House of the week
Sydney Morning Herald
Saturday June 13, 2009
HUNTERS HILL30 VIRET STREET$5.9 millionHouse 5 bed, 3 bath, 4 carBuilt 1899-1901; renovated 1990sLand 1391 sq mInspect By appointmentAgent Ward Partners, 9816 2277Most heritage houses at Hunters Hill hold interesting stories and this magnificent sandstone residence is no exception. It stood originally on more than 5.2 hectares of riverfront land bought in 1898 by Mary L. Fergusson, who was the wife of a stationery wholesaler, Peter Fergusson. Since Mary's maiden name was Enders, the house was named Enderslea in her honour.When standing on Enderslea's wide wraparound verandas, looking at the beautiful northerly views across Lane Cove River, it's easy to imagine why the Fergussons chose this position more than a century ago.Sands Directory first records the Fergussons living there in 1902. But carved on a sandstone block at the threshold of the house is "28.9.1901", which is likely to be the completion date of the residence. Engraved on another sandstone block above the front door is the name Enderslea. And in the fanlight above the front door is a leadlight panel depicting a bee sitting on the flower of a thistle this is the Fergusson family emblem. It is also carved on a stone block set high above the portico entrance.Enderslea was the Fergussons' home for only two years apparently they moved away following "domestic difficulties".Then various tenants lived at the house, including a barrister, Wyndham Davis, who stayed for almost four decades. In 1955, the property was sold by the Fergusson sons and, subsequently, it was divided into three flats.During the late 1980s it was purchased by a Mr Cheng, who returned Enderslea to one residence. Although the house retains many original internal features, Mr Cheng left his renovation stamp by installing granite flooring in the entrance hall on the ground floor.Approached by a gated driveway shared with neighbouring homes, Enderslea is a grand five-bedroom family home with beautiful formal and informal rooms but it does require some renovation, including the bathrooms.NEED TO KNOWLast traded for $2,165,000 in April 1997Highest recorded house price in Hunters Hill $10.68 million for 13 Chevalier Crescent in August 2007Recent sales $1.85 million for 28 Ferry Street in May;$1.66 million for 24 Joubert Street in MayMedian auction price $1,375,000Auction clearance rate 26 per centMedian private treaty price $1,535,000Source: Australian Property Monitors,1800 817 616, homepriceguide.com.au
© 2009 Sydney Morning Herald