In 1977, artist Annette Meikle undertook a commission to illustrate a book recording stories of places and people in the Bayside area. It was published in 1978 as Sandringham Sketchbook, with text by Elizabeth Waters. The sketches were intended to record remaining examples of Bayside’s early architecture and environment, as well as reflect newer architectural changes. Meikle went on to donate 22 of these sketches to Bayside City Council in 2003. Black Rock House was built in 1858 by wealthy land dealer and politician Charles Hobson Ebden as a holiday home on 112 acres of virgin scrub, taking in the area of present day Balcombe Road, Beach Road and the line of Keating Street. The house included four bedrooms, a cellar, stables and a courtyard enclosed in castle-like sandstone walls. It was named Black Rock House after Black Rock Castle near Dublin, associated with Mrs Ebden’s childhood.Annette Meikle, Black Rock House 1977, ink and watercolour, 33 x 53.5 cm. Bayside City Council Art and Heritage Collection. Donated by the artist, 2003annette meikle, sandringham sketchbook, elizabeth waters, black rock house, black rock, charles hobson ebden, architecture, historic house