PROJECT DETAILS
LOCATION: Annandale
CLIENT: Private
COMMENCEMENT DATE: June 2020
COMPLETED: November 2020
The Abbey was one in a series of eight iconic homes constructed by John Young, a builder who migrated from England to Australia.
The home built in 1881 is considered one of Sydney and Australia’s best surviving pieces of Gothic architecture – the iconic design style that has found a firm foothold in popular culture.
Mr Young was known as the principal builder of St Mary’s Cathedral, and it was rumoured he used gargoyles from the cathedral on The Abbey.
A local landmark, the property fell into disrepair before it was restored to its former glory receiving an award from the National Trust Heritage in 2015.
Made from sandstone and double brick — a rarity at the time of construction, the palatial residence has soaring ceilings, a turret and converted coach stables that is now a detached three-bedroom residence.
Inside has a character kitchen, grand living and dining areas, a music room inside a converted former chapel, wine cellar and yoga studio. There are also acclaimed landscaped gardens by William Dangar, a heated outdoor swimming pool and a grotto on the boundary of Johnston St.
HIGHLIGHTS/SCOPE OF WORKS:
- Cleaning of the masonry to remove algal soiling.
- Repointing of joints.
- Replacement of existing stones with new to match existing with whole stones and indents.
- Localised mortar repairs of the stonework.
- Redressing of the stonework.
- Removal of loose and friable stonework.
- Patch repairs using Lime Mortar.
