Family-owned and operated, The Albert’s heritage restoration was led by developer Jean Claude Branch, reflecting a strong commitment to sourcing locally and supporting Australian vintners, farmers, and artisans. With extensive experience in heritage restorations and property development across San Francisco, Macau, and Australia, Jean Claude brings a global perspective grounded in respect for local craftsmanship, ensuring guests enjoy an authentic, warm, and memorable experience.
Left abandoned and deteriorating for years, the property—once known as “The White House”—had been divided into offices for GPs and small businesses. Its balconies were boarded up, concealing the building’s original grandeur from view. It took two years for Jean Claude to carefully restore the building, returning it to its former elegance.
The Albert officially reopened in February 2020, unveiled by Mayor Caroline Corrigan. Its restored heritage features were on full display, and the building shone once more. Just two weeks later, however, the world was struck by the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite these challenges, The Albert has emerged stronger, continuing to reflect the distinctive spirit of Australia.
The Albert is one of two nearly identical freestanding buildings, origionally constructed in 1886 by Newtown carriage builders James and John Kearey as their private residences, sharing a common garden and entrance. The neighbouring residence was and still is named Boronia House. The origional renowned architectural firm was Sheerin & Hennessy, who were behind many significant buildings of the time.
This period in Sydney's history coincided with the city’s declaration as a metropolis and the granting of self-government to New South Wales. Entrepreneurs, such as the Keareys, flourished during this transformative era, which saw the rise of both industrial progress and cultural sophistication. The Keareys' ambitious vision resulted in The Albert (originally named Telopia) and Boronia House, which embodied the luxury and refinement of the period.
After John Kearey, The Rabone family, and then the Cowlishaw family, lived at 89B Cowles Road, Mosman. The house is completed in the Victorian Filigree style. The double storey verandah is an ensemble of cast iron columns, friezes, brackets and balustrades, emphasised at the centre by a gable. The iron balustrading pattern was registered as NSW design No. 90 in 1881 by Fletcher, Bennett and Frew, Sydney Ironfounders. The front boundary is marked by an unusual assemblage of stone fence, cast iron fencing and gates.