The chairman of the Anglican Property Trust, Dr Robert Tong, says an initial offering of the neo-gothic mansion ‘Bishopscourt’ in Darling Point, has been encouraging but no buyer has yet emerged.
‘Bishopscourt’ (formerly Greenoaks) was built in the mid 1840s by prominent colonial businessman Thomas Sutcliffe Mort. It was the official residence of the Archbishop of Sydney from 1911.
A sale was first mooted in 1982, but it was not approved by the Synod of the Diocese until 2012.
“Synod authorised a five-year window for the sale” Dr Tong said “because we always knew this might be a lengthy process.”
Archbishop Glenn Davies, who was elected in 2013, did not move in to the property upon appointment because of the impending sale process and the need for minor renovations.
The renovations are now scheduled for August and September, and the Archbishop will take up residence before the end of the year.
The ‘sale window’ authorised by the Diocesan Synod lasts until October 2017 but could be extended.
“We believe the significance and stature of the building, together with its unparalleled location will eventually attract the right buyer.” Dr Tong said.
‘Bishopscourt’ is listed on the Register of the National Estate and is one of the most significant properties in Sydney.
