Inner suburban eastern Sydney has very special architecture. Stroll around the back streets and you will be enchanted. So close to the city, so far away from the world.
Not a lot to do with food today, but a lot to do with observing. Walk, observe, enjoy!
The Sydney Series
More Food, Cooking and Eating:
I knew I recognised those houses – I went to art school just in that little part of Paddington.
You know, I love Melbourne, but it’s not a patch on Sydney’s beautiful houses and streets.
Brings a little tear to my eye!!
has a very old world charm. how old are these structures?
Hi Lucy, yes indeed, just tucked in behind the art school, off of Oxford Street. Well recognised. I totally understand the tear in the eye.
Hi bee, I guess they would be early 20th C. Some of the oldest might be late 19th C. Here is what I found on the ever wonderful net:
Aboriginal Cadigal tribes were the first locals in Paddington. In the 1820′s business man Robert Cooper was one of the first Europeans to live in Paddington; he also had the privilege of naming Paddington after the London suburb that bears the same name. Cooper built himself an extravagant estate, complete with panoramic city views, which he named Juniper Hall. Today the property still stands, ad Paddington’s oldest home.
Soon after, many mansions started to sprint up, and by the end of the 19th century terrace houses earmarked for Sydney’s emerging middle class began to be built. This clustering of houses eventually created an over populated and generally undesirable suburb, an image that lasted until 1960. At that point gentrification took off, returning the suburb to its former exclusivity, with its fine reputation renewed.”
Paddington is now wonderfully eclectic, with still some ancient residents (or should I say long term residents) and the new upper middle class who want to live close to the city. I love it.
Nice pictures vegeyum..
I really love the photo of the orange house with blue gates! Just so lovely!
I’m with Anh. I want to live in that orange house.
Beautiful pics. Reminds me of parts of old Bombay and particularly the town of Charleston, SC (USA) and New Orleans. Did not realize that Sydney had a very temperate climate. Thanks for sharing.
Heh, where in karnataka will you be? We will be in coastal karnataka (Kumta, Goa, etc) for part of Dec.
they look so fabulous!
Thank you for your comments, everybody. Oh yes, I want to live in that orange house too, but, with Sydney prices it would cost several arms and legs to live there (buying or renting). But love love love this area.
Arun, I won’t be coastal Karnataka, although I might end up in Goa in the last week – not decided yet. There might be a work opportunity in Delhi that will mean no lounging at Siquerim on those wonderful pink sands. In the lap of the gods as they say.
you take such great pictures….
i enjoyed the visual tour…
Some of these houses remind me of the type of architecture you find around older neighborhoods of Cape Town. It’s lovely.
Thanks mahek. Glad that you enjoyed looking at Sydney. Such a wonderful place, I get quite lyrical about it.
Bordeaux, do you think it is the British influence? Arun said the same about Mumbai and parts of the US. I would hazard a guess (from a faint memory) that Singapore has some similar houses in the old areas. How fascinating that an architectural style is represented around the world.
Hi, I just come across to your wonderful place. Very colorful and stunning pics. Ahhh…I love love Sydney till my last breath. I have almost spent 2-1/2 years there. Then I moved to Melbourne….but can’t forget my Sydney days. Sometimes I miss terribly
Well, I have to go through to your blog. Would love to visit again.
I love how you put it “Love Sydney till my last breath.” Oh yes, I know exactly what you mean.