Marrickville is a large inner-west suburb bordered by Dulwich Hill, Petersham, Lewisham, Enmore, Sydenham and Tempe, with the Cooks River along its southern edge. It has workers cottages, interwar houses and a good deal of former industrial building stock, some converted to homes and studios.
Cottages, lofts and low ground
The mix is broad. Cottages have layered renovations; converted warehouses can have commercial-style drainage and services that were adapted for living. Some low-lying parts near the river are exposed to stormwater in heavy rain, which makes the handling of roof water and yard drainage more important than usual. Where a loft or studio was once a commercial space, ask what permissions and drain connections it has, and how the building is serviced.
- In low areas, keep gully grates and stormwater drains clear before storms.
- Converted spaces: ask how water, drains and hot water are shared with other tenancies.
- Cottage owners: expect mixed pipe materials after decades of patching.
In the area
Dulwich Hill and Petersham lie to the west and north-west, and Newtown is a short distance north. The Dulwich Hill guide, Petersham guide and Newtown guide describe the surrounding suburbs.
Keep reading
See the Inner West region. For drain issues, blocked drains in Sydney explains camera inspection, and the emergency guide covers floods and overflows.