Reynolds's Cottages

Item details


Name of item:	Reynolds's Cottages
Other name/s:	currently Gumnut Café (No 28).
Type of item:	Built
Group/Collection:	Residential buildings (private)
Category:	Cottage
Location:	Lat: -33.8593788848 Long: 151.2082441690
Primary address:	28-30 Harrington Street, The Rocks, NSW 2000
Parish:	St Philip
County:	Cumberland
Local govt. area:	Sydney
Local Aboriginal Land Council:	Metropolitan

Property description

Lot/Volume Code	Lot/Volume Number	Section Number	Plan/Folio Code	Plan/Folio Number
PART LOT	1		DP	773812
PART LOT	2		DP	773812

All addresses

Street Address	Suburb/town	LGA	Parish	County	Type
28-30 Harrington Street	The Rocks	Sydney	St Philip	Cumberland	Primary Address

Owner/s

Organisation Name	Owner Category	Date Ownership Updated
Place Management NSW	State Government

Statement of significance:


	Reynolds’ Cottages and site are of State heritage significance for their historic and scientific cultural values. The site and building are also of State heritage significance for their contribution to The Rocks area which is of State Heritage significance in its own right. The cottages are of State significance as rare examples of small scale Colonial Georgian architecture. The building fabric significantly retains evidence of its early use and configuration and simple accommodation which reflects the early living standards and utilitarian nature of the industrial middle class, during the 19th century and lower classes through to the 20th century. The cottages significantly retain fabric from its initial construction, additions in the 1850s and development stages since. The cottages also retain a sense of its original configuration and Colonial Georgian features and demonstrate the use and range of 19th century building techniques and materials and illustrate changes in workmanship. The buildings form part of diverse and eclectic streetscape, and make a positive contribution to the Harrington Street streetscape. Together with No. 32 they form part of a grouping that contributes strongly to the historical character of The Rocks Heritage Precinct which is highly valued by the local community and visitors alike. The well at the rear of 30 Harrington St is historically significant because it demonstrates early water supply technology and also later waste disposal. It demonstrates aspects of early lifestyle that have all but disappeared today. The brick lined well is characteristic of the older settlement in this area, representing a need for a reliable source of water. It indicates the continuity of settlement in the area. The well is associated with early settlers in the area including the convict blacksmith William Reynolds. The well and its artefacts hold research potential in their ability to increase knowledge about early lifestyle in this area.
	Date significance updated: 29 Jan 09
	Note: The State Heritage Inventory provides information about heritage items listed by local and State government agencies. The State Heritage Inventory is continually being updated by local and State agencies as new information becomes available. Read the Department of Premier and Cabinet copyright and disclaimer.

Description


Designer/Maker:	Built for Thomas Ryan
Builder/Maker:	Unknown
Construction years:	1830-1830
Physical description:	The facade of Nos.28-30 Harrington Street typifies the symmetry and order of the Colonial Georgian Style. The gabled roof, covered by galvanised iron sheeting and a shared brick chimney stack, centres the cottages. The wall of comprised of coarse sandstone rubble with raised pointing to simulate ashlar. There is clear evidence that these two cottages were built in separate stages due to the way the stone has been toothed at the party wall. Each cottage has a centrally placed entrance door of a simple, four panelled design with a brass door knob. It is flanked on either side by one six panel sash window with shutters, surmounted by a flat stone lintel. There are identical windows on the first floor above. Style: Simple Georgian; Storeys: 2; Facade: Dressed sandstone; Internal Walls: Brick; Roof Cladding: Shingled (original) Corrugated iron (present); Floor Frame: Timber The Well is in the rear yard of 30 Harrington St. The top of the well has been restored in original stone, with the introduced brick courses placed around the well at a later date in a funnel shape leading to the original top of the well. Half this structure lays under the rear wall of 30 Harrington St and it is enclosed by an iron railing fence for its and the public's protection. The top of the well is sealed.
Physical condition and/or Archaeological potential:	No 28 is in need of some conservation work. Archaeology Assessment Condition: Minor disturbance. Assessment Basis: Floors level with street. The demolition and reconstruction of the rear wall of this premises revealed a well over which had been constructed two toilets by the 1850s. Investigation: Excavation
	Date condition updated:24 Feb 00
Modifications and dates:	c1830: A solid two storey Georgian stone structure with a brick and skillion addition to the rear facade. Post 1840: A two storey extension to the rear facade was built with new internal access to the top floor in No 30. 1989-91: No 30 was renovated. The Well It is unclear when the well was dug. Artefacts excavated from the well suggest it was built before the mid 19th century. Two toilets were constructed over the well by the 1850s. The rear wall of 30 Harrington St was demolished and reconstructed revealing the existence of the well and it was subject to archaeological investigation and excavation in 1987.
Further information:	This listing includes the well at the rear of the building


Current use:	Shop and café
Former use:	Aboriginal land, town lot, shop and residence

History

Historical notes:

The "Eora people" was the name given to the coastal Aborigines around Sydney. Central Sydney is therefore often referred to as "Eora Country". Within the City of Sydney local government area, the traditional owners are the Cadigal and Wangal bands of the Eora. There is no written record of the name of the language spoken and currently there are debates as whether the coastal peoples spoke a separate language "Eora" or whether this was actually a dialect of the Dharug language. Remnant bushland in places like Blackwattle Bay retain elements of traditional plant, bird and animal life, including fish and rock oysters (Anita Heiss, "Aboriginal People and Place", Barani: Indigenous History of Sydney City http://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/barani).

With the invasion of the Sydney region, the Cadigal and Wangal people were decimated but there are descendants still living in Sydney today. All cities include many immigrants in their population. Aboriginal people from across the state have been attracted to suburbs such as Pyrmont, Balmain, Rozelle, Glebe and Redfern since the 1930s. Changes in government legislation in the 1960s provided freedom of movement enabling more Aboriginal people to choose to live in Sydney (Anita Heiss, "Aboriginal People and Place", Barani: Indigenous History of Sydney City http://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/barani).

It is believed that the cottages were built between 1823 and 1829 on the site that had previously been the garden of the Assistant Surgeon's House, for Thomas Ryan. Originally one room deep, they were purchased by William Reynolds in 1830. The dwellings were constructed as simple working class buildings, however, due to the abundance of local sandstone, most of the housing for the working classes was built in stone.

William Reynolds of Harrington Street is listed as a ship smith in the 1836-1840 Magistrates' Returns. Due to housing shortages, Reynolds built a number of small, poor standard houses in the vicinity including five in the courtyard behind the cottages between 1839 and 1841 (subsequently demolished in the 1880s). This area gained a reputation in the 1850s - 90s as the haunt of criminals and prostitutes. During the 1891 Royal Commission into Chinese Gambling, Immorality and Police Corrurption, it was noted that an opium den existed in one of the dwellings in the courtyard. The rear brick addition to No 30 was added in the 1850s, the east wall constructed over an earlier well.

Sydney Council's first rate assessment in 1845 indicates that Reynolds' children retained ownership of the property and others in the area and rented out the five houses hereon. No. 28 and No. 30 were described at this time as two, two storey stone and shingled houses, each with four rooms and the necessary outhouses. No. 32 differed, as it was constructed in timber.

It would appear that the building continued to be tenanted, however, in July 1850, the Reynolds' mortgaged the Harrington Street premises to John Brown Esquire. This was subsequently surrendered and a second mortgage registered. In an indenture dated 12 November 1857, made between Maurice and Margaret Reynolds and Charles E Langley and George Stabler, the mortgage was discharged.

On his death in 1860, the Harrington Street premises formed part of the insolvent estate of Maurice Reynolds of Burwood. The property included a house and adjoining land facing George Street and various small brick and stone houses in Reynolds Lane (now the Suez Canal). In 1863 the latter were described as unoccupied and according to the 1863 Assessment Book, 'much out of repair'.

Land title documents indicate that Margaret Reynolds retained ownership of the property at this time, however re-mortgaged to Langley and Stabler following the death of her brother in 1861, and to John Blaxland and George Stabler on the death of Charles Langley in 1864. In an indenture dated 28 November 1870, Margaret finally conveyed her interest in the property, Allotment 2 of Section 84 with all buildings thereon, to John Blaxland and George Stabler and their heirs. Further confusion arose, as according to the Assessment Books, William Scoles was recorded as the owner of No. 28-32 Harrington Street in 1867, however all the land title records up to this time give no mention of a William Scoles. The three properties were in turn passed to Elizabeth E Stabler and John Blaxland following the death of George Stabler in 1873.

From the 1860s, the Sands Directory indicates that the houses were occupied by several long term tenants. John Scoles (assume also Skulls in 1866 listing), noted as being a labourer, carter and a porter, is listed at No. 4 (No. 28) from 1866 to until 1875, when a Joseph Day is listed at No. 4. Day, a mariner, had resided at No. 6 (No. 30) since 1866 and remained at No. 28 until 1879 at which time his wife Mary Ann is recorded as laundress and lessee. Mrs Day remained at No. 28 until 1882, when an Edward Day is listed, staying until 1895. No. 8 (No.32) appears to have been operated continuously as grocery until 1880, when a bookbinder took up residence.

In 1877 the properties were once again transferred, to George Rattray and William Henry Mackenzie as tenants in common. They retained ownership until 1884, when a Patrick Fahey purchased the properties. According to the Sands, Fahey, a grocer, had occupied No. 32 since 1882. He reinstated the grocery store and is listed at No. 32 until 1907 and continued to lease No. 28 and No. 30 to various tenants.

At the turn of the century the plague hit Sydney and resulted in widespread cleansing and demolition in the older, more established parts of the city such as The Rocks. Fahey retained ownership of the properties until 1900, when notification of resumption was served.

In 1901 the Sydney Harbour Trust was established to maintain and manage the area resumed by the Government. The Sands Directory indicates that the buildings remained continuously tenanted, with only short periods of vacancy. The area had long been associated with the lower classes and by this time had been transformed from industrial middle class occupancy to an area which had a reputation for crime and poor living conditions.

In 1909 a Royal Commission for the Improvement of the City of Sydney recommended that Harrington Street, among others in The Rocks, be widened and straightened. It is not clear when, however, the level of Harrington Street was raised. This in turn necessitated the addition of two (descending) steps in the entrance of No. 30.

In the early 1930s, the Maritime Services Board replaced the Sydney Harbour Trust as the landlords of The Rocks. Tenancy cards, dating from 1927, show that the buildings continued to be maintained and occupied by various tenants.

The Sydney Cove Redevelopment Authority (SCRA) was established in 1970, took responsibility and leased the buildings. The buildings continued to provide residential accommodation, however a shift away from residential use, to commercial use occurred during the next decade. In 1976 a shop selling old wares commenced operation in No. 28, with an associated tea room following in 1978. The Gumnut Tea Garden, began operation in No. 28 in c. 1982. Nos. 30 and 32 retained residential tenants until 1984, and have subsequently been occupied by retail shops.

The Well
It is unclear when the well was dug. Originally the land was part of the gardens behind the Assistant Surgeons House (incorrectly referred to as Assistant Surveyor on Meehan's survey of 1807). No wells are recorded on that plan, or on any other in the vicinity of the subject site. Wells were usually not recorded on maps and plans, so this is not an indication that it was not built at the time of Meehan's survey in 1807. There is no record of a structure on the subject site until c 1830 when Reynolds built the one room cottages, possibly between 1823 and 1829. It is very likely that the well was dug during this period.

Archaeological evidence suggests that the well was built in the first half of the nineteenth century. It contained artefacts that date before 1850 when the cottages were extended. Rooms were added to the back of the cottages at this time and two toilets erected over the well.

The well was excavated by archaeologists in 1987 and in 1989-90 the rear yard and the subfloor of No 30 as part of works to provide sub-floor ventilation and services for the site unearthed possible evidence of cock fighting and dog baiting - the latter using live cats.

Historic themes

Australian theme (abbrev)	New South Wales theme	Local theme
1. Environment-Tracing the evolution of a continent's special environments	Environment - naturally evolved-Activities associated with the physical surroundings that support human life and influence or shape human cultures.	Changing the environment-
2. Peopling-Peopling the continent	Convict-Activities relating to incarceration, transport, reform, accommodation and working during the convict period in NSW (1788-1850) - does not include activities associated with the conviction of persons in NSW that are unrelated to the imperial 'convict system': use the theme of Law & Order for such activities	Experiencing life opportunities after emancipation-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Agriculture-Activities relating to the cultivation and rearing of plant and animal species, usually for commercial purposes, can include aquaculture	(none)-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Commerce-Activities relating to buying, selling and exchanging goods and services	Retailing-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings	Developing local, regional and national economies-National Theme 3
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings	Landscapes of urban amenity-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Accommodation-Activities associated with the provision of accommodation, and particular types of accommodation – does not include architectural styles – use the theme of Creative Endeavour for such activities.	Building settlements, towns and cities-National Theme 4
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Accommodation-Activities associated with the provision of accommodation, and particular types of accommodation – does not include architectural styles – use the theme of Creative Endeavour for such activities.	A Picturesque Residential Suburb-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Accommodation-Activities associated with the provision of accommodation, and particular types of accommodation – does not include architectural styles – use the theme of Creative Endeavour for such activities.	Terrace-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Accommodation-Activities associated with the provision of accommodation, and particular types of accommodation – does not include architectural styles – use the theme of Creative Endeavour for such activities.	Housing in shop-based accommodation-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Accommodation-Activities associated with the provision of accommodation, and particular types of accommodation – does not include architectural styles – use the theme of Creative Endeavour for such activities.	Housing townsfolk - terraces and cottages-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Accommodation-Activities associated with the provision of accommodation, and particular types of accommodation – does not include architectural styles – use the theme of Creative Endeavour for such activities.	Housing ordinary families-

Assessment of significance


SHR Criteria a) [Historical significance]	The site is significant as it represents the development of The Rocks area from the 1820s to the 1990s. The cottages reflect the utilitarian nature of the early dwellings in area and subsequent changes represent the changing social and economic climate of the area and of the various occupants and owners. The site also retains evidence of earlier occupation such as the well and large archaeological resource. Reynolds’ Cottages are historically significant as rare examples of small scale, Colonial Georgian architecture. They are two of the oldest surviving dwellings in The Rocks, only Cadman’s Cottage predates them. The physical fabric of the cottages significantly retains evidence of the modest beginning of the industrial middle class and the demographic shift of the area with low working class occupation through the 19th and 20th centuries. The shift away from residential to commercial use in the late 1970s records the changing social and economic values of this area in particular. The well at the rear of 30 Harrington St is historically significant because it demonstrates early water supply technology and also later waste disposal. It demonstrates aspects of early lifestyle that have all but disappeared today. The brick lined well is characteristic of the older settlement in this area, representing a need for a reliable source of water. It indicates the continuity of settlement in the area.
SHR Criteria b) [Associative significance]	The site is associated with Colonial Architect, Francis Greenway and the Terry family, notable colonial land owners. The buildings are associated with William Reynolds and his children and other local land owners such as Michael Gannon, who lived in Argyle Street and constructed the Hotel on the corner of George and Argyle Streets. The buildings are associated with a number tenants and occupants of no particular note.
SHR Criteria c) [Aesthetic significance]	The cottages are a good and largely intact example of small scale Colonial Georgian architecture which is now rare in Sydney. The cottages significantly retain fabric from their initial construction, additions in the 1850s and development stages since. The cottages also retain a sense of their original configuration and Colonial Georgian features. The buildings form part of diverse and eclectic streetscape, and make a positive contribution to the Harrington Street streetscape. Together with No. 32 they form part of a unified grouping. The site and building provide accessible interpretation opportunities for the general public and tourists in the heart of The Rocks. The buildings face an open courtyard and are visible from and accessed by a network of pedestrian thoroughfares and passages which enhance and contribute to its aesthetic character and appreciation. The laneways and thoroughfares are historically and aesthetically significant. Dating from the 1820s, they remain in their original positions
SHR Criteria d) [Social significance]	The cottages contribute strongly to the character of The Rocks Heritage Precinct which is highly valued by the local community and visitors alike.
SHR Criteria e) [Research potential]	The cottages and open courtyard to their east are of high technological significance and high archaeological potential as they retain evidence of the early and subsequent occupation and use of the site and immediate area. The cottages significantly retain evidence of the various phases of construction and development which demonstrates the range of 19th and 20th century building techniques and materials and demonstrate the changes in contemporary building fabrics and workmanship. The well and its artefacts hold research potential in their ability to increase knowledge about early lifestyle in this area.
SHR Criteria f) [Rarity]	The cottages at nos 28- 30 Harrington Street are two of the oldest surviving dwellings in The Rocks and only Cadman's Cottage survives to pre-date them. They are also one of the rare examples of small scale Colonial Georgian architecture to be found in Sydney.
SHR Criteria g) [Representativeness]	The cottages are of State significance as they demonstrate early living standards, No. 28 in particular demonstrates its development from 1823 to 1860.
Integrity/Intactness:	The cottage at No 28 Harrington Street is particularly intact demonstrating its development from 1823 to 1860. Archaeology minor disturbance.
Assessment criteria:	Items are assessed against the State Heritage Register (SHR) Criteria to determine the level of significance. Refer to the Listings below for the level of statutory protection.

Recommended management:

1. Future uses should take into account the identified cultural significance of the place. 2. Potential new uses should be able to work within the nature and the fabric of the existing building without requiring extensive alterations and work within the existing building envelope. 3. Uses, which require excessive servicing or other special features, may not be appropriate if the design of servicing equipment places excessive stress on the character and significance of the building fabric and spaces. 4. Selection of retail and commercial uses should have regard to potential opportunities for public access to the building. 5. Potential new tourism and recreational activities within the building should be developed in a way that enables the heritage value of the buildings and site to be showcased and not obscured by these uses. Assessment of the archaeological potential of the whole site has been previously carried out. As previously stated, as the site is of high archaeological significance and sensitivity, any proposed works to the site and buildings should be monitored by a qualified Archaeologist. The Heritage Act 1977 states that any excavation, where relics may be disturbed, requires an excavation permit, or in this case a S.60 application as the cottages are listed on the SHR. All work involving excavation of the site should be carried out under archaeological supervision by a qualified archaeologist. Further information is available in the Perumal Murphy Alessi Pty Ltd 2006 Conservation Management Plan

Procedures /Exemptions

Section of act	Description	Title	Comments	Action date
57(2)	Exemption to allow work	Standard Exemptions	HERITAGE ACT 1977 ORDER UNDER SECTION 57(2) TO GRANT STANDARD EXEMPTIONS FROM APPROVAL I, Penny Sharpe, the Minister for Heritage, on the recommendation of the Heritage Council of New South Wales and under section 57(2) of the Heritage Act 1977: revoke the order made on 2 June 2022 and published in the Government Gazette Number 262 of 17 June 2022; and grant an exemption from section 57(1) of the Act in respect of the engaging in or carrying out the class of activities described in clause 2 Schedule A in such circumstances specified by the relevant standards in clause 2 Schedule A and General Conditions in clause 3 Schedule A. This Order takes effect on the date it is published in the NSW Government Gazette. Dated this 29th day of October 2025 The Hon Penny Sharpe MLC Minister for Heritage For more information on standard exemptions click on the link below.	Nov 7 2025

Standard exemptions for engaging in or carrying out activities / works otherwise prohibited by section 57(1) of the Heritage Act 1977

Listings

Heritage Listing	Listing Title	Listing Number	Gazette Date	Gazette Number	Gazette Page
Heritage Act - State Heritage Register		01573	10 May 02	85	2865

Study details

Title	Year	Number	Author	Inspected by	Guidelines used
SCA Register 1979-1998	1998	B084, AR079	Sydney Cove Authority (SCA)		Yes

References, internet links & images

Type	Author	Year	Title	Internet Links
Management Plan			Grants index.
Tourism		2007	Gumnut Tea Garden	View detail
Written			Stephany, J. and Wyatt-Spratt, N. (1986): Conservation Plan for No. 30 Harrington St, The Rocks. For SCRA.
Tourism	Attraction Homepage	2007	Gumnut Tea Garden	View detail
Written	Jim Stephany & Neridah Wyatt-Spratt,	1986	Conservation Plan for No.30 Harrington Street, The Rocks
Written	Johnson, A. W. and Parris, R.	1989	Report on Watching Brief During Excavations for Sewerage and Drainage Works....28-32 Harrington Street, The Rocks. Sydney Cove Authority.
Written	Johnson, A.W	1991	Report on the Artefacts Recovered..28-32 Harrington St, 1987-90
Written	Johnson, A.W	1990	Reynolds Cottage: Report on the Watching Brief During Landscaping Operations in the Rear Yards of 28-32 Harrington St, The Rocks. For SCA.
Written	Perumal Murphy Alessi Pty Ltd	2006	Reynolds’ Cottages, Nos. 28-30 Harrington Street, The Rocks, Conservation Management Plan
Written	SCRA	1978	Building Data Sheet HP/27

Note: internet links may be to web pages, documents or images.

(Click on thumbnail for full size image and image details)

Data source


The information for this entry comes from the following source:
Name:	Heritage NSW
Database number:	5053189

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