Located close to the Sydney CBD, the Simpsons Boutique Hotel building was erected in 1892 and in the  English Queen Anne style during the Arts and Crafts Movement of that period, typified by its many nooks and crannies, and use of red brick and moulded timber as distinct features. It was designed by renowned Victorian Architect John Bede Barlow, who also designed similar houses, ‘Keadue’ in nearby Elizabeth Bay Road and ‘St Kevins’ in Queen Street, Woollahra at the same time, as well as "St Canice's" Catholic Church in Elizabeth Bay.

The other Barlow houses are still standing in excellent condition.

 

“Simpsons” was originally known as ‘Killountan’ and actually consists of two adjoining buildings – the main house at the front and a servants’ wing at the rear. The rear wing originally had kitchens and service areas on the ground floor and staff rooms on the first floor above with an internal servants staircase. Photos of the original owners can be seen in the front sitting room, together with pictures of the property taken about 1900.

 

During the 1930’s the property was divided into six apartments. The internal grand staircase was removed and access to the first floor obtained by an external staircase built onto one side of the building. Many internal hallway arches were bricked in and some of the original mouldings damaged. The original entrance porch was removed and replaced by a bathroom. Fortunately, these items were stored safely and  most of the original stained glass windows survived intact and undamaged.