Glebe - The Lodge and the Estate

Robert and Peter - the custodians of 'Rothwell Lodge' c.1847 - take us on a tour through the history of the villas of Glebe.

We commence our walk at 'Lyndhurst' 1837 to view the gardens and outside of the house then meander through into the old church lands of St Phillip and Bishopthorpe and into the grounds of St John’s Church Glebe.

Next door is Foley Park where we view the footprint of the 1828 'Hereford House' and discuss other important features in this park. From this point, we walk up Glebe Point Road into the once 90-acre Toxteth Park estate of the Allen family and see the main house, originally designed by John Verge and remodelled by George Mansfield.

On the way we point out other homes in the Toxteth Estate built for extended members of the family then visit the grounds of 'Margaretta Cottage' c1832.

We continue our walk up Glebe Point Road and point out the location of now-demolished pre-1870 villas. We discuss some wonderful architectural gems including 'Bidura' which was built by Edmund Blackett in 1858 for his family so he could be closer to his largest commission, Sydney University.

Soon after we arrive at Rothwell Lodge for a light lunch, an onsite tour and exhibition of old images of Glebe.

The tour will take four hours, with a small break at Foley Park, and sensible shoes are suggested.