A 140-year-old mansion that's one of just three surviving ‘Witches’ houses’ in a popular inner city suburb has buyers spellbound by its grand facade, stone gargoyles and other charming features.
The six-bedroom, five-bathroom house known as ‘Highroyd’ at 262 Johnston Street, Annandale in Sydney will head to auction on Saturday 8 August with a guide of $8 million.
'Highroyd' at 262 Johnston Street, Annandale has hit the market. Picture: realestate.com.au
The 797 square metre property was built by renowned master builder John Young in 1886, and has gone through a two-decade restoration by its current owners.
Paragrid Architects worked on the restoration project and won the 2009 National Trust Heritage Commendation Award for its conservation work on the estate.
Simon Pilcher, real estate agent and director at Pilcher Residential – Annandale, said the house was historically important for its late Victorian Gothic architecture.
“It has historical significance as a house, and as part of the group of houses that were built in the 1880s and 1890s by John Young,” he said.
The six-bedroom mansion was built by renowned master builder John Young in 1886. Picture: realestate.com.au
“He built a lot of prominent buildings in Sydney, including St Mary's Cathedral, and he had a vision that Annandale was going to be one of the premier locations of Sydney, if not Australia.”
In addition to Highroyd, Mr Young constructed numerous houses on Johnston Street including the Abbey at 272 Johnston Street.
The property was carefully restored by its current owners over two decades. Picture: realestate.com.au
The Johnston Street houses became known as the ‘Witches’ Houses’ due to their gothic architecture and their witch hat-like turrets, with only a few of them still standing.
“They were dubbed the ‘Witches’ Houses’ because there were eight of them that had turrets that were reminiscent of witches' hats - there weren’t any spooky connotations,” Mr Pilcher said.
The property is heading to auction on Saturday 8 August. Picture: realestate.com.au
The house offers multiple living zones and generously appointed bedrooms, including the option of private self-contained suites ideal for extended families.
The property’s stonework, verandahs, gargoyles, stained glass and tessellated tiles have been carefully reinstated to preserve its storied past.
The Johnston Street houses became known as the ‘Witches’ Houses’ due to their gothic architecture and their witch hat-like turrets. Picture: realestate.com.au
Throughout the home, there are soaring ceiling heights, elaborate roses, polished floorboards, and fireplaces.
It also comes with an indoor swimming pool, home office, library, and cellar, providing modern comfort and functionality.
The mansion is surrounded by manicured gardens and commands city skyline views encompassing the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge and Anzac Bridge.
The home comes with an indoor swimming pool, cellar, home office and more. Picture: realestate.com.au
It is located within walking distance of Annandale North Public School, Rozelle Bay light rail and Booth Street shops and cafes.
Annandale is situated in the city’s leafy inner west, located about five kilometres west of the Sydney CBD.
The 797sqm property is surrounded by manicured gardens. Picture: realestate.com.au
The campaign had its first inspection last weekend, attracting a range of owner-occupiers from across the city.
Mr Pilcher said the owners had been there for nearly four decades and were moving to downsize from the expansive home.
Annandale is situated in Sydney's leafy inner west. Picture: realestate.com.au
“It’s time for someone else to have the opportunity and take over the responsibility of this important home,” Mr Pilcher said.
“The people that buy these sorts of homes really see themselves as custodians, not just occupants.
“It could be another 40-50 years before the opportunity to own an iconic property such as this comes along.”
Annandale’s median house price has increased 6.9% to $2.446 million during the year to June, according to PropTrack.
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