Rising majestically on Darling Point Babworth House stands before you. A testament to opulence and history it’s a captivating sight. Built between 1912 and 1915 Babworth House was commissioned by Sir Samuel Hordern. He was a prominent member of Sydney society. His family founded the renowned Anthony Hordern’s stores. The house wasn’t the first on this site. It replaced Mount Adelaide an earlier residence. Mount Adelaide itself held a rich history. It had been the site of a vineyard in the 1830s. Thomas Shepherd a pioneering landscape designer reportedly laid out that vineyard. William Macdonald an emancipist had originally owned the land.
The architects Morrow and De Putron designed Babworth House. They created a masterpiece in the Federation Arts and Crafts style. The exterior is a stunning example of finely worked unpainted cement render. Intricate Art Nouveau details adorn openings and chimneys. Asymmetrical gables and projecting balconies add to its unique charm. Inside Babworth House boasts a range of architectural styles. Edwardian Classical Revival Art Nouveau and early Art Deco elements blend harmoniously. Oak and maple paneling graces many rooms. Bold Art Nouveau plasterwork decorates the ceilings. The drawing room is a standout. It’s paneled in a Classical Revival style with a striking marble fireplace.
Originally Babworth House contained forty rooms including a ballroom and twenty-four bedrooms. The cost of construction was substantial. It ranged from 30000 to 40000 pounds. This equates to millions in today’s currency. After Sir Samuel Hordern’s death in 1956 the house was sold. It served as a convalescent hospital for many years. Later it became nurses’ accommodation. Its grandeur however never faded.
The gardens of Babworth House are equally impressive. They include Italianate terraces cypress-lined walks and grottoes. Exotic and indigenous plants thrive creating a lush and vibrant setting. These gardens are a significant part of the Babworth House estate. They represent a major private plant collection from the 19th and early 20th centuries. Some of the plants found here are rare or uncommon. The gardens are a testament to the Hordern family’s appreciation for horticulture.
Babworth House is more than just a house. It’s a living piece of Sydney’s past. It tells the story of wealth influence and architectural innovation. It whispers tales of a bygone era. Yet today it continues to hold a special place in the community. It stands as a symbol of Sydney’s enduring spirit. A legacy of those who shaped its history. Standing here today you feel the weight of history. You glimpse the lives lived within these walls. You are standing in front of a true landmark. A treasure that deserves appreciation. Babworth House is a fascinating place you won’t soon forget.