Ventnor, Randwick facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Ventnor
Ventnor at sunrise
Etymology	Ventnor on the Isle of Wight
General information
Type	House
Location	193 Avoca Street, Randwick, New South Wales
Country	Australia
Coordinates	33°54′56″S 151°14′31″E / 33.91565°S 151.24208°E / -33.91565; 151.24208
Construction started	1870
Completed	1888
Client	George Kiss
Owner	Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Church, Randwick
Register of the National Estate
Official name	Ventnor, 187 Avoca St, Randwick, NSW, Australia
Type	Historic (defunct register)
Designated	21 March 1978
Reference no.	1751
Invalid designation
Official name	Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Church and Ventnor (sandstone house)
Type	Built
Designated	26 June 1998
Reference no.	2310074
Group	Religion
Category	Church

Ventnor is a very old and important house in Randwick, a part of Sydney in New South Wales, Australia. It was built for George Kiss, who was one of the first important leaders in Sydney. This house is special because it's listed on a local heritage register. This means it's protected because of its history. It was also on a national list called the Register of the National Estate, which is no longer active.

What is Ventnor and Who Lived There?

Ventnor is a two-story house made from Sydney sandstone. It was built around 1870. The house was designed in the Georgian style, which was popular a long time ago. It also has some Victorian details, like fancy cast-iron columns and special windows.

Meet George Kiss: The First Owner

George Kiss came to Sydney from England. He was born in a place called Warwickshire. He was very good at business and quickly became successful. Later, he became involved in politics. He even became the Mayor of Randwick. Randwick is one of the oldest towns near Sydney.

Why is it Called Ventnor?

George Kiss named his new house Ventnor. He probably named it after a town called Ventnor on the Isle of Wight in England. This is where he might have had special memories.

How the House Was Built

The house was built to face east. This allowed it to have amazing views of the ocean. The main door was on the east side. It had six panels and a special window above it called a fanlight. On the west side, facing Avoca Street, there was a smaller, one-story part of the house.

The Legacy of George Kiss

George Kiss passed away on August 13, 1882. Just two days later, a newspaper called Sydney Morning Herald wrote about him. They said he was a very energetic and smart businessman. He started his businesses soon after arriving in Australia. The newspaper also mentioned that he was still a local leader in Randwick when he died.

Ventnor Today: A Community Hub

Today, Ventnor is owned by the Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Church. This church is located just south of the house. The house is now used as a community center. Different groups, like GROW, use it for their activities.

Images for kids

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  Ventnor, north side

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  Windows on the north side of the house