Elizabeth Bay House

Elizabeth Bay House
Façade of Elizabeth Bay House
Location in Sydney
EtymologyElizabeth Bay
General information
StatusUsed as a museum
TypeGovernment home
Architectural styleAustralian Colonial Regency
Address
  • 7 Onslow Avenue (house)
  • 14–16 (northern boundary of) Onslow Avenue (grotto and retaining walls)

Elizabeth Bay, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
CountryAustralia
Coordinates
Construction started
  • 1832 (grotto and retaining walls)
  • 1835 (house)
Completed
  • 1835 (grotto and retaining walls)
  • 1839 (house)
Renovated1977 (house)
ClientAlexander Macleay, NSW Colonial Secretary
OwnerSydney Living Museums
LandlordOffice of Environment and Heritage, Government of New South Wales
Design and construction
Architect(s)
Main contractorJames Hume
Renovating team
Architect(s)Fisher Lucas
Other information
ParkingNo parking; public transport:
Website
sydneylivingmuseums.com.au/elizabeth-bay-house
Official nameElizabeth Bay House
TypeState heritage (built)
Criteriaa., c., d., e., f., g.
Designated2 April 1999
Reference no.6
TypeOther - Residential Buildings (private)
CategoryResidential buildings (private)
BuildersJames Hume
Official nameElizabeth Bay House Grotto Site and works; Carriageworks
TypeState heritage (built)
Designated2 April 1999
Reference no.116
TypeGarden Residential
CategoryParks, Gardens and Trees
BuildersConvict and free artisans under the direction of John Verge
References

Elizabeth Bay House is a heritage-listed Australian Colonial Regency style house and grotto in the inner Sydney suburb of Elizabeth Bay, New South Wales. The property at 7 Onslow Avenue is owned by Sydney Living Museums, funded by the Government of New South Wales. The design of the house and grotto are attributed to John Verge and John Bibb. It was constructed between 1832 and 1839 by James Hume, with the assistance of convict and free artisans. The property also features a carriage drive off Onslow Avenue that was designed by Edward Deas Thomson and was originally surrounded by a 22-hectare (54-acre) garden.

Elizabeth Bay House is a superb example of Australian colonial architecture, best known for its central elliptical saloon with domed lantern and geometric staircase, and was listed on the (now defunct) Register of the National Estate. It was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 2 April 1999.