Gerry and Annie of 31 Stephen Street, Balmain, are as authentic and community minded as they come. Balmain locals of 30 years who divide their time between Sydney and Southeast Asia, their philanthropy and political careers have taken them to Burma, Bangladesh and beyond. 

There’s parallels to be drawn between the warmth and spirit of Gerry and Annie and their cherished house too, that is now on the market after 12 wonderful years.

“Although Balmain has changed over the three decades we’ve lived here, what always strikes us is how warm, friendly and generous the community is. We have had many fundraisers in our home, to raise money for people in countries less fortunate than ourselves, and community support has been fantastic.”

 

 

“Our next-door neighbours have also been very special. In fact, we created a gate between our house and next door so we could easily move between the two!”

And it’s fitting that the house was quite literally built on friendship, too. The work of stonemason friends John Fey and James Burt in 1872, 31 Stephen Street is now an example of Balmain’s earliest built heritage. 

“Heritage specialists have commented on the high-quality yellow sandstone used to build this and neighbouring homes, which is probably why it is in such good condition,” they comment. “Balmain looks like it does today and is a fabulous place to live thanks to the preservation of its heritage and homes like ours.”

It’s a home that honours the past as much as it does the present. With three generous bedrooms, attic, cellar, fireplaces and wooden floors and doors, it offers more than can be expressed in words. “The sandstone, high ceilings and quiet street give this home a real sense of peace, tranquillity and soul.”

 

 

 

Gerry and Annie add that having breakfast looking out into the garden, admiring the mature trees, and listening to the birds is one of their favourite features of the home. “You can do this from your bed too,” they say – not only a wonderful example of how nature surrounds the home, but their readiness to welcome a new chapter.

“We hope that whoever lives here next enjoys the house and garden as much as we have done. The Balmain village neighbourhood is truly special – the book clubs, the early evening community dog exercising in the park at the end of the street, the Balmain Institute monthly talks, the rowing and sailing club, the many fabulous coffee shops, and restaurants to meet with friends, the walks along the water, and so much more.”

View listing: 31 Stephen Street, Balmain