A fire ravaged Bishopscourt in January 2019. Thankfully firefighters contained the blaze. The fire is believed to have started in a fireplace. This grand mansion Bishopscourt boasts a rich history. It stands as a testament to Sydney’s colonial past.
Bishopscourt initially known as Greenoaks began as a modest cottage. Thomas Woolley an ironmonger built it in 1841. J F Hilly designed it. Thomas Sutcliffe Mort purchased the property in 1846. He transformed the humble dwelling. Mort a prominent businessman and horticulturist significantly expanded the house. Edmund Blacket a renowned architect added more in the 1850s and 1860s. The final design is a stunning example of Gothic Revival architecture.
Mort’s wealth allowed him to indulge his passion for horticulture. He collaborated with Michael Guilfoyle a skilled landscape designer. They created magnificent gardens. The gardens were renowned throughout Sydney. A unique feature of Bishopscourt was Mort’s private art gallery. It showcased his impressive collection of art weaponry and armor. He even opened it to the public monthly. Imagine the opulence the visitors witnessed.
The property changed hands in 1892. Michael Campbell Langtree a grazier purchased it. He subdivided the land. Part of the estate was sold to the Church of England in 1910. Bishopscourt became the official residence of the Archbishop of Sydney. It remained so for over a century. The Anglican Church eventually sold Bishopscourt in December 2015. A local buyer purchased it for $18 million. It’s now in private hands once more. Bishopscourt a symbol of Sydney’s heritage continues to captivate. The mansion remains a treasure in Darling Point.