Bronte House

Bronte House is a Gothic-style cottage with gardens that slope down toward Bronte Gully. The building displays residential design features typical of mid-19th century Australian homes.

Colonial Architect William Mortimer Lewis acquired the land in 1836 and began construction, but sold the property due to financial troubles. The Ebsworth family then owned the house for three generations until municipal ownership began in 1948.

The house shows how wealthy colonists lived and furnished their homes during settlement times. Walking through the rooms, you can see the European design choices that shaped early Australian houses.

The property is protected as heritage and managed by Waverley Council. Advance arrangements are needed for visits, as it does not operate with regular open hours.

The cottage takes its name from the Irish village of Bronte, creating an unexpected link to 19th century British literary circles. This kind of literary naming was relatively uncommon in colonial Australian estates.

Location: New South Wales

Inception: 1845

GPS coordinates: -33.90230,151.26400

Latest update: December 11, 2025 11:02