From an under-developed residential area into a multicultural metropolis, 103-year-old Dorothy May Moore has watched Parramatta completely transform all from the front porch of her home.
Now, just shy of her 104th birthday, Moore has made the tough decision to put her beloved historic house on the market – making it the first time in 133 years that the property is now available.
Originally built in 1816, ‘Sherbrooke’ was constructed on a section of the 100 acres of farmland originally granted to James Meehan just over 200 years ago by Governor Lachlan Macquarie.
Moore first moved into the house in 1942 when she married her husband Thomas Allport Sheridan Moore, and she’s lived there ever since.
Dorothy’s daughter Rhonda Hahn said it was a hard choice for her mother to decide to sell.
“Mum originally didn’t want to sell until after she passed away, but she realises at nearly 104 years of age, it’s time,” she said.
Hahn said her family has watched Parramatta grow into the city it is today.
“We have a view of all the highrises going up, ‘sunrise over the highrise’ we watch,” she said.
“The home is actually located in a little heritage pocket so we have no tall buildings around us.”
Zoned for redevelopment within heritage guidelines, the three bedroom Victorian style home is expected to generate significant interest from developers for both residential lots and also childcare.
However, it could also serve the perfect family home for someone wanting to inherit its rich history.
Listing agent Brian Prabaharan of Moxham Commercial said the age of the house comes with restrictions but there is great capacity for redevelopment.
“The likely outcome is that a developer will purchase the property,” he said.
“It’s a massive corner block, but it could also be bought by owner-occupiers who may wish to retain and restore this beautiful historic home on such a large block.
“There’s potential to convert the Victorian style home into a business, healthcare service or childcare centre.”
Despite being resigned to a developer purchasing the home, Hahn hopes there might be someone out there who is willing to uphold a slice of Sydney’s history.
“There’s a secret cellar in there and a huge 100 year old macadamia tree in the backyard we would climb in, we’ve enjoyed hundreds of cups of tea on the verandah over the years and there’s even room for a pony out the back,” she said.
Hahn said her family has just one wish for ‘Sherbrooke’: “We just want to see it being loved.”
Interested parties are invited to contact http://www.moxhamcommercial.com.au.
Ellie Busby is a news reporter for Western Sydney Publishing Group. A graduate of the University of Hertfordshire and Western Sydney University, she is a journalism Major. Ellie has worked with Universal Media, The Cova Project and for a range of other organisations. In 2024, Ellie was named Young Writer of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.