Did you know that Annandale was once known as Johnston’s Bush? Major George Johnston a First Fleet convict transported from England received 600 acres of land here. He named it Annandale after his Scottish birthplace. Annandale today is a vibrant suburb in Sydney’s Inner West.
Annandale’s history is rich and fascinating. Johnston and his convict wife Esther Abrahams farmed the land. They built Annandale House a grand residence in 1799. Sadly it was demolished in 1905. The original gates remain though. They stand proudly at Annandale Public School on Johnston Street.
John Young a businessman architect and mayor purchased the estate in 1877. He transformed Johnston’s Bush into the beautiful suburb we know today. He built picturesque houses. One such house Kenilworth with its distinctive witch’s cap roof was rented to Henry Parkes the Father of Federation. Kenilworth sold for a staggering $3.35 million in 2007. Other remarkable homes Young built include The Abbey Oybin and Highroyd. Some are nicknamed witches houses for their tower-like roofs. Highroyd underwent a 20-year restoration completed in 2009.
The Abbey is Annandale’s most iconic house. This Gothic Revival mansion resembles Scottish manor houses. It’s said Young incorporated Masonic themes into its design. Young was Australia’s highest-ranking Mason. The Abbey may have even served as a Masonic Lodge. It was later subdivided into flats. A restoration in 1959 returned it to its former glory. In 2009 it sold for a record-breaking A$4.86 million.
John Young also built Kentville his own residence. This was a beautiful home nestled in a three-hectare garden. Young even included a public bowling green. Young envisioned Annandale as a rival to Darling Point. He couldn’t prevent industrial growth and the subdivision of his land. Young’s legacy lives on in Annandale’s charm and elegance.
Annandale became a municipality in 1894. It later merged with Leichhardt in 1949. The Annandale Council Chambers now house the Annandale Neighbourhood Centre. Johnston Street remains notable as Sydney’s first 30-metre-wide street. The suburb boasts many heritage-listed buildings. These include Goodman’s Buildings the Annandale Post Office and the Hunter Baillie Memorial Presbyterian Church.
Annandale also has a rich cultural heritage. The Annandale Hotel is a famous live music venue. Bands like The Bronx and Isis have performed here. Trafalgar Studios another significant location hosted many famous Australian bands. Cold Chisel INXS and Midnight Oil all recorded albums there. The studios were sadly demolished in 2018. The area also plays a part in Australian pop culture. Mark Twain once stayed in Annandale. Booth Street is even the namesake of a song by the band Youth Group.
From its convict beginnings to its thriving present Annandale’s story is one of transformation. It’s a place where history and modernity coexist. The charm of the past blends seamlessly with the energy of today. Annandale continues to captivate residents and visitors alike.