Addington House

Addington House
Style

Old Colonial Georgian dwelling

Year started

Approximately 1810-1820

Years modified

c.1832, c.1840, 1850, 1861 and 1873

Year restored

1985

Builders

James Shepherd, Isaac Shepherd, Thomas Kendall Bowden

About Addington House

Addington stands on James Stewart's 12.1 hectare grant from 1794, named New Farm. Stewart died in 1806, James Squire was appointed to administer his estate and James Shepherd acquired New Farm for £70 in 1809. His son lsaac was the owner from 1833 until 1876.

It is uncertain when Addington was first built. Architectural evidence suggests that the earliest part of the house may date back to 1810 and it was first occupied by lsaac Shepherd.

The western wing of two bedrooms and a veranda were added in about 1832.

ln 1850, the eastern wing was added and in 1861 another three rooms and attics in front of the original structure were constructed for Thomas and Mary Bowden, nee Shepherd.

ln 1873, the Bowdens built a ballroom and redecorated. After the death of Thomas Bowden in 1879 the property was leased to many tenants including Sir Henry Parkes, NSW Premier and 'Father of Federation', and a couple of surveyors.

In 1896, Mary Bowden's daughters Mabel and Florence took ownership.

ln 1919, after the property was sub-divided, Sydney Benson of a well-known family of orchardists purchased the house. It remained in the Benson family until its transfer to the Addington Trust in 1970.

Ryde Municipal Council purchased it in 1985 and has since undertaken several conservation programs. The property is leased to the St George Guild and is not open to the public.

Location

813-815 Victoria Road, Ryde 2112  View Map

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