Merchants House

This building is the most intact example of the typical late Georgian period townhouse and the last one of its kind known to survive in NSW. This building reflects the wealth and status of the small business and merchant class of 19th century Sydney and provides evidence of the once dominant mercantile nature of The Rocks. It is an extremely valuable resource for understanding life in the area, especially if examined along with Michael Gannon’s house in Argyle Street and Susannah Place in Gloucester Street which represent contrasting socio-economic backgrounds. Built in 1848, the five-level Merchant House still contains many original elements as well as a rare example, in Sydney, of an intact mid-nineteenth century first floor drawing room with its moulded plasterwork, chimney piece and grate, joinery, and cantilevered balcony.