Juniper Hall

Juniper Hall is a two-story Georgian residence on Ormond Street featuring a front balcony overlooking Oxford Street and classical architectural details typical of early colonial Sydney. The house displays symmetrical proportions, tall windows with decorative frames, and a structured garden layout that reflects domestic life from the 1820s.

Robert Cooper, a gin distiller, built this residence between 1824 and 1825, choosing the name from the juniper fruit essential to his production process. The building later served as a children's home and school before eventually becoming a cultural venue, reflecting changing needs across generations.

The house tells the story of how colonial families once lived through its rooms and furnishings, while its later role as a children's shelter shaped the lives of generations. Walking through it today reveals how a single building can serve many communities across different eras.

The site sits on a busy street with good foot access from the Paddington neighborhood, making it easy to reach on foot while exploring nearby shops and cafés. Visitors should expect that entry may be limited to certain times and group sizes, so planning ahead is helpful.

The building owes its current protected status to local residents who prevented its demolition in 1921, making it an early example of community action saving heritage in Sydney. This grassroots rescue effort demonstrates how public concern can shape preservation decisions.

Location: Woollahra Municipality

Inception: 1824

Architects: Clive Lucas

Address: 1 Ormond Street, Paddington NSW 2021

GPS coordinates: -33.88470,151.22700

Latest update: December 12, 2025 09:02