10 August 2022
This week we have a very special edition of our ‘Tale of the Sale’ series. This story documents the history of the family home at 15 Goondari Road, Allambie Heights. This ‘Tale Before the Sale’ gives a special insight into the history and memories of one of the last undeveloped 828sqm blocks in Allambie Heights.
We send a special thanks to Lisa Chell, daughter of our owners, for writing this lovely piece of history for us, and the new owners to come!
Click here to see the listing on our website.
History and reflections of 15 Goondari Road, Allambie Heights
On Monday 25 March, 1964 settlement of 15 Goondari Road, North Manly (as it was known then) was granted to my parents Mr & Mrs John Charles Chell. Solicitor Primrose & Dunn confirmed the sale of the block of land with fibro garage from Mrs Mc Dougall for the amount of 1,650 pounds, proceeds of a win in one of the Opera House lotteries. A valuation provided to Mrs McDougall on 11 September, 1962 gives a value of 1,725 pounds or 2,000 pounds if the ramshackle land was improved.
The deposit of 165 pounds had been paid direct to Mrs McDougall. She was their neighbour, where they had being living at 78 Kentwell Road, North Manly with John’s mother and step-father, Mr McMurrich.
The McMurrich family moved to Allambie in 1929 onto five acres between the present Kirra Road and Allenby Park Parade. Frederick Gordon and Gladys Mary McMurrich built a galvanized iron shed on a dirt floor, with a 10 pound government grant. They already had a young family of five, with four more born in the next ten years. Obviously the shed had to have additions and the family moved to 47 Kentwell Road and then 78 Kentwell Road.
Lot 1823, an 828m2 block of land contained a garage and this is where Heather & John lived for two years while they built their three bedroom home. A land survey done on 24 February, 1964 shows the dimensions in links, which were converted to feet and inches as 60feet 8.5inches wide and 147 feet 10inches deep bordering No.13 and 148 feet 0.5 inches deep bordering No.17.
Plans for the home at No. 15 were submitted together with the same plans for No. 19 Goondari Road, which had been purchased by one of the McMurrich children mentioned above (and still in the family to this day).
Building works commenced and on 26 August 1966 ‘sanitary drainage’ was certified and on 10 November 1966 ‘sanitary plumbing’ was certified. With building works finished in 1966, the house was named ‘Brokus’ and the garage now housed their Falcon. In 1967, Anthony (Tony) was born and became a welcome addition to the family. He was followed by Leisa in 1971, making the family (and bedrooms) full.
Tony and Leisa enjoyed growing up in ‘No.15’ and attended Allambie Heights Primary School, a short bus ride up the hill. At the end of primary school Tony went to Balgowlah Boys High and Leisa to Mackellar Girls. It was an easy walk to the bus stop for both schools.
Afternoons and weekends were often spent playing with the many kids in the area. The backyard at No.15 was a favourite given its large size and gentle slope, which was perfect for our slip & slide. Manly Dam is only a short walk away and Mermaid pool was a favourite haunt. In later years both Tony & Leisa spent many a weekend water-skiing with extended family on the dam.
Mum made dinner every night in the kitchen, custom built to suit her height and to be able to easily reach whatever she needed. Unusual for the time the windows in the dining, loungeroom and bedrooms are quite large. While eating dinner or watching TV we could peak outside and see what was going on in the street. I know I spent many hours gazing out my bedroom window, being able to see the across to the bush of Manly dam.
In the early 80s dad built the stairs near the front door, so we could access ‘downstairs’ and the backyard. Prior to this we used to use the side gate at the back door. With a new access, dad then built a make-shift bar area, where we could hang as teenagers.
The home is a piece of the history of Allambie and is a big part of my life. Holding so many memories it can be hard to say goodbye. But, having established my life elsewhere I take comfort that another young family may take over the legacy of a cosy and peaceful home.
