The Architectural Stylings of Inner West Sydney

Cultural Landmarks

Built-in 1870, there is no more Australian landmark than a pub. Hosting Happy Hours, serving classic steak and chips and offering free pool games on Mondays, this pub is as classic as it gets. There’s no better place to unwind than their beer garden, which provides a modern twist on one of Balmain’s most iconic facades. An iconic Victorian-style facade and interior that shapes the style of not just its own street but those surrounding it. Whether you’re a thirsty tourist or looking to admire one of the most iconic facades in Sydney, the London Hotel is a must-see.

Stanmore House 

A new heritage-listed landmark, this must-see was first built from 1847 to 1855. Sporting a Colonial Regency facade featuring a gable “break” in the centre, this building has been stunning for over 150 years. This iconic work by Henry Robertson is not just beautiful, though; it remains an architectural relic that reminds us of the former stylings of Stanmore and Newtown before they became such heavily commercialised areas.

Ashfield Park

The heavy contrast between the park’s many leafy palm trees and memorials to wars past really sets the tone for the suburb: A heavy contrast. For anyone touring Australia, this park is a must-see, offering a combination of history, beauty, and nature all in one place. The park sets the tone for the streets that line the suburb, a mixture of mid-century homes, Victorian-era mansions, and Federation homes in between. If you’re looking to live somewhere with open outdoor spaces and sights, Ashfield might be for you.

Leichhardt Town Hall

It’s not often that an Australian council decides to build in a Victorian Italianate style, but Leichhardt has, and it pays visual dues. A must-see building off the beaten track, locals and future locals live in Leichhardt to see facades like that of the Town Hall. The pastel colouring of the town hall truly stands out and will even remind you of Notting Hill in the way it brightens the surrounding sky. If you aspire to live where the strings are played regularly, building in Leichhardt is a must, with several orchestras playing at the hall regularly.

Balmain

For those who want nothing more than to go down to a waterside pub on a Friday, there is nowhere better than Balmain. This classic suburb is home to young professionals and artists seeking to make a name for themselves in the world. The shopping streets are lined with heritage facades, Victorian terraces, and sandstone cottages, filling the suburb with a rich history. Conversely, as you travel out from the town’s centre, you’ll find more modern, contemporary and coastal facades that have almost washed up on Balmain’s shore. 

Stanmore

One of Australia’s greenest suburbs, Stanmore is the best place in the inner west to raise a family. Although not the newest-looking suburb, Stanmore excels in character with its Federation-style homes lining the streets. Even though you won’t find much in the nouveau styles of architecture, there are occasional standout spaces that contrast while also fitting in. Facades that are modest but modern can excel in this area as long as they prioritise natural light and make good use of the surroundings in mind. 

Rodd Point

If you’re looking to build anew in Inner West Sydney, this may be the place. With streets lined with gorgeous new builds, Rodd Point is one of those places where you can have it all. A beautiful new facade, a fantastic view, a friendly neighbourhood and a short trip to the CBD. Coastal style dominates the shorelines of the suburb, while classic federation homes sneak in around the centre of Rodd Point.

Is it Worth Moving to Inner West Sydney?

If you live in trendy, up-and-coming suburbs yet value the historical stylings of Australia’s past then there is no better place to move to or build than Inner West Sydney. With a variety of different vibes, local schools, and transport straight to the CBD, Inner West Sydney is a fantastic place to live. If you’re looking to build in Inner West Sydney, consider a home build consultation with IMSU to create a home that complements, rather than clashes with, the surrounding suburbs’ styles.