SYDNEY.-The magnificent house 'Bellevue' on the shores of Blackwattle Bay in Glebe, has been submitted for entry to the National Heritage Awards.

"This stunning 19th Century villa has undergone a painstaking $1.32 million restoration, which has successfully brought the Victorian era home back to its former glory," said Lord Mayor Clover Moore MP.

"Heritage is vital to the people of Sydney and the restoration of 'Bellevue' is a demonstration of the City's commitment to preserving the best of our past."

Bellevue, located in Blackwattle Bay Park, Glebe was designed c.1896 by local architect Ambrose Thornley Jr.

The house was used as a residence until the late 1930s and formed part of the Vanderfield and Reid Timber Yard with an adjoining building until the 1970s. 'Bellevue' was almost 'accidentally' demolished by developers until devoted locals stepped in and saved the historic site.

A high mesh fence and barbed wire enclosure around the site was erected by Leichhardt Council, in 1970, with gates and bars in openings to stop vandalism and graffiti.

The rescue of this heritage building has been a long held dream of the local community.

Years of neglect rendered 'Bellevue' almost unrecognisable, until the City restored the stunning home with intricate tessellated tiling, a new slate roof, traditional plaster cornices and dramatic paintwork.

Experienced architects Lacoste + Stevenson were involved in the restoration along with City Plan Heritage and Northrop's Engineering and an award winning Gary Waller from G + C Waller Builders, who helped to restore the building over 12 months. The project was finished in 2007.

"The City of Sydney helped the people of Glebe realise a long-held dream to see 'Bellevue' as it stood a century ago. This restoration marks the completion of Stage 3 of the City's $15 million redevelopment of Glebe Foreshore," the Lord Mayor said.

The National Heritage Awards will be announced at a presentation lunch on 7 April, with Bellevue in the 'Build Heritage Project over 1 million dollars' category.