Richmond Villa facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Richmond Villa |
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Richmond Villa
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| General information | |
| Status | Complete |
| Type | House |
| Architectural style | Gothic Revival |
| Location | 116-122 Kent Street, Millers Point, New South Wales |
| Country | Australia |
| Coordinates | 33°51′46″S 151°12′10″E / 33.8628403586155°S 151.202865181539°E |
| Current tenants | Society of Australian Genealogists |
| Construction started | 1849 |
| Completed | 1851 |
| Design and construction | |
| Architect | Mortimer Lewis |
| Architecture firm | New South Wales Colonial Architect |
| Official name | Richmond Villa |
| Type | Historic |
| Designated | 21 March 1978 |
| Reference no. | 2347 |
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Invalid designation
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| Official name | House "Richmond Villa" Including Interior |
| Type | Built (local register) |
| Criteria | a., b., c., d., e., f., g. |
| Designated | 14 December 2012 |
| Reference no. | I923 |
Richmond Villa is a very old and special house in Millers Point, a suburb of Sydney, Australia. It's known for its unique design and interesting history. This house was built a long time ago by a famous architect named Mortimer Lewis. It's considered a "heritage-listed" building, which means it's important to protect because of its history and beauty.
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History of Richmond Villa
Richmond Villa wasn't always in its current spot. It was first built in 1849 by Mortimer Lewis, who was a top architect for the government back then. He designed it as his own home! The house was originally located near Macquarie Street, facing a large park called The Domain.
Architectural Style and Design
Mortimer Lewis designed Richmond Villa in a style called Gothic Revival. This style was popular in the 1800s and often includes pointed arches, fancy windows, and a look inspired by medieval castles or churches. It was one of the few homes Lewis designed, as he usually worked on bigger public buildings.
The house had a high verandah, which is like a porch, with a cool zig-zag pattern. This detail stood out against the house's unique, uneven shape.
Moving the House
From 1880 to 1975, Richmond Villa was used as an extra building for NSW Parliament House. But in 1975, Parliament House needed more space. So, Richmond Villa was carefully taken apart, brick by brick!
In 1977, it was rebuilt exactly as it was, but in a new location on Kent Street in Millers Point. Today, it sits on a raised area that might have been created from old stone quarries.
Richmond Villa Today
Today, Richmond Villa is the office for the Society of Australian Genealogists. This group helps people research their family history. It's a great example of how old buildings can be given a new purpose while still keeping their historical charm.
Why Richmond Villa is Important
Richmond Villa is considered a very important building for several reasons. It's listed on the City of Sydney local heritage register, which means it's officially recognized for its special value.
Architectural Significance
It's one of the best examples of the Gothic Revival style in Australian homes. It shows how architectural ideas traveled to Australia long ago. It's also rare because it was designed by a "Colonial Architect" (a government architect) for himself.
Historical Importance
The house shows how building styles changed from older Georgian designs to the newer Gothic style. Its move and rebuilding also tell a story about how people started to care more about saving important historical buildings. It's a successful example of taking a building apart and putting it back together carefully.
Official Recognition
Richmond Villa was first listed on the Register of the National Estate on March 21, 1978. Later, on December 14, 2012, it was listed on the City of Sydney local heritage register. These listings help protect the house for future generations to enjoy.
Images for kids
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Verandah
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