Millers Point’s ancient history a modern-day hook

The historic Sydney suburb of Millers Point may be small in size but its unique colonial history is proving irresistible to buyers.

A circa 1898 Italianate residence at 69 Windmill Street, that was built as the Hit or Miss Hotel, has changed hands for around its $4.6m asking price,

The historic Sydney suburb of Millers Point may be small in size but its unique colonial history is proving irresistible to buyers.

The once-dormant harbourside suburb has come alive with an influx of wealthy residents, with many overhauling their former state-owned homes.

The sell-off of high-profile government properties, including the Sirius building where JDH Capital is now planning luxury apartments, has somewhat overshadowed some of the mansion trading in the area.

In one of the latest sales, a circa 1898 Italianate residence at 69 Windmill Street, that was built as the Hit or Miss Hotel, has changed hands for around its $4.6m asking price. While details of the deal are under wraps the property comes with approved renovation plans and is primed for a sympathetic restoration in keeping with the area’s historical charms.

The seven-bedroom townhouse was sold by Richard Shalhoub and Andrew Stewart, of McGrath. It comes with a history that is closely tied to the area’s own past with the once roaring hotel transformed into residential flats in the 1930s.

Inside 69 Windmill St, Millers Point.

The interiors are notable for the sandstone walls and soaring pressed-metal ceilings. Although it sold to a local family it also drew interest from developers who were keen to convert it into a boarding house or boutique hotel.

The upper-level bedrooms have Harbour Bridge views and the grand residence planned on the site includes six bedrooms, a study, a lift and large basement cellar.

Stewart says the area is drawing discerning buyers who also want to forge a connection to one of the city’s most historic precincts, with many homes heritage listed.

Some former state properties have been completely renovated, with their interiors unrecognisable from their days as pubs and boarding houses, with only historical touches to remind residents of their past.

One of the next tests for the market is the offer of a home at 82 Windmill Street that is also nestled in Millers Point. The home, being sold by Stewart, has four bedrooms, three of which have their own bathrooms and built-ins.

The residence sports historic elements including a sandstone feature wall and is on Pottinger Park, close to Walsh Bay harbourfront strip. The asking price is about $3.5m.

82 Windmill St, Millers Point.