Long’s Lane Presents a Once-in-a-Lifetime Opportunity to Live in One of Australia’s Most Significant Heritage Precincts

3 February 2025
Long’s Lane Heritage Terraces


Sydney-based real estate investment firm, Wentworth Capital, is spearheading a rare and historic new chapter in the story of Sydney’s iconic The Rocks district, with the Stage One sales launch of Long’s Lane Heritage Terraces (Long’s Lane), this week.

The once-in-a-lifetime opportunity allows history lovers and savvy investors to purchase a unique piece of Australia’s history within one of the country’s most culturally and architecturally significant heritage precincts.

Long’s Lane consists of 17 residences and one commercial property ranging in age from as early as circa 1806, with the buildings offering the only privately-held Torrens title houses in The Rocks. Fourteen of the eighteen properties are listed on the State Heritage Register.

The precinct is also home to one of the earliest laneways in Sydney and some of the first European architecture in Australia, including Jobbins Terrace – the earliest example of the country’s first Australian-born practicing architect in NSW, Oswald Hoddle Lewis. The collection of buildings range from the early Victorian and Edwardian architectural periods.

Wentworth Capital has embarked on a sympathetic staged renovation program to update the buildings for modern family living, in keeping with the protection and preservation of their distinctive heritage. The project will return Long’s Lane to its original intended use as a thriving residential community.

The sales launch marks a turning point in the site’s tumultuous modern history, which included plans to demolish the buildings in favour of high-rise commercial structures during the 1960s, which the government rejected following community backlash. The 1980s saw another scheme for a 800-bed hotel, which despite not proceeding, resulted in the 18 properties being merged under one title. Following the plan’s rejection, Long’s Lane became underutilised and fell into disrepair.

Wentworth Capital’s Executive Director, Paul Apostoles, expressed his excitement about this significant milestone for the precinct.

“This is a rare opportunity to own a piece of Australia’s history. We’re thrilled to bring these historic homes to market, championing the next chapter of Long’s Lane’s unique history by enabling a new generation to experience the incredible lifestyle and cultural legacy of The Rocks.”

“Each home will sit on its own Torrens title and we’re restoring the properties as individual homes again by elevating them to modern standards.

“The heritage features of each home are being meticulously preserved, recognising their importance as some of the earliest and most well-preserved examples of European architecture from Sydney’s settlement period,” added Paul.

McGrath Millers Point’s Richard Shalhoub said Long’s Lane’s unparalleled location and proximity is the best Sydney has to offer.

“Long’s Lane encapsulates the very essence of life in The Rocks, where cobblestoned laneways, heritage architecture, and vibrant community life converge. Residents will enjoy the convenience of living steps away from Sydney’s iconic Harbour, Circular Quay, and the buzzing arts and cultural hub of Barangaroo.

“From bustling weekend markets to world-class restaurants and hidden laneway bars, The Rocks offers a lifestyle quite unlike anywhere else.

“Long’s Lane is also literally on the doorstep of Australia’s largest economic hub, with Sydney’s CBD just several minutes’ walk away, making it ideal for city workers.

“Fort Street Public School’s close proximity across the street, combined with The Rock’s rejuvenation over the years also make this project ideal for families wanting to live in a highly activated precinct with something on offer for all ages,” added Richard.

Colliers’ Associate Director – Residential, Oliver Stillman elaborated on the rare opportunity Long’s Lane offered.

“In my mind, Long’s Lane’s greatest attraction is that you know the building’s stories remain etched in every brick and beam. It’s not often you have the opportunity to buy one of Australia’s first butchers shops, constructed in 1881, a former Chinese boarding house from 1868, or one of Sydney’s earliest lolly shops, for instance.

“Long’s Lane stands as a testament to Sydney’s enduring spirit, blending its past and present. From whalers and dockworkers in its early days, to modern families more recently drawn to its heritage allure, the precinct continues to tell the story of Sydney’s evolution.

“The buildings offer not just a unique residence, but a piece of living history, blending their incredible history with contemporary fixtures and fittings, to create homes that honour their heritage, while offering the comforts of modern living.

“This project marks the reactivation of a thriving residential community within Sydney’s original harbourside neighbourhood and we’re already finding potential buyers can see how truly compelling the opportunity is,” Oliver concluded.

The Stage One sales launch includes the following six unique properties:

  • 136-138 Cumberland St – a grand circa 1881 five-bedroom residence over three levels ideal for families, or use as a commercial building, with several ground floor living/office spaces. The property originally housed a butcher’s shop with a residence above
  • 130 Cumberland St – a four-bedroom terrace home over three levels from circa 1888
  • 132 and 134 Cumberland St – two charming two-bedroom two level terraces built in 1891
  • 13 and 15 Carahers Lane – two one-bedroom two level studio cottages constructed in 1996

To find out more about Long’s Lane, please contact 1800 319 219, or visit longslane.com.au.

For further details on Long’s Lane’s history, including the Heritage Impact Statement and Conservation Management Plans, download this link.