kids encyclopedia robot

Dalkeith Property facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Quick facts for kids
Dalkeith Property
Dalkeith Cremorne 2019.jpg
Location 8 Bannerman Street, Cremorne, North Sydney Council, New South Wales, Australia
Built 1911–1914
Architect
  • Henry Austin Wilshire (main house)
  • Stone & Siddeley (1914 pool room at front)
  • O'Keefe (2016 & 2018 restoration & renovation)
Architectural style(s) Federation Arts and Crafts
Official name: Dalkeith Property
Type State heritage (built)
Designated 2 April 1999
Reference no. 310
Type House
Category Residential buildings (private)
Builders G. E. Flower
Lua error in Module:Location_map at line 420: attempt to index field 'wikibase' (a nil value).

Dalkeith is a special historic house located at 8 Bannerman Street in Cremorne, New South Wales. Over the years, it has been a family home, a meditation centre, and even a church for Norwegian sailors. Today, it is a private residence once more. This unique building was designed by Henry Austin Wilshire and built between 1908 and 1910. It is officially listed on the New South Wales State Heritage Register, which means it's an important part of the state's history and culture.

History of Dalkeith

Dalkeith was built around 1908 for Frank Whiddon. He was a successful businessman who owned a wool-scouring company. Frank and his wife, Alice, lived in Dalkeith and had three children there.

Frank Whiddon was also a very active member of the Freemasons, a well-known social group. He later became a Grand Master of the NSW Masonic Society. He also loved sailing and was a founding member of the Royal Prince Edward Yacht Club. Frank Whiddon passed away in 1947.

From 1954 to 1978, Dalkeith was used as the Norwegian Seaman's Church. The old billiard room became the chapel. After that, it was used as a centre for the International Meditation Society.

What Dalkeith Looks Like

The Main House

The Dalkeith house was built around 1908-1912. It is made from local sandstone. The roof is pitched and covered with slate tiles, which was a common style back then.

It's a two-storey house with rough sandstone blocks. The upper part of the house has timber shingles. The roof is shaped with multiple slopes and has terracotta caps along the ridges. You can also see a metal veranda railing with fancy designs. This building is a great example of the Federation Arts and Crafts style. This style was popular for homes built in the early 1900s.

The house is important because it shows the type of homes built in the area a long time ago. It also has a special connection to its time as the Norwegian Seaman's Church.

The Billiard Room

A billiard room was added to Dalkeith in 1914, designed by Stone & Siddeley. It was built in 1916. This room has a flat roof and rough plaster walls. In 2018, the original fireplace and stained glass windows were put back.

Other Buildings and Changes

There is a double garage next to the house. An old workshop from 1908 was later changed into a small cottage. This cottage was updated again in 2018 to be a pool house. The original sandstone walls of this building were kept.

The Garden

Dalkeith is set back from the street on a sloped area. There are stone walls and concrete paths leading up to the house. A large lawn is at the front, near the street. A low stone wall with an iron gate and a hedge mark the front of the property.

Between 2015 and 2018, the garden was replanted with traditional and native plants. Some older plants, like a large Sydney blue gum tree and some camellias, are still there. A white flagpole with an Australian flag stands in the front yard.

Changes Over Time

Dalkeith has had some changes over the years:

  • In 2011, some parts of the back of the house were removed.
  • In 2016, more changes were made to the back of the property.
  • In 2018, the outbuildings, billiard room, and garden were updated. A pool was also built. These changes were designed by architect Paul O'Keefe.

Why Dalkeith is a Heritage Site

Dalkeith Property was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 2 April 1999. This means it is recognized as an important historical place.

It is important for several reasons:

  • It shows history: Dalkeith is a great example of the Federation Arts and Crafts style. It shows how homes were built in this area a long time ago. The garden and setting are also well-preserved.
  • It has special connections: The house has a link to Frank Whiddon, who was a significant businessman and community leader. It also has a connection to its time as the Norwegian Seaman's Church.
  • It is beautiful and well-designed: Dalkeith is a good example of its architectural style. It is a well-known landmark in the area.
  • It is unique: Its social history, including its use as a church and meditation centre, makes it special in the region.

See also

  • Australian residential architectural styles
kids search engine
Dalkeith Property Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.