Macarthur House

In 1855, Parramatta was a bustling town, freshly connected by rail to Sydney. Amidst this growth, a grand stone mansion began to rise on Melville Street. This was Macarthur House, originally known as Morton House. It was commissioned by John Morton Gould, a prominent lawyer, and designed by the renowned colonial architect James Houison. Macarthur House stands as a testament to the mid-Australian Gold Rush period, a time of prosperity and architectural ambition. The house is a beautiful example of the “Georgian” style, reflecting the popular architectural trends from England. Gould enjoyed his grand home for a few years before leasing it out in 1859. He eventually sold it in 1862 to Henry Harvey, a miller. The house continued to be a private residence, changing hands throughout the late 19th century. It became the home of Reverend Thomas Spencer Forsaith in 1874. Forsaith, known for establishing churches across Sydney, made Morton House his base for many years. In 1910, Macarthur House entered a new chapter in its history. It was acquired by Reverend Percy Stacy Waddy, the headmaster of The King’s School. Recognizing the need for more space, Waddy purchased the house to accommodate the growing number of students. The school moved in in 1911, and a new dormitory was built shortly after. The house was officially renamed “Macarthur House” in 1916 to honor Reverend George Farfowl Macarthur, a former headmaster of The King’s School and son of Hannibal Macarthur of the nearby Vineyard estate. Macarthur House served as a boarding house and a place for agricultural training during The King’s School era. The school undertook various renovations, including adding dormitory wings in 1923 and installing electricity in 1924. The King’s School eventually relocated in 1964, leaving Macarthur House to face an uncertain future. After the school’s departure, Macarthur House fell into disrepair and was targeted by vandals. However, it was saved from demolition and purchased by Richard Pike, who embarked on an ambitious restoration project. Pike meticulously restored the house, even rebuilding the kitchen wing using original sandstone blocks. Macarthur House served as the Pike family home for many years before being converted into professional office suites. Today, Macarthur House continues to stand proudly on Melville Street, a symbol of Parramatta’s rich history and architectural heritage. From a private residence to a school to offices, Macarthur House has witnessed the changing times of Parramatta and remains an integral part of the city’s story.