Stunning Swifts mansion to open up for its ‘biggest ever’ Silver party

One of Sydney’s most stunning, valuable and historic private homes will soon open up for its “biggest ever” Silver party. Here’s what partygoers will find inside.

The gates to Swifts will open for charity. Picture: Richard Dobson

Owning one of Sydney’s most iconic homes is a double-edged sword for Shane and Penny Moran.

Despite the huge upkeep, the couple have sworn never to sell Darling Point mansion, Swifts, which looks more like a stately home from the set of Downton Abbey.

Shane Moran is preparing to open his magnificent home to host the annual Silver Party fundraiser for the Sydney Children's Hospital at Randwick. Picture: Richard Dobson

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“We wouldn’t sell for a couple of reasons,” Dr Moran said.

“It is wonderful being a family home so rather than selling it to people who might divide it into apartments or some sort of commercial hotel-type thing, I think that would spoil and detract from what it is.

“It has got a bit of a feel and a soul of something maybe from old England and I would hate to see that lost.”

Confidential was treated to a rare tour inside the mansion ahead of the 2019 Silver Party that will be held on site on March 7.

The Morans — of the healthcare industry family — will host the event for about 300 guests to raise funds for Sydney Children’s Hospital in Randwick.

The property has been in the Moran’s family since the original land grant. Picture: Richard Dobson

Shane Moran has been renovating the property for a number of years. Picture: Richard Dobson

This year money raised will go to the Kids Cancer Centre, which is part of the hospital.

“This certainly will be the biggest and the most special thing we have done publicly,” Dr Moran said.

The Gothic Revival-style mansion was last estimated to be worth $60 million and was originally built by beer baron Sir Robert Lucas Lucas-Tooth in 1882 and was once owned by the Catholic Church.

Dr Moran bought the property from his family, who have a history with the property dating back to the original land grant in 1833.

Maintaining the house is the work of two full-time staff. Picture: Richard Dobson

Four children are growing up inside the gorgeous “family home”. Picture: Richard Dobson

He has been renovating the property for a number of years and says it is a full-time job for two staff to maintain.

There are many little-known facts about the property, including secret stairways and countless historical artefacts uncovered on the site.

The house is respectful of its history. Picture: Richard Dobson

“It is a double-edged sword,” Dr Moran said of owning the property.

“It is a privilege as we have four young children growing up in it and seeing all of the history that has been around for 150 years and that is wonderful.

Mr Moran says owning the house is both a privilege and responsibility. Picture: Richard Dobson

Swifts is on extensive grounds in Darling Point. Picture: Richard Dobson

“The flip side is you feel responsible because you are the custodians and we just hope and pray it will be around for another 150 years.”

Dr Moran is also proud of the opium den that has been meticulously restored.

“There’s a very special room which is an opium den, which has been restored, apart from the product, in terms of decor it is exactly how it was back when you could buy opium at the Darling Point Pharmacy. We’ve dug up old bottles around the house.”

The home’s exterior is equally stunning. Picture: Richard Dobson

Mr Moran says he sees himself as the house’s custodian. Picture: Richard Dobson

The Silver Party will be open to about 300 people. Picture: Richard Dobson

The entrance to Swifts. Picture: Richard Dobson