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Rippon Grange 35 Water Street Latest News: The developers of 35 Water Street have entered into an agreement to sell the property to a private family that will restore the house and grounds to use as a family residence and also propose a small subdivision. Thus hopefully putting an end to all the uncertainty with the future of the site. In the short term, essential maintenance will be performed on the house and a caretaker will live onsite to ensure security from any vandalism.
“Rippon Grange" was designed and built by Howard Joseland and Sir John Sulman c1898, with additions by Howard Joseland and Sir John Sulman c1905, and Cobden Parks c1954. Rippon Grange has been nominated for State Heritage Listing by the National Trust. Originally built for Frederick George Sargood, son of Lieutenant Colonel Senator Sir Frederick Thomas Sargood, KCMG, "Rippon Grange" was bought by Mr Ernest Robert Williams, Co-founder of Woolworths, in 1935 .It was built of brick with a tiled roof, with half timbered gables, tall chimneys and jutting bays. The deep set verandahs were built to take advantage of the view, being oriented east-west against the sun. The second storey stucco is painted white and is not typical of the Federation style. 
Rippon Grange was Trusted to NSW Government in 1951 as a hospital for children, initially for treatment of polio, later for intellectually and the physically disabled. The hospital was named after Warrant Officer John Robert Williams, who died in WWII The house was originally built in brick and stone with timbered gables and stuccoed chimneys; the balconies and roof were originally covered with oak shingles, now replaced with terracotta tiles. Joseland and Vernon were also
commissioned to design the garden of 2.5 acres. In common with a number
of other landmark properties in the area the large garden and large
setbacks are integral to the original design concept. |
