Lavender Bay terrace used for boarding house restored to glory
Super terrace – 20 Walker St, Lavender Bay.
When David and Diana Robinson found their piece of Lavender Bay paradise more than 20 years ago, it was definitely a diamond in the rough.
“It was a boarding house when we bought it,” Mr Robinson remembers.
“It had undergone some unsympathetic renovations during the war when accommodation was scarce.”
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Would you pay $1 for this Sydney home?
The couple, who were moving from their large family home in Killara, set about an ambitious renovation of the home, at 20 Walker St.
What a view.
“We returned it to its original footprint, and expanded the garage and added another eight foot to the family room at the back, as well as some mod-cons,” Mr Robinson said.
“We moved in about two years after we bought. It was quite an exercise and it was a bigger exercise than we anticipated.”
The couple have poured their hearts and souls – and plenty of money – into the renovation, but the time has come to downsize, although Mr Robinson conceded it was a reluctant decision.
Outdoor living.
“We adore this house and it will be very very hard for us to leave,” he said.
“We not only love the house, we love the neighbourhood as well – it’s a wonderful little pocket.
“We are very very proud of it we love this house and are very very happy with what we have achieved.”
Grand living.
Known as Airlie, the 19th century terrace has plenty of history as well.
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Built in 1884 for the first mayor of North Sydney, Francis Punch, the terrace is impressive in its massive proportions and traditional features, that include soaring ceilings, ornate fireplaces and intricate cornices.
Sweet dreams.
Annika Bongiorno, of Stone McMahons Point, said the home was one of the grandest in McMahons Point, both in terms of size and grandeur.
“It’s huge – this is one of the biggest terraces on the harbour foreshores,” she said. “It’s a beautiful family home.”
Formal dining.
Other features include dual street access, double garage and wonderful city and harbour views.
The property is due to go to auction on February 27, at 2pm, with a guide of $5.5 million.
For more details, contact Annika Bongiorno, or Aaron Bongiorno, of Stone McMahons Point.