Greenoakes | State Library of New South Wales

Greenoakes

Greenoakes (later Bishopscourt), was the home of Thomas Mort, a flamboyantly wealthy man. His sense of extravagant style is evident in the design of Greenoakes. Renowned for its picturesque Gothic Revival style, landscaped gardens and art gallery, Greenoakes was the showpiece not only of Darling Point but of the whole of Sydney.

After buying the Darling Point land in 1846, Mort employed architect F.J. Hilly to convert the original cottage into a grander residence. Then, in 1859, Edmund Blacket was employed to make additions and extensions to the house. Selections from Blacket's plans are shown here.

Since 1911 Greenoakes has been the residence of the Anglican Archbishop and is now called Bishopscourt. It is still regarded as the finest Gothic Revival residence in New South Wales.

T.S. Mort residence "Bishops Court" [i.e. Bishopscourt] formerly "Green Oaks", Darling Point, c.1860, plans by Blacket & Sons Architectural plans PXD 207v.1/91-104

T.S. Mort residence "Bishops Court" [i.e. Bishopscourt] formerly "Green Oaks", Darling Point, c.1860, plans by Blacket & Sons Architectural plans PXD 207v.1/91-104

T.S. Mort residence "Bishops Court" [i.e. Bishopscourt] formerly "Green Oaks", Darling Point, c.1860, plans by Blacket & Sons Architectural plans PXD 207v.1/91-104