Monday, 12 September 2011

Botany, Sir Joseph Banks Hotel

The Sir Joseph Banks Hotel is located in Anniversary Street,  in the eastern suburb of Botany, beside the Sir Joseph Banks Pleasure Grounds. The original two storey building, known as the Banks Inn, was begun in 1840 by Thomas Kellet and J Drew, in the Georgian architectural style. By the 1850s it had developed gardens, a private zoo and provision for outdoor sports. It became a popular weekend and holiday pleasure ground. About 1860, a further single storey wing was added to the east and around 1870, the north wing was added in the Victorian Italianate style, heavily ornamented with slab, parapets and two storey cast iron verandas. In 1920, the license was transferred to a new hotel with the same name, built on Botany Road. In 1926 the complex was sold and the hotel was converted into apartments.

21 comments:

  1. Classic building, it is a shame it is no longer a hotel.

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  2. What a shame its not longer a hotel. Its stunning.

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  3. Gosh, that is a beautiful place. What a work of art.

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  4. What an amazing building, must see, thanks.

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  5. Love those wrought iron railings. And such a beautiful buildings - I am trying to imagine having an apartment there!

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  6. I can't see the original 1840 part of the building, in the Georgian taste. But the Victorian Italianate additions, heavily ornamented with slab, parapets and cast iron verandas, blend in seamlessly. What a delight.

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  7. What an excellent building! The Victorian detailing is exquisite, and the verandas are stunning. A detailed look at architecture of the past is what I see - modern buildings may be more functional, but lack the fine detailing of that stylish era...

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  8. Thanks for joining PicStory with this beautiful hotel in such a nice area :)

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  9. It is a beautiful building. With such a rich history it's too bad it is no longer a hotel.

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  10. Beautiful building and great to have the story Jim.

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  11. What a beautiful building and such intricate design!

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  12. Beautiful! Wish I was there! Great photos.
    Thanks for sharing and stopping by.

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  13. I have changed my blogname and all the links are not working now. If you have a link to my blog or the button in your sidebar you have to change it, that you can reach me. Thank you soooo much for your help! :) Tina

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Thanks for visiting my blog. Please leave me a message. Jim.

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