Page 19 - Built on Integrity

Formation The 1920s and 1930s

Moidart

Location
Bowral
Awards
John Sulman Medal 1937
Client
James Burns

Architect
Wardell, Moore & Dowling
Architects

Moidart, Bowral, 1934.

Built in Bowral for James Burns in 1934 at a cost of room. A smaller sitting room with a verandah
£18,000, the house was occupied by early February was where the family spent most of their time.
1935. Austin secured this job after building a house One wing was a garage which could
for a well‑known Sydney lawyer, A O Ellison. The accommodate 4 cars. The house comprised
architects were so impressed by the quality of 10 bedrooms, 4 for family, 2 for guests and
Austin’s work they asked him to build Moidart. 4 for staff. It also included a large kitchen, laundry
Before construction could start, the top of the and boiler room and, something which was very
hill on which the house was to be built had to be uncommon at the time, a built‑in bathroom.
removed and levelled, a task which required more The construction of the garden commenced
than a few locals who were grateful for the work at the same time as the house and it is still
in Depression Era Bowral. one of the best gardens in the Southern
The rather grand house incorporated Highlands—a classic garden set over 5 acres
a 2-storey central structure with a substantial wing which includes rare and specimen plants.
on either side. The entrance to the house was via The architects of the house were awarded
a porte-cochere, through which guests would pass the Sir John Sulman Medal in 1937.
to the central entrance hall and into a large drawing

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