9 Merley Rd Strathfield

by Cathy Jones

9 Merley Rd is located on the Inveresk Estate.  This estate is a subdivision of the grounds of the house ‘Inveresk’, the residence of wealthy businessman George Begg Vickery, located at 26 Coventry Rd Strathfield.  After Vickery’s death in 1938, a plan to subdivide the grounds was prepared.  The Inveresk Estate subdivision created the western extension of Merley Road (between Dickson Street and Beresford Road) and Inveresk Park.  The subdivision plan was approved by Strathfield Council meeting on 25 March 1941. Council minutes note the roadway through the Inveresk Estate (Merley Rd extension), guttering and redrainage were completed in April 1941.

9 Merley Road Strathfield is built on the Inveresk Estate.  This estate was a subdivision of the grounds of merchant George Begg Vickery’s estate.  After Vickery’s death in 1938, his son Ottamar Vickery subdivided his father’s estate creating an eastern extension of the street Merley Road and the park ‘Inveresk Park’.  By 1941, all lots had been sold and building commenced.  A covenant was placed on the whole of the subdivision requiring a minimum cost of £1200 for any individual house.  The houses could only be built of brick and/or stone with slate or tile roofs and the minimum setback was established at 12 metres from the footpath.

In April 1941, Gilbert Gillespie purchased the land on which this house was built from Ottamar Vickery for for £475.  This house was built for its owner Gilbert Gillespie, of Stanmore, by builder Joseph Pollock of 19 Bridge St Sydney, in 1941. Approval was granted in July 1941 to construct a brick dwelling with tiled roof and internal brick partition walls at cost of £1800.

Gillespie and his wife, Florence, occupied the house until 1956 when it was sold to Alfred Richards, a draper for £8000.  In February 1960, the house was sold to William Monk, company representative for £10,850.

Reference

Department of Valuer-General, Valuation Lists, Municipality of Strathfield

Land Title Searches

Strathfield Council Building Register

Strathfield Council minutes