A grand home in Mangerton, believed to have been built in 1919 for the Mayor of Wollongong, will be auctioned later this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
It is understood a Wollongong mayor built Rose Mary Manor at 59 Norman Street, Mangerton.
However mystery surrounds just what mayor it actually was.
A Wollongong City Council spokesperson said records showed the Mayor of Wollongong in 1919 was Norman M Smith.
However, Mayor Smith took a leave of absence from September 1917 to April 1919 and served his country in World War I.
In the mayor’s absence, J A Mayo took over the mayoral chains.
Upon his return from the war, Norman M Smith was again elected Mayor and was re-elected continually until his death in May 1928.
However, according to home owner Marjorie Goodwin, her elderly neighbours Molly Pring and Joyce Foye are adamant their ancestor William Hurt – also a one-time mayor – was the original owner of the home.
Mrs Goodwin said the women have told her William Hurt was living in the home before Mangerton’s Woodlawn Heights estate was listed in April 1923.
Regardless of its origins, the property has a fascinating history and Mrs Goodwin said she has thoroughly enjoyed living there for more than 30 years.
“It’s just so tranquil and peaceful,” Mrs Goodwin said.
“We have done a lot of work restoring the home over the years. It’s absolutely beautiful and we have had such fun here.”
Situated on a huge 1,116 metre square corner block, the five-bedroom home includes many original features including a huge verandah, timber floors and skirting, window frames and picture rails.
Renovation work has been sympathetic to the original style of the home.
The home is accessed via a long driveway and also features an in-ground pool with paved surrounds.
Selling agent Kevin McGirr from Leighstewart Property said the home was likely to attract offers between $1.2 and $1.5 million.
Rose Mary Manor is open for inspection on Saturday at 10am and 2pm.
It will be auctioned on site on November 21.