During the 1800's, the Blue Mountains became a popular summer retreat for Sydney's upper class. Summer heat, combined with overcrowding and lack of proper sewerage, made the city a very unpleasant place. The odour, which blew over to the upper class regions, was widely believed to carry such diseases as cholera, typhoid and smallpox.

The Blue Mountains were widely regarded, and promoted, as a sanatorium. (Blue Mountains as a Sanatorium: click here.) Or, better still, as a place to avoid disease in the first place.

John Fairfax was the founder of the Fairfax media group, whose current interests include the Sydney Morning Herald. His country residence at Mt Victoria features the verandahs typical of Australian country architecture, with the upper one no doubt commanding a fine view and receiving a healthy dose of sunshine throughout the day. However, the building was originally single storey; the upper level and various extensions being added by Mr Cooper. The observation tower is an interesting, and appropriate touch.

This historic building is located across the park from Mount Victoria railway station.

Courtesy Blue Mountains City Library - Local Studies Collection