Welcome. It’s Adrian Bo from Ray White Park Coast Eastern Suburbs. And today I’m on Blenheim Street in Randwick to talk about Randwick’s oldest house which is set to become a fantastic new local hub for the arts community. Blenheim House here behind me, which is Number 17 Blenheim Street, is 174 years old, would you believe, built in 1848, a beautiful sandstone masterpiece by the man who became the very first mayor of Randwick, often referred to as the “Father of Randwick”, being Mr. Simeon Pearce. Pearce bought a 1.6 hectare block of land from George Hooper who was one of the early big land owners and market gardeners in this area. Pearce was born and raised in Randwick, but not this Randwick, the Randwick in Gloucestershire, the Cotswolds area of England, and so named the area here in the Eastern Suburbs of Randwick, as well as using the classic Cotswold building style of sandstone and cedar to build this two-story home, plus large cellar overlooking the area that became the Royal Randwick Racecourse. From here Pearce entertained the great of the burgeoning city of Sydney, including Governor Fitzroy, and the Anglican Bishop of Sydney. In fact, Pearce was the main driving force behind the building of St. Jude’s Church on Avoca Street. The property was gradually subdivided between the 1890s and 1913. And the house behind me here itself was sold in 1913 to be converted into flats into 1915.

However, from the 1950s the property became derelict, and in 1973, the Randwick District and Historical Society ran a very successful campaign to have the house classified by the National Trust. The story of the oldest house in Randwick took a new twist when in 1983, it was purchased for demolition and replacing it with an apartment building. Locals pushed back and the house was fortunately saved. A group called “The Friends of Blenheim House” led a plan to restore the property from 1989, and in 1993, they signed a 25-year lease with the restoration being led by heritage architect, Mr. David Bailey. The lease expired in 2018, just recently, and the property has been empty ever since. But has been now given a fresh role in the community as a new Arts hub. The plan being to develop the property into a venue for four artists’ studios next year as well as an art exhibition centre including live performances, workshops, and a space for local events. In the meantime, before the construction goes ahead, the property has already begun its life as an arts hub temporarily, before builders begin the project in 2023. Some of the initial artists involved included a musical trio of Chris Cody, Matthew Doyle, and Susie Bishop, as well as designer Sandra Cipriotti, and local songwriter and composer, Christina Mimmocchi.

This is a very exciting local project, in my opinion, as the house has been largely hidden for many years behind a fence. I have been fascinated by this property for many years, compelling me to conduct this research for you, my local community members. It’s such a stunning and iconic building that was so nearly lost. So praise must go to all involved in rescuing it, so it may now flourish in our community. Blenheim Street, according to the records, has 189 units and 15 houses, with a 50/50 split between rentals and owner-occupiers. I’ve sold literally thousands of properties over my 35 years of selling real estate in this local area, including over the last few months: 3B/94 Alison Road, a two-bedroom original condition apartment I sold for $980,000. 1/3 George Street, a two-bedroom apartment with no parking or balcony, I sold for $1,125,000. 2/30 Cooper Street, a two-bedroom smaller apartment I sold for $935,000. And 4 Pitt Street, a two-bedroom semi, I sold for $2,000,665. So wow! The Blenheim House story from dereliction, and facing demolition, to now flourishing in its new role is a fantastic win for the local community, as Randwick’s oldest house will now become an iconic location once again. Keep smiling and always remember, your home is worth more with Adrian Bo.