Why Sydney's oldest home has been stuck in a long limbo
Now, though, neighbours of the NSW state heritage-listed home in Surry Hills say the building is dying before their eyes.
Locals including Alistair Graham, who lives next door, say they have witnessed a rapid decline in Cleveland House's condition over the past 15 years, despite some repairs and internal works, including to its basement.
Described in the City of Sydney's archives as a rare and exceptional example of a grand Georgian mansion, the home is thought to have been designed by convict architect Francis Greenway.
'Aside from the historical value, it's an eyesore,' Graham said. 'Everyone would love to see it restored.'
Today, Cleveland's roof resembles a patchwork of new and rusty old. There are visible holes in gutters and walls, and the temporary tarps erected over the verandah awning have been reduced to shreds.
After inspecting the site, Heritage NSW wrote to the owner, Brian Vincent of LGS Enterprises Pty Ltd, in April outlining the company's obligations under the Heritage Act.
'We take our responsibility to help preserve heritage-listed properties seriously – and owners of these rare places can face penalties for not maintaining them to the appropriate standards,' a spokesperson said.
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Why Sydney's oldest home has been stuck in a long limbo
For the past 210 years, Sydney's oldest colonial residence, Cleveland House, has been home to everything and anyone, ranging from convict-turned-merchant prince Daniel Cooper, to butchers, bakers, brewers and bottle makers. Now, though, neighbours of the NSW state heritage-listed home in Surry Hills say the building is dying before their eyes. Locals including Alistair Graham, who lives next door, say they have witnessed a rapid decline in Cleveland House's condition over the past 15 years, despite some repairs and internal works, including to its basement. Described in the City of Sydney's archives as a rare and exceptional example of a grand Georgian mansion, the home is thought to have been designed by convict architect Francis Greenway. 'Aside from the historical value, it's an eyesore,' Graham said. 'Everyone would love to see it restored.' Today, Cleveland's roof resembles a patchwork of new and rusty old. There are visible holes in gutters and walls, and the temporary tarps erected over the verandah awning have been reduced to shreds. After inspecting the site, Heritage NSW wrote to the owner, Brian Vincent of LGS Enterprises Pty Ltd, in April outlining the company's obligations under the Heritage Act. 'We take our responsibility to help preserve heritage-listed properties seriously – and owners of these rare places can face penalties for not maintaining them to the appropriate standards,' a spokesperson said.
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Why Sydney's oldest home has been stuck in a long limbo
For the past 210 years, Sydney's oldest colonial residence, Cleveland House, has been home to everything and anyone, ranging from convict-turned-merchant prince Daniel Cooper, to butchers, bakers, brewers and bottle makers. Now, though, neighbours of the NSW state heritage-listed home in Surry Hills say the building is dying before their eyes. Locals including Alistair Graham, who lives next door, say they have witnessed a rapid decline in Cleveland House's condition over the past 15 years, despite some repairs and internal works, including to its basement. Described in the City of Sydney's archives as a rare and exceptional example of a grand Georgian mansion, the home is thought to have been designed by convict architect Francis Greenway. 'Aside from the historical value, it's an eyesore,' Graham said. 'Everyone would love to see it restored.' Today, Cleveland's roof resembles a patchwork of new and rusty old. There are visible holes in gutters and walls, and the temporary tarps erected over the verandah awning have been reduced to shreds. After inspecting the site, Heritage NSW wrote to the owner, Brian Vincent of LGS Enterprises Pty Ltd, in April outlining the company's obligations under the Heritage Act. 'We take our responsibility to help preserve heritage-listed properties seriously – and owners of these rare places can face penalties for not maintaining them to the appropriate standards,' a spokesperson said.
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