There’s something about the “heritage” look that sandstone gives buildings. Be it a cosy cottage or a larger structure, this much-loved classic is perfect for creating a style that’s as timeless as it is durable.
It’s got that Downtown Abbey feel about it, and for good reason. With the light hitting the rugged edges of stone, its tones of caramel and honey become an impressive sight that lasts.
But why has it become so popular?
British structures have long adopted sandstone and it’s also made its fair share of appearances in TV series’ and movies across the globe. Mostly, this is because the Sandstone gives a modest and homely appeal to a home, and often gives a nostalgic vibe that resinates during filming.
For some, the fact that sandstone buildings are usually heritage listed and provide an “old-world” feel is also highly appealing. But they can be limiting due to the nature of needing approvals from councils to get any further alterations done.
The historical appeal
In Australia, Sandstone is an abundant resource. It has been used in Sydney for hundreds of years, with many buildings and structures having this foundation since the end of the 1790s. Major historic landmarks in the Sydney CBD and surrounding suburbs traditionally used stone quarried from beneath the buildings themselves. Sydney “yellow block”, an oxidising and now rare stone material was easily accessible and used by the convicts to create the beautiful and timeless masterpieces that still stand today.
These days, however, the property market is reviving the use of sandstone across the country, combining the traditional material in modern finishes and profiles testing the limits and exploring the versatility of Australian Sandstone. Notorious for giving a “prestigious” look to homes, real estate trends are seeing values increasing for properties boasting this foundation. On average, sandstone houses are generally worth 10 per cent more than others—so the obsession does not come without good reason.
Adding value across the board, sandstone also pays tribute to colonial Australia, giving rich thermal capabilities and acoustic properties. With its elegant touch and charming appeal, the natural substance is likely to stay a crowd favourite for many more years to come, no matter the generation.