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Photo submitted with memory
Photo submitted with memory
Sydney Water map 1888
Back of house circa 2024
Old Living space/Dining room circa 2024
Kitchen prior to sale in 2024
5 Bay St in the early 1970's
Exterior – 5 Bay St, Birchgrove NSW 2041, Australia
1970’s
Article 70’s
Photo submitted with 5 Bay St, Birchgrove NSW 2041, Australia
Exterior of the house when sold in 2024
Interior 1979
Printable house story5 Bay St, Birchgrove NSW 2041, Australia
5 Bay St, Birchgrove NSW 2041, Australia
Housetory helps communities preserve the memories, history and stories connected to homes and places.

Cover photo: 1970’s
At a glance
- StyleVictorian 1840 1890
- HeritageNo
- Current statusPrivate Residence
The story of this house
First built around 1888, with evidence suggesting construction may have begun as early as 1884.
The house appears in the 1888 Sands Directory beside a vacant block.
Although altered several times over the years, it has retained the character and scale of a small workers’ cottage.
During the 2024 restoration, extensive damage was uncovered in the rear frame, requiring major repair work.
This damage appears to have been caused by a past fire in that section of the house.
The restoration also included replacement of badly deteriorated external weatherboard cladding and white-ant affected flooring.
Description & observations
2025.
The rear of the house was refurbished and a new kitchen, bathroom and dining area installed in the space.
Damaged materials were replaced and the cottage now lovingly restored.
There was ironwork on the front verandah but unfortunately this appears missing.
Perhaps the next phase will be to locate the same or similar to reinstate?
Full story, source details and updates continue on the live Housetory page via the QR code.
Timeline highlights
A compact summary of key moments. Scan the QR code to read the full timeline online.
- House constructed
5 Bay St ( as it is known now) was likely constructed as it is shown on a map of the Sydney Water plan for Balmain in 1888.
- House constructed
5 Bay St ( as it is known now) was likely constructed as it is shown on a map of the Sydney Water plan for Balmain in 1888.
Memories, sources & further reading
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Selected photos
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https://housetory.com.au/index.php/explore/houses/5-bay-st-birchgrove-nsw-2041-australia