It is rare to come across a home so enriched with history, and one that has been at the center of so many fond memories for the century it has stood in its place. ‘The Mount,’ is a truly cherished home where generations of loved ones have been privileged to come together and enjoy all of its special offerings, whilst creating its historic grace. We were fortunate enough to speak with Ken Andrews, who gave us a glimpse into his wonderful childhood, where he spent 22 cherished years, at ‘The Mount,’ more recently recognized as 42 Falkiner Crescent.
The Mount, circa 1910, came to be following the 1896 floods that took over Singleton, where Ken’s Grandparents decided to purchase a 10-acre property after having their house devastated, building a home on elevated land above town, and one that would decades on, be recognized as a phenomenal federation gem.
Built and designed by the Pryers in the early 1900s, unique features The Mount continues to hold dear have stood the test of time. These include intricately pressed tin detailing, original coloured glass windows, stunning high ceilings and the generous veranda offering a view over neighboring acres of farmland. The impeccable attention detail instilled in heritage homes such as this, is simply unable to be recreated today. Whilst the layout of the home has slightly adjusted to complement each family that has since resided at The Mount, in its original state it contained an elegantly sunlit breakfast room, the formal lounge and fireplace, 3 bedrooms, a study, the kitchen, and an outdoor toilet and make-do shower. Ken admires the functionality and character of the home, and just how impressive it is that it remains in such remarkable condition.
The unique beauty of The Mount can be noticed in both its maintenance overtime, and additional features rendered by the Andrews Family, and those that came after. Ken experienced the home throughout multiple historic eras, such as pre-electricity, and grew up with the exterior of the property used as picturesque farmland. It has also withstood significant town events, including the 1955 floods. To look back on The Mount’s humble beginnings, is to appreciate its incredible bones and its service to many generations overtime.
Arguably the most recognizable feature of The Mount is the monumental stone white staircase. It remains sitting with its grandeur flowing seamlessly down the front hill of the property. This is surrounded by beautifully mature flora and native gums today, and during Ken’s era, lead down to a sweet, pine timber cottage, which the family referred to as their beloved ‘Summer House.’ Many summer afternoon teas throughout the 1930s and 40s were shared here by the Ladies of the neighboring families and friends, making for another endearing memory that resides in the history of the property.
Now 84, Ken reflects on his years at this incredible home as ‘the happiest of times.’
A traditional family and community orientated way of life was endured, where original Singleton Families in the Andrews, Baileys, Gearys, Waterhouses and Forresters - to name a few – established and operated their family farms and came together on many occasions at The Mount to celebrate and purely enjoy the life they had created in the then, untouched part of town.
The Mount remains an icon of Singleton’s federation homes, where its exemplar architectural elegance and heritage charm has shone from one century to the next. As the exceptional property is passed on to its next owners, it will be intriguing to see the history that is to unfold here in the years to come. To put it simply in Ken Andrew’s words, ‘The Mount will always be a special place.’
You can discover this gorgeous home at the following link: THE MOUNT – 42 FALKINER CRESCENT
