Picture this. You are standing before Perth House and Stables a remarkable piece of Sydney’s history. This isn’t just any old building. It’s a living testament to Parramatta’s rich past. Built in 1841 by James Houison for George Oakes a prominent landholder and politician Perth House reflects the aspirations of the era.
Imagine the life of George Oakes. A pastoralist son of a missionary who rose to become a Member of the Legislative Assembly for Parramatta. He likely envisioned this elegant Colonial Victorian Georgian residence as a symbol of his success. The house itself is a single-storey beauty with a hipped roof and encircling verandahs. Notice the unusual spacing of the Doric moulded square timber verandah posts. The stone paving on the verandah is a detail not easily overlooked.
Perth House wasn’t always a grand residence. Before its construction a convict hut stood on this very spot. Later Rose Cottage a timber house was built. The remains of these earlier structures lie beneath the present building a fascinating layer of history. Over time Perth House served various purposes. It was a residence and even a girls’ school at one point. The stables and carriageway west of the house were essential features of life in the 19th century. Picture the horses and carriages once a frequent sight here. A large Moreton Bay fig tree thought to be planted around 1844-1846 stands as a silent witness to these bygone days. This magnificent tree is likely a remnant of the original cottage garden. The grounds themselves are extensive.
Perth House and Stables are important. They’re aesthetically and technically significant. Their design shows creative excellence. Their story mirrors the evolution of Parramatta from a colonial outpost to a bustling commercial center. The building’s adaptation for different uses reflects the changing circumstances of the area. The building’s architectural character reminds us of the harmonious and generally low-scale architecture once common in Parramatta. Perth House and Stables stand as a reminder of a bygone era. They demonstrate the taste and lifestyle aspirations of the time. They are a fine example of medium-sized domestic architecture. They have strong links to important figures like George Oakes and James Houison. They truly are a treasure.
This is more than just a building. This is a story. A story of convicts and pastoralists. A story of growth and change. It is a story etched in stone and whispering from the leaves of a majestic Moreton Bay fig. This is Perth House and Stables. Enjoy its legacy.