Federation Style Heritage in Telegraph Road, Pymble:
Table of Contents
History of Telegraph Road, Pymble
Telegraph Road, Pymble, Local Conservation Area
Merrivale, 4 Telegraph Road Pymble
“Banksia” (circa 1900) 15 Telegraph Road Pymble
21 Telegraph Road Pymble
24-26 Telegraph Road, Pymble
29 Telegraph Road Pymble
31 Telegraph Road, Pymble
37 Telegraph Road Pymble
38 Telegraph Road Pymble
40 Telegraph Road, Pymble
43 Telegraph Road Pymble
51 Telegraph Road Pymble
Redriff, 53 Telegraph Road, Pymble
63 Telegraph Road, Pymble
“Coolaween” C 1928
77 Telegraph Road, Pymble
(Corner of 88 Telegraph Rd) known as 100 Mona Vale Road, Pymble
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History of Telegraph Road, Pymble
The Pymble area was used for timber getting up until around 1840.
- Mona Vale Road was originally divided into two parts which joined at Telegraph Road – the southern part was known as Stoney Creek Road, and the northern part was known as Pittwater Road.
These roads were used as D.D. Mathew’s access to his sawmill on Cowan Road, St Ives. - Telegraph Road marks the main timber getting route through both land grants towards Stoney Creek Road and Pittwater Road.
- Telegraph Road was originally known as Government Road, and was named to commemorate the construction of the telegraph line from Parramatta to the coast, which ran along a section of the road.
“It has often been written that the name “Military Road” was changed to Telegraph Road at the request of resident Dr W W J O’Reilly (of 21 Telegraph Road).[1]
Ku-Ring-Gai Historical Society member Alan Rost has written:”
“Firstly, as late as 1892, auctioneers’ subdivision plans were showing the road as “GOVERNMENT ROAD” which was a generic term indicating a road surveyed by the government surveyor and almost certainly constructed at government expense. Many such roads were constructed during the second half of the nineteenth century to open up access to Crown land. Current Sydney street directories list eight instances where the description has survived as a street name.”
“Secondly, the auctioneer’s plan of the Pymble Heights Estate shows a section of Telegraph Road as “GOVERNMENT (Telegraph) ROAD”, indicating that the name had only recently been changed. It is clear that the former name was not Military Road. The plan in our folder of subdivision maps does not show the year but on pages 32-38 of “The Historian”, October 2004, Jennifer Harvey’s article on the Pymble Heights Estate states: “In November 1892 William Henry McKeown subdivided the remainder of his land and advertised it for sale as Pymble Heights Estate. (source DP 2993).”
Telegraph Road, Pymble, Local Conservation Area
- Many of the earlier houses on large lots within HCA 17 are heritage listed, particularly along Telegraph Road, Mona Vale Road, and Church Street.
- St Swithun’s Anglican Church developed in 3 stages 1940, 1950 and 1982. 1946 design by architect N.D. McPherson, “a resident of nearby Selwyn Street, who explained that the design was intended to be reminiscent of Durham Cathedral with a certain freshness introduced into the detail. (Information from Ku-ring-gai Historical Society & the Aust. Institute of Architects)
Merrivale | ![]() Merrivale, 4 Telegraph Road Pymble |
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Banksia |
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Dwelling |
17 Telegraph Road Pymble “Situated in one of the Upper North Shore’s most prominent streets, this gracious residence exhibits all the grandeur and wealth of the respected Federation era and is only a short stroll to rail and leading schools.” Last Advertised Price: (January 2008) $4,900,000; Sold for $4,000,000 in Jan 2008 – Land size: 2,865 sqm |
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Elouera | ![]() 21 Telegraph Road PymbleHistorical period: Pre-1900; Construction year: 1896 Dr Walter William Joseph O’Reilly (1847-1919) purchased land in Pymble in 1882 on a road marked on the early maps as Military Road. He brought his family to Pymble in 1896 to the house (21 Telegraph Road) in which he built and where he practised as a doctor. His daughter joined him in his Pymble practice and continued after his death. She was the first woman doctor to qualify for a residential post at Sydney Hospital. Burman Consulting Pty Ltd is located in 21 Telegraph Rd, Pymble, NSW 2073 |
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Bethany |
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Coppins | ![]() 29 Telegraph Road Pymble(Historic: 23-29 Telegraph Road, Pymble) “Coppins”, on Telegraph Rd, Pymble, was one of the last two homes in Australia designed by American architect Walter Burley Griffin, famous for designing the city of Canberra. It traded for $6.1 million in 2001. Last Sale for $3.2m by Private Treaty; date: 15 Feb 2013 – Sale Listing; |
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Sandon | ![]() 31 Telegraph Road, PymbleThe breathtaking family estate is a landmark residence of rare distinction. Proudly and privately positioned on a magnificent 3120sqm approx. in what is universally acknowledged to be one of the North Shore’s finest enclaves, this is truly an heirloom for generations to enjoy. – Tranquilly set amongst landscaped grounds |
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Carinya |
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Dwelling |
38 Telegraph Road Pymble |
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Claremont |
40 Telegraph Road, Pymble“Claremont” – C 1897. A Landmark Queen Anne Mansion set in a parklike one acre A gorgeous old home with a relaxed lifestyle, tons of land for the kids to roam and loads of privacy to protect you from the bustle of the modern world! Charm and character from and era past, yet superbly restored to enjoy the modern lifestyle. High ceilings, large rooms, open fires and return verandah’s Delightful casual living, exquisite hand painted kitchen and excellent family accommodation Sunny northern aspect, level gardens and 15m pool. This property is a delight to inspect |

Dwelling |
43 Telegraph Road PymbleOverlooking the sparkling pool and set in serenely private established cottage gardens this gorgeous and spacious Arts and Crafts Character family home is enviously positioned in one of Pymble’s most sought-after east side locations.
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Dwelling |
51 Telegraph Road Pymblethis stately residence exudes a very special & graceful ambience. Designed by leading Australian Architect Stafford Harman Buchanan of ‘Buchanan & Cowper’. Enjoy the glamour of the 1930s in this landmark property. Built on the escarpment with uninterrupted views of the city skyline. Grand entrance foyer welcomes you into the reception of the ground level. Upper level offers 4 generous bedrooms, parents retreat with a romantic balcony. Master bedroom with deluxe en-suite and its own private study. Basement level includes cellar, gym / extra bedroom, double garage and sweeping driveway with ample visitor parking. |
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Redriff |
Redriff, 53 Telegraph Road, Pymble
This exceptional world class mansion is simply breathtaking from the first impression to the last. Showcasing a grand sense of scale with exquisite finishes and fittings, it is simply incomparable in its level of luxury & extraordinary attention to detail. Some of the many captivating features include high patterned ceilings, stained glass windows, open fireplaces, enchanting return verandahs and spectacular city views. Exclusively situated on a sprawling private estate of nearly 4,000sqm in size complete with resort style facilities, it is as perfect for personal relaxation and family events as it is for lavish indoor/outdoor living and entertaining. Wandering past the stately double electric gates to the porte cochere, one is immediately struck with a sense of history and nostalgia. The stunning entrance foyer with Carrara marble flooring and bespoke staircase is a fitting introduction to this palatial residence. This leads majestically to the opulent formal rooms, which are unrivalled in their sense of grandeur. Accommodation comprises:
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Coolaween |
63 Telegraph Road, Pymble
“Coolaween” C 1928A Pymble landmark! A grand family home of mansion proportions built in an era of long forgotten quality of construction and style enjoying classical Provencale features with loads of space for entertaining. * Located in a blue ribbon East side location and surrounded by many prestigious heritage properties. Walk Pymble Station and village, PLC and within Pymble Public catchment. * This is simply stunning. Massive rooms, high ceilings and tallowwood flooring combine to create a wonderful flair and atmosphere. Nestled on a mature 1474sqm lovely north facing grounds with sparkling pool. Rental $1600 pw |
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St. Cloud |
77 Telegraph Road, Pymble
Grand entry foyer, superb formal lounge with Juliet balcony Queensland maple mouldings with decorative high ceilings Enjoys an intimate alfresco dining terrace Spacious sunlit kitchen for casual dining and walk-in pantry Elite east side address, near Golf Club and St Ives Village |
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Juniper Green |
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