When they first bought 16 Elizabeth Street, Eastwood, Philip and Charlotte were raising a young family. Back then, Philip worked in medical management and Charlotte was a social worker.

They were living in a smaller house in Sydney and looking for somewhere to move when they stumbled upon the Eastwood villa, which according to a local historian was once known as Orchard House and was built by the prominent local builder John Wark.

“I think it was an attractive house. It was an 1880s bluestone villa on a big block,” says Charlotte.

Philip adds: “the large garden was particularly attractive for the kids, so back in those days we had cubby houses up in the trees, ropes going across from one tree to another. So, it was great to bring the kids up in.”

Charlotte says that although she grew up in Adelaide, she had never heard of Eastwood, adding that many people have never heard of this “great” inner-city suburb.

“It’s a hidden gem in a way and everyone that lives here knows that it’s a fabulous position, but it’s a fairly tiny triangle adjacent to the parklands,” she says.

Philip says he enjoys walking the dog in the nearby parklands. “When the kids were young, we took our bicycles over there, they played in the creek, or you can walk into town. The convenience is incredible,” says Philip.

The large family house has five bedrooms, while the master bedroom includes built-in robes and an ensuite.

The house includes all the classic features you would expect from a Victorian villa, including high ceilings with roses, cornices and wooden fireplaces.

At the back of the house is a glasshouse dining and living area looking onto a pool and the fairytale garden that is cared for by Philip and Charlotte with a little help from Alex the gardener.

Philip says that one of his favourite parts of the garden is the large jacaranda tree that provides shade during the summertime as well as the “lovely purple flowers.”

“A quirky little thing in the back of the garden is that we’re forever finding horseshoes as you’re digging in the garden because we think that’s probably where the stables were for the horses back then,” he adds.

The large allotment of 1384sqm also gives plenty of room for a potential buyer to extend or renovate the back of the house.

Philip and Charlotte have many fond memories of living in Eastwood. But fast forward to 2023 and the retired couple, who live with their old Labrador Molly, are looking to downsize.

“It really has been a wonderful family house, but our children are grown up now and they have their own families and houses and it really is ready for another young family to come and enjoy,” says Charlotte.

Philip adds: “It is a family house. We’ve had a lot of great parties here. It’s so centrally located and has always been a meeting place for our children’s friends.

“Although we miss that because they moved out, it’s something for someone else to look forward to.”

The sale of 16 Elizabeth Street, Eastwood is being handled by Sally Cameron from Toop+Toop and the property will go to auction on Sunday, December 17.