doing Today
As of 2003, the house was not in good shape. It had a lot of roof damage from hail storms in 1999. It also suffered from not being looked after. Many ceilings on the top floor were gone. But most of the original wooden parts are still there. Even though it needs repairs, the house is still strong. Enough of the original building remains to fix it up.
Changes Over Time
Ashton has changed names and been updated by different owners.
- Caprera Period (1871-1902)
This was the first version of the house. Thomas Rowe, the architect, lived here. Early photos show it had a small awning and a porch. The basement level was used for the kitchen and servants.
- Braemar Period (1903-1921)
After Thomas Rowe died, the house was rented out. Then, F. A. Lohmann bought it in 1909. During this time, it became known as Braemar. Some parts were added, like extensions to the house.
- Ashton Phase 1 (1921-1929)
After World War I, the house was bought by Charles Hoskins. He owned a big steel company. Hoskins gave the house its current name, Ashton. He added more rooms to the house. He also built two garages for cars. This shows how popular cars were becoming.
- Ashton Phase 2 (1929-1936)
After Charles Hoskins passed away, Leslie Scandrett bought Ashton. He added a bathroom to the main bedroom. A large covered porch was also added to the garden side.
- Ashton Phase 3 (1937-2002)
Not many changes happened to the house during this time. The land was divided into two parts, but kept by one owner. The small cottage was removed. The house suffered damage from storms and lack of care. Many tall apartment buildings were built around Ashton.
Why Ashton is a Heritage Site
Ashton is a very special building. It is a rare example of a Victorian Italianate house. It still stands in its original setting by Sydney Harbour. It was designed by Thomas Rowe, a very important architect. He designed it as his own family home.
Ashton is important for many reasons:
- It shows history: It helps us understand how Elizabeth Point developed. It is one of the few original land divisions from the old Macleay Estate that still exists.
- It's linked to important people: Many famous people lived here. This includes Thomas Rowe, the architect. It was also home to the Hoskins family, who were major steel manufacturers. Their lives here show their importance in Australian history.
- It's beautiful and unique: Ashton is a great example of Victorian Italianate style. Houses like this were once common but are now rare. Its tower and decorations are very striking. The house and its gardens add to the beauty of Elizabeth Bay. The old sandstone walls were likely built by Italian stonemasons. They worked for Thomas Rowe on his other projects too.
- It's important to the community: Many people in the area care about Ashton. It is a well-known landmark. There is even a local story that it was once the German Consulate. This shows how much people are interested in the house.
- It can teach us more: The site might still hold clues about its past. This includes the foundations of the old Esplanade Cottage.
Ashton is rare because it is one of the few Victorian Italianate houses left on Sydney Harbour. It is also one of only a few major homes designed by Thomas Rowe that still exist. These include Tresco, Kincoppal, and Heathcote Hall. The house has not been changed much since 1942. This means it still shows how people lived and managed their homes long ago.
See Also
- List of heritage-listed buildings in Sydney
Images for kids
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Ashton mansion in Elizabeth Bay
