Redleaf facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Redleaf |
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Redleaf; now the Woollahra Council Chambers
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| Alternative names | Woollahra Council Chambers |
| General information | |
| Status | Complete |
| Architectural style | Victorian Italianate |
| Address | New South Head Road, Double Bay, Municipality of Woollahra, Sydney, New South Wales |
| Country | Australia |
| Coordinates | 33°52′21″S 151°14′51″E / 33.8726°S 151.2476°E |
| Completed | 1863 |
| Client | William Benjamin Walker |
| Owner | Municipality of Woollahra |
| Design and construction | |
| Architect | George Allen Mansfield |
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Invalid designation
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| Official name: “Redleaf”—Woollahra Council Chambers and interiors, gates, gateposts, Moreton Bay Fig, Bunya Pine | |
| Designated: | 23 May 2015 |
| Reference #: | 212 |
Redleaf is a historic building in Double Bay, a suburb of Sydney, Australia. It was built in 1863 as a large private home. The building is designed in the Victorian Italianate style, which was popular at the time.
Since the 1940s, Redleaf has been used as the main office for the Municipality of Woollahra. It is now known as the Woollahra Council Chambers. The building and its beautiful gardens are listed on the local heritage register, meaning they are important and protected.
Contents
Who Lived at Redleaf?
Redleaf has been home to several interesting families over the years. Each family added to the building's rich history.
William Walker: A Yachting Pioneer
William Benjamin Walker (1820-1889) was the first owner of Redleaf. He was a very important person in Sydney's early yachting scene. In fact, he was the first Commodore of the Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron.
Walker asked architect George Allen Mansfield to design and build Redleaf in 1863. William was born in 1820 in Parramatta. His father was a successful Scottish merchant. William followed in his father's footsteps, becoming a wealthy merchant himself.
William married Elizabeth Corientia Browne in 1845. They first lived on a large country estate called Kameruka. Elizabeth's brother was the famous author Rolf Boldrewood. He described William as living like an "Australian Squire," a wealthy landowner.
In 1863, the Walkers bought land in Double Bay and built Redleaf. William loved sports, especially yachting. He gathered 19 yachtsmen in his office to start a club. This club became the Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron. William was their first leader. He also served as a member of the NSW Parliament from 1863 to 1867.
The Walker family did not stay at Redleaf for long. They moved to England in 1867. After they left, the house was rented out.
Henry Cary Dangar: The Racehorse Breeder
From 1867 to 1872, Redleaf was rented by Henry Cary Dangar (1830-1917) and his family. Henry was born in 1830 in Port Stephens. His father was a rich pioneer who owned a lot of land.
Henry studied law in England at Cambridge University. When he returned to Sydney, he chose to work with land and animals, like his father. He became famous for breeding racehorses. In 1865, Henry married Lucy Jane Lamb. They rented Redleaf for about five years before moving to another home in Potts Point.
After the Dangars, a stock and station agent named John Gray Brewster rented Redleaf for two years, starting in 1873.
William Busby: A Man of Many Talents
William Busby and his wife Catherine bought Redleaf around 1875. William was born in England in 1813 and came to Australia at age 11. He and his brother became successful landowners. William owned a very large property called Dalkeith, which was known for its horse breeding.
In 1856, William married Catherine Anne Woore. They had four sons and eight daughters. William became a member of the NSW Parliament in 1867 and stayed in this role until he passed away. He was also involved with the Royal Agricultural Society of New South Wales and was a founding member of the Australian Club in Sydney.
William Busby passed away in 1887. Redleaf was then put up for sale.
Frederic Lassetter: The Department Store King
The Lassetter family bought Redleaf around 1892. Frederic Lassetter (1828-1911) was born in England in 1828. He moved to Australia with his family when he was four.
In 1850, Frederic moved to Sydney. He joined his uncle's business, L. Iredale and Company. This company sold hardware and general goods. Two years later, he married his cousin, Charlotte Hannah Iredale. They had four sons and two daughters.
Frederic worked hard to grow the business. In 1863, it was renamed F. Lasseter and Co. This company later became one of Sydney's biggest department stores. It employed over 1000 people!
In 1897, Frederic built another house next to Redleaf. It was called St Brigids and was for his son, Arthur, and Arthur's new wife.
Frederic Lassetter passed away in 1911. Redleaf was sold in 1913 to Thomas Storie Dixon. Sadly, Thomas died three years later during World War I in France. The house was sold again.
William Hooke Mackay: The Final Private Owner
William Hooke Mackay (1858-1939) bought Redleaf after Thomas Dixon's death. William was born in 1858 in Dungog. His father was a wealthy landowner. William also became a grazier, which means he raised livestock. He owned a property called Anambah and bred famous racing horses.
In 1885, William married his cousin, Adelaide Ann Hooke. They had seven children. All four of their sons served in World War I and returned home to continue working with land.
William Mackay became very wealthy. He bought Redleaf when he was 60 years old, planning to retire there. He passed away at Redleaf in 1939 at the age of 81.
After William's death, the Municipality of Woollahra bought the house. For the first five years, they rented it to Mrs Annie Hall. She used Redleaf as a place for weddings and parties. Later, it became the official offices for the Woollahra Council. It still serves this purpose today.
Images for kids
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William Benjamin Walker
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Elizabeth Corientia Browne, wife of William Walker
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Redleaf (middle house), c. 1880
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Henry Cary Dangar
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William Busby, c. 1870
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Frederic Lassetter
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Redleaf (middle left) and St Bridget's, c. 1900
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William Hooke Mackay
