Sydney’s Terraced Houses - Verandas and Filigree ornaments

Besides buildings from the British colonial era, Sydney’s architectural highlights are the so called Terraced Houses.

Sydney’s Charming Terraced Houses

What should you think of when I say: Terraced Houses Sydney?

Well, literally they are just attached houses, built in a row. But in Sydney, one usually refers to the much sought-after heritage, terraced, filigree houses.

These houses were built from 1830 onwards.

Style characteristics are:

- filigree: heavy use of cast-iron, in particular for fences, balustrades and ornamentation.

- verandas and balconies, for providing shade inside the houses.

In Sydney, being a hilly city, the rows of houses often have to be built going uphill (or downhill, depending on your viewpoint;-)) or along winding roads, causing the need for detached roofs and sometimes also for a detached frontline.

You can find the houses in many neighborhoods in Sydney, often along green, leafy lanes.

There are variations in size and style. I have seen them very, very tiny, but I also ran into huge ones, in Balmain e.g., one of Sydney’s more upscale neighborhoods. The ones in the next picture-collage are big houses!

The state they are in differs enormously. Some seemed in neglect, while others were in renovation or already looked impeccable.

For sure they are charming and romantic, don’t you think?

Imagining my very own filigree house

Walking through the peaceful streets, I envisioned myself living in one of these filigree gems.

I could use my veranda and front garden for stalling my bike. After all I’m Dutch!

We even came across bikes in the streets from Dutch making; how cool is that?

In Holland I ride my bike to do shoppings and to visit friends.But to be honest, I’m not sure if I would do much biking in Sydney, since it is so hilly and steep in many places.

Back to my imaginary veranda. Apparently I could also use it for throwing out furniture.

I’m pretty sure I would not do that. Way too messy and ugly.

It’s more likely that I would create a nice place to sit and chill on either my balcony or my veranda or both.

Or I would place some plants, trees and do some gardening. Ok, I confess; I’m a lousy gardener. No green fingers at all.

As you see in the pictures, many houses are in neutral colors. Fortunately there are also houses in soft pastels or in bright colors. Lovin’ it!
I would definitely paint my terraced house. And pimp (=decorate) it, with strings of lights etc.

Terraced houses are sometimes used to house restaurants, bars and shops. Like the one in the right picture.

Cute, but too dark inside?

All in all, I find these filigree houses utterly charming!

I do suspect they are quite dark inside. Now that may be the point and usefull, when it is bloody hot outside, but I like light in my house. Natural light. So -even if I could afford one- if ever I move to Sydney (fingers crossed!), I don’t see us living in one. Boohoo….

How about you? Do you like this style? Can you see yourself living in a Filigree Terraced House?