Fairwater, Double Bay, Heritage mansion in Double Bay, Australia

Fairwater is a heritage-listed residence and homestead at 560 New South Head Road, Double Bay, Sydney. It was designed by John Horbury Hunt in 1882 and altered by J. W. Manson after 1910. The house stands on a 2-acre 13-perch former leasehold and is often misreported as being in Point Piper.

Fairwater was built in 1882 for stockbroker Francis Edward Joseph to a design by Canadian-born architect John Horbury Hunt, and was known by that name from about 1884. The Fairfax family took over the leasehold in late 1900, and after buying the freehold in 1909 James Oswald Fairfax had J. W. Manson remodel the house from about 1910. It joined the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 27 March 2000.

For over a century the estate has served as an example of residential habits among wealthy Sydney families who favored generous grounds by the water. The name Fairwater points to the valued position right on the harbor basin.

Access to the grounds is allowed only with permission since the property remains privately held and protected by heritage rules. Visitors should check in advance whether special occasions permit viewing.

Fairwater was the scene of a 1973 ball for 1,000 guests marking the opening of the Sydney Opera House, and the Sydney Swans were launched there. Lady Mary Fairfax, who lived in the house from 1968, held a salon where guests saw works by Rodin, Epstein, Dobell and Degas.