On a peaceful street in Sydney’s Balmain lies 33 Stephen Street, a three-bedroom cottage that’s steeped in local history. With a well-maintained original sandstone façade, the 1872-built residence is shrouded by mature trees. A white fence flanks the front steps, inviting visitors upwards into not only a unique family home, but a story spanning generations.

 

 

“The story we were told was that the home and its neighbour [31 Stephen Street] were built by a sea captain for his two daughters. They lived upstairs, and their servants worked and resided downstairs,” reveal family members, who are now selling the home on behalf of beloved late relatives. It was this pair who initially rented the home, and after falling in love with it, took the chance to purchase it. That was in the mid-1970’s and the pair wasted no time in transforming it into a family home that’s remembered as one that was “full of love”.

 

 

 

The promise and opportunity the family saw in the home was and is still palpable. A note written by the late owner’s sister recalling the first time she saw it – and the note’s existence to this day – suitably brings this to life.

We drove down in the afternoon with mum and dad. It was in beautiful repair, fresh and clean, with a black and white tiled hall; two bedrooms each with a fireplace; lounge with big windows and door onto a sandstone verandah.  The backyard was neglected, but oh, to be able to make it a courtyard – it was a quite delightful house, and I can understand why my sister was so excited.”

 

 

This excitement manifested itself as action, with the couple undertaking a purposeful renovation of the original structure in the early 1980s. This saw the house gain a new kitchen, living area, mezzanine overlooking the garden, and lower-level bathroom.

As the years passed, in 2008 the home underwent another upgrade, focusing on modernising and extending. It was at this time that a new stone kitchen with gas cooktop was installed, as was a second marble bathroom close to the upper-level bedrooms. Atrium windows were added into the living pavilion to shine light, quite literally, on the patina of the original structure. The rear entertaining courtyard was re-laid and extended, transforming the residence into the functional and considered home it is today.  

 

 

 

Over the decades, the family did more than cement the past and future of the home, becoming valued members of their community and great friends with their neighbours. “It’s always been a charming house with good food, music, friends, and family. Van Morrison, Bob Dylan, Elvis … it was a house full of happy people and good times. Many Christmases, birthdays and get-togethers were shared,” they tell BresicWhitney, adding that this is their hope for the future of the home, too. “Full of love and laughter, colour and creativity, as it has been for decades”.

“Oh, and don’t forget there are fairies at the bottom of the garden,” they add light-heartedly. It’s a nod to the tales passed down through generations, and the wonder that this home continues to inspire. Chances are it’ll do so for its next owner, too.

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