Overlooking Crystal Bay, and originally owned by Daniel Farrell, a member of the family who owned so much property in Newport, a lovely house that catered to visitors and sought to entice city dwellers to the ‘country’ was also a once famous meeting place for locals and VIP’s alike.
Named according to who owned it, and sometimes labelled to reflect the prayers of these people, a two storey house with around 25 acres of grounds, orchards, a dairy and even a rumoured still, offered excellent food and ‘superior accommodation’. Pittwater was touted as a ‘romantic spot’ during the 1870-1900s and attracted, amongst the farms and orchards that predominated Newport then, day trips for ‘excursionists’. The estuary allowed visitors to debark in calmer waters and they walked to the beach from there rather then the other way around as we have it nowadays. Steamers disgorged hundreds of visitors, some carrying up to 800 passengers. These weren’t just weekend forays into ‘The Pitt Water’, some came on Mondays, public Holidays, Thursdays or were hired to bring prospective land buyers to special one-off events of selling parcels of land with refreshments and a band as part of the occasion.
This shows it was being built or expanded in the Spring of 1882
The scene is rich with the luxuriant beauty of a New Zealand pass. Coming round the shoulder of the hill, openings in the trees betray glimpses of the deep blue waters of the lake, while the scene stretches away beyond to the high enclosing hills, in all their deep colouring, like one of Conrad Martens' pictures. A few minutes more, and the coach stops at the Newport Hotel, having accomplished the 14 miles in about two hours. At the waterside awaits the steamer Florrie. A little to the right, in a small bay, is another wharf, with a large house close by approaching completion, and destined for a boarding-house. The Sketcher. (1882, September 30). The Sydney Mail and New South Wales Advertiser (NSW : 1871 - 1912), , p. 542. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article161926095
In 1880 a man known as John Thomas Collins had leased the property from the Farrells and was host when the member for St Leonards visited;
ELECTORATE OF ST. LEONARDS. WILLIAM THOMAS MUSTON will address the Electors as under - St Leonards-Harding’s Hotel, Tuesday, 8 o'clock, North Willoughby-School of Arts, Wednesday, 8 o'clock. Manly-Bagnall's Hotel, Friday Evening, Pittwater-Newport and Collins', Monday Evening, Roll up and support an energetic Native, who has the time and ability to serac aou_milE ELECTORS OF ST'.LEONARDS. Advertising. (1882, November 27). The Sydney Morning Herald(NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 4. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13524504
METROPOLITAN QUARTER SESSIONS. THURSDAY.
The Metropolitan Quarter Sessions were resumed at Darlinghurst this morning, before Mr District Court Judge Murray
APPEAL CASE
John T Collins, of Newport near Pittwater, storekeeper, appealed against the decision of the licensing magistrates of the Water Police Court, under which he was fined the sum of £30 fir selling whisky on March 14 last, at which time he was not the holder of a publican's Licence. The grounds of appeal were that the appellant was not guilty of the offence with which he was charged, and that the evidence of the informer was not corroborated. Mr Tarloton, instructed by Mr W Roberts, sen , appeared in support of the appeal, and Mr Backhouse and Sub-Inspector Atwell appeared to show cause why it should not be allowed In a great measure the case was a rehearing, but some additional evidence was given Sub Inspector Attwell gave evidence to the effect that appellant’s premises presented the appearance of an hotel, and that he had found considerable quantities of liquor, together with many glasses, there Evidence was also called to prove that so far as a man named Walter Love was concerned liquor had been sold and paid for at the place. Appellant contended that it was untrue that any such sale had taken place, and called witnesses in support of his contention but it was admitted that he was in the habit of giving people liquor and not charging them for it. The Judge said that he did not intend to upset the decision of the magistrates because he believed, from the evidence now produced, that it was perfectly right. The place was a sly grog shop of a very common character. Those who lived m towns were not aware of the existence of such places, but those who travelled through the country know that they had been carried on for years In fact, there was a strong impression is the minds of some persons that the Act was an unfair one, and that they could sell liquor with impunity but the law was that such persons if they broke it, must be fined. He would uphold the decision of the magistrates, and would also allow £5 of costs for counsel against the appellant
Sarah Ann Collins, wife of the above named appellant, appealed against a similar conviction against her The evidence was of the same character as thatin the preceding case sub inspector Atwill deposed to having found liquor on the premises, and Walter Love proved that ho had purchased a bottle of whisky from appellant the contention of appellant was that the whisky was obtained by Love under false pretences for another person who was a lodger, his conviction also was upheld, and costs were given against the appellant. METROPOLITAN QUARTER SESSIONS. (1883, June 15). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 3. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13536960
The Farrells daughter Sarah was married to this man and they seemed keen to establish Newport as a holiday destination and ran a coach from Manly wharf to this house; Hawkesbury ' RIVER. Visitors wishing to see the beautiful scenery on the noted Hawkesbury, second to none in the world for scenery and beauty, can start from Sydney pier FRIDAY, 2 15 pm. steamer to Manly. Farrell's coach from Manly 3 15 to Newport, where passengers will find comfortable apartments for the night at Collins' Retreat. Advertising. (1883, December 19). The Sydney Morning Herald(NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 2. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13548655
The Scott’s bought the property and 25-52 acres from Benjamin James in 1886, who had only recently purchased (1885) the house and 110 acres of land from Daniel Farrell around the time he was being labelled an ‘insolvent’ and disposing of various holdings:
SECOND MEETING. Re Daniel Farrell, adjourned second meeting. One debt was proved. The insolvent was examined by Mr. Stephen, official assignee,' as to his expenditure during the six months prior to the date of the sequestration of his estate. From April to August Farrell lodged with his sister at Moore Park, but he did not pay her anything for board and lodging ; witness, about the end of 1885, leased a Jaree farm at Goulburn of Mr. F. L. Rossi, to whom ho paid £800 a-year; witness then had property worth £5000 ; that property was sold through Hardie and Gorman to Mr. Benjamin James ; witness had spent the proceeds of the stylo; his bank account would show how he expounded the money; the property consisted of 110 acres of land at Pittwater, which witness sold to Benjamin James at £22 per acre ; INSOLVENCY COURT—FRIDAY. (1887, October 22). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 7. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13677542
David Scott had previously worked as a portrait photographer and artist in the city but may have moved his wife and family out here in order to help an ill Dorcas Scott (nee Dickson) recover from an ongoing illness. They were married in 1860 with the marriage registered at Paddington:
SCOTT—DICKSON—November 28th, by special license, at the residence of the bride's father, by the Rev. James Adam, Mr. David Scott, of Sydney, to Dorcas, fourth daughter of Mr. Joseph Dickson, Waverley. Family Notices (1860, December 8). Sydney Mail (NSW : 1860 - 1871), p. 5. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article166695538
Dorcas and David had six children, two daughters who died, one in infancy and the other at nine years of age, and David J Scott 1861 – 1926, Herbert Scott 1869 – 1934, Minnie Scott 1875 – 1956 and Leighton Scott 1879 – 1961.
He continued taking photographs, including local events such as cricket matches at Mona Vale into the 1900's. His speciality, according to him, past earlier portrait photography, was capturing scenes.
Mr. FREEMAN begs to announce the completion of some important alterations in his Studio, more especially in the distribution of light, thereby avoiding the glare so frequently a subject of complaint ; and at the same time producing a more artistic and pleasing portrait.
Mr. FREEMAN invites particular attention to his INSTANTANEOUS process, for Children and Nervous Sitters.
Photographs enlarged and finished, in Oils, Water Colours, or Crayons.
B. WILLIAM BRADLEY having sold his business to his old and valued friend Mr. DAVID SCOTT, has great pleasure in recommending that gentleman to his numerous patrons, and respectfully begs to assure them that Mr. David Scott will be certain to produce portraits in all reflects equal to those taken by himself, as, in addition to his natural taste and long experience as an artistic photographer, Mr. Scott is in possession of the entire formula and processes used by Mr. Bradley with such great success. And, in addition to this, Mr. Scott has been thoroughly initiated into the exact method of operating practised by Mr. Bradley, and having now taken all the portraits at the above establishment for the last nine months. Many of these portraits being finer than anything that has hitherto been produced in Sydney, Mr. Bradley trusts that this may be taken as a guarantee of Mr. D. Scott's great ability. In conclusion, Mr. Bradley begs to thank his patrons for their favours, to kindly bestowed upon him for so many years past.
P.S.:The business will be carried on as usual under the same name of William Bradley, in order to avoid mistake.
London, November 12, 1869
Advertising (1870, January 29). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 2. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13199690
Portrait photographs by David Scott of Pitt Street, Sydney] [picture] / David Scott. Courtesy State Library of Victoria. and back of cards to show information there - first circa 1870.
TO THE EDITOR OF THE HERALD.
Sir,-In a report of the Fine Arts at the Exhibition, viz, photography, contained in this morning's Herald, terms of praise are attached to photographic portraits exhibited by a Mr. Montague Scott. I beg to state that it is an error, for if you will kindly refer to the Catalogue you will see that no photographs are exhibited by the above, The commendation was no doubt intended for me. As you will see by Catalogue, Class 495, No. 2536, that I exhibited both plain and coloured photographs, which have been highly commended by the judges, and as I have already suffered in my business through the mistake in the names, I will feel obliged if you will correct the mistake in your report to save me from suffering still further through it.
Your attention to the above will oblige yours, respectfully,
DAVID SCOTT.
140, Pitt-street, September 27th.
TO THE EDITOR, OF THE HERALD. (1870, September 28). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 3. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13222066
BUIST and SON.-Pianofortes, harmoniums, concertinas, &c, tuned and repaired. 235, George-st. ESTABLISHED 30 years.
PHOTOGRAPHY.-DAVID SCOTT (successor to William Bradley), Artist Photographer, 140, Pitt street, Sydney. Awarded Prize Medal. Advertising (1872, July 22). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 1. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13260819
(1878, October 26). Australian Town and Country Journal (Sydney, NSW : 1870 - 1907), p. 8. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-page5668734
Louisa Ewer, ca. 1871-1879 by photographer David Scott. Image no a4215042h, courtesy State Library of NSW.
Advertising (1879, January 18). Australian Town and Country Journal (Sydney, NSW : 1870 - 1907), p. 42. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article70934466
Portrait photographs by David Scott of Pitt Street, Sydney] [picture] / David Scott, 1857-1885. Courtesy State Library of Victoria. and back of cards to show information there - first circa 1870- 1880.
Sketches at the Camp.
BY means of the instantaneous photography process, worked out by Mr. David Scott, photographer, 416, George-street, Sydney, to whom we are indebted for the sketches, our artist has been able to reproduce several pictures taken during the camp evolutions at Windsor. Of the proceedings he says :
On reaching Windsor by train about 11 a.m., at which hour the cool atmosphere is so refreshing, for which Windsor is so famous, I strolled down to South Creek, where willows line its banks, and under the shade of which the engineers under the direction of Captain Parrott constructed a pontoon bridge which spanned South Creek. The bridge was made of casks and miscellaneous timber, the whole structure being of sufficient strength to carry men and stores (as in engraving). I believe the bridge was never tested for carrying a load, but came in as practice for the engineers.
During the morning (after parade), an arrangement having been made for an attack upon and defence of the camp, the attacking party, under the direction of the commandant, marched for open ground the defence force under the command of Lieut.-Colonel Wilkinson being left in the camp, and piquets shortly stationed for its defence, some of which took shelter in one of the trenches (see engraving) -which had been thrown up by tho engineers. Shortly afterwards guns were heard in tho direction of the railway. The defending party at once brought their guns into position to bear on the spot where the enemy had been discovered. As the attacking party, advanced steadily over the hill towards the camp rifle and gun shots were exchanged, becoming pretty lively, as may be seen detailed in the engravings. The right flank of the attacking party, bore on the left flank of the defending party the effort being made with strong force, but which was met by the two guns in camp. The artillery fire of the camp held the enemy in chock for a few moments, but they were overwhelmed by the enemy's infantry, and the invaders gained the day. The bugle was then sounded for mustering, and, after general salute, the troops dispersed to their different quarters for dinner and for cleaning arms.
Another sketch shows some of the engineers at dinner, the centre gentleman doing the amiable to the loaf of bread, powder seeming to sharpen the appetite, if we may judge from the smiling expression on the different countenances. After packing up traps and departing for home by the evening train, an elderly lady beguiled us on our way by a lecture on the noise of those horrid guns, during which I fell asleep, which ended for the time being all remembrances of the Easter camp.
The location of the mimic battlefields of Windsor is certainly among the most charming of situations for the purposes of an encampment. The pictures descriptive of the sham fights are exceedingly : characteristic, and show our citizen soldiers at their best. The sham battles by day were exceedingly well conducted, and were witnessed by many thousands of spectators in weather that was simply beautiful, so that the enjoyment was thorough, throughout, both on the part of our citizen soldiers and on the part of the visitors who flocked in large numbers from Sydney, Windsor, and Richmond to witness the manouvres. The night attack on tho camp, the feint being made from the railway, and the real attack from tho rear of tho camp, was perhaps one of tho best episodes yet witnessed in the colonies in connection with volunteer work, and reflected high, credit on all concerned. Ab the dinner given to Ministers on the ground by the staff officers, the Premier expressed himself in the highest terms of praise at what he had witnessed, and Sir Edward Strickland, K.C.M.GK, stated that in his opinion our volunteers were among the finest in the world. The Colonel-Commandant from Tasmania and Commodore Erskine, of H.M.S. Nelson, spoke to the same effect ; and generally speaking there can be no doubt that the late Easter Encampment was the most successful that has ever been held in New South Wales. Sketches at the Camp. (1884, April 26). Australian Town and Country Journal (Sydney, NSW : 1870 - 1907), p. 19. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article71011048
During the first two years of his proprietorship he kept the name ‘Bay View House’ in all advertisements but advertised the property, and its ‘curative’ aspects as ‘Scott’s Sanatorium’ in the years 1891-1892. This may have been an appeal to the advert readers but also may denote his wish that his wife be cured. He also seemed to be in charge of renting another, smaller cottage.
TO CAMPING PARTIES.-To LET, at Newport, Pittwater, a two-roomed COTTAGE, plainly furnished, rent £1 per week. Apply D. SCOTT, Newport, Pittwater. Advertising. (1888, January 14). The Sydney Morning Herald(NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 21. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13675912
NEWPORT, Pittwater, a Lovely Place, the Saratoga of Australia.-Superior Accommodation. D. Scott, Newport Advertising. (1888, January 30). The Sydney Morning Herald(NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 3. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13677690
Above: Scott's' guest house at Newport (NSW) 31/12/1908 Pic No 18526_a024_000031, Below: Tables at Scotts Guest House, Newport (NSW) Pic No: 18526_a024_000106 Below This: View from Scotts Guest House at Newport PIc No: 18526_a024_000098, Under This; View towards Bayview from Scotts guest house at Newport Pic No: 18526_a024_000053 All dated 31/12/1908 and from the State Records of NSW
Advertising. The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954) Saturday 16 November 1889 p 20 Advertising ... spot.
-Superior ACCOMMODATION, Bay View House, salt water swimming bath, boats, &c. D. D. SCOTT
SCOTT'S SANATORIUM, Newport, Pittwater.
Delightful place" ; the place for a day or a month. All Particulars BULLARD and CO., George-street, city. Advertising. (1891, August 22). The Sydney Morning Herald(NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 2. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13835936
From a Family History:
The hotel was a big boarding or guest house, and soon became a show place. A herd of milk cows supplied all dairy products: some red meat, pigs, poultry and pigeons were kept in large numbers. Any game bird could be ordered and local fish was a speciality. The vegetable garden and orchard also supplied the enormous kitchen. Scott's Hotel, Newport, was a culinary delight, well patronized by those who could afford such luxuries. Their motto "the best table and service north of Manly".
The cellar provided wines and spirits which had no equal on the northside. It was locally said that they brewed some of their own - a common practice in those times. Others claimed that a still existed behind the cow paddock and creek, where a strong palatable spirit was made and approved of by local judges using the "tongue and lip" method.
Horses were bred in the cow paddock, others out on agistments. On maturing they were sold to local coachmen. The horse-drawn coach from Narrabeen terminated at the hotel in Princess Street.
A cactus hedge was planted to the waters edge. Flame and pine trees were scattered about. Level green lawns like billiard tables were everywhere. Croquet court and the grounds were kept spotless, so were the staff. Tremendous parties were organised for well known families, business houses and clubs. Chinese lanterns, fairy lights, bunting and streamers decorated the grounds. An orchestra played in the garden, beautifully gowned women danced with partners in white tie and tails. Honeymooners and holiday makers came from all over New South Wales. Many garden seats faced the water view. As the seats could not be seen from the Hotel, these lovers seats gave privacy. Scott's Boarding House and Crystal Bay, 1925. From; http://dicksonvearingcrawford.com/Dorcas_Dickson_1839-1892.html
Advertising (1891, December 21). The Daily Telegraph (Sydney, NSW : 1883 - 1930), p. 2. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article235935132
After Dorcas’ passing from cancer in 1892, David Scott has another managing the premises:
SCOTT.-April 19, at her residence, Newport, Pittwater, Dorcas, the beloved wife of David Scott, aged 52 years. Family Notices. (1892, April 20). The Sydney Morning Herald(NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 1. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13861711
Advertising (1892, December 31). Australian Town and Country Journal (Sydney, NSW : 1870 - 1907), p. 45. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article71208194
David Scott was among those wanting to see Newport ‘Go ahead’ as a developing area and spoke at a meeting at Newport Hotel in favour of a railway link to Newport, not only because it would bring more visitors but also encourage more residents;
Mr David Scott said he felt convinced that a line of railway from North 'shore to Pittwater would yield as good a return as any line in the colony, for the cost of construction and working would be very small, whilst the passenger traffic would be very large from tho crowds of visitors to the district at holiday time he had often heard expressions of wonder at a place so beautiful and attractive being so little known, and so ill provided with means of communication with the metropolis AND; He said four years ago he formed a high opinion of the prospects of the Pittwater district and despite the lapse years that opinion had been strengthened and confirmed. It was part of his business to discover the beauty spots of the colony but he had not yet come across a place that could compare with Newport in the matter of natural beauties and attractions there were thousands of visitors to the district, and although this was a matter of congratulation it was residents rather than visitors that were wanted… RAILWAY MEETING AT NEWPORT. (1890, June 23). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 3. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13799804
Above: Last: Walking towards Newport Beach Pic No: 18526_a024_000069, dated 31/12/1908 and from the State Records of NSW
Minnie and Leighton were both named as the first children to enrol at Newport Public School when that opened in May of 1888.
After 1892 the business flourished under then 18 year old daughter Minnie Scott.:
Minnie Scott, keeper of a boarding-house at Newport, wished to correct evidence she had given. She had not had this place for 18 years, but only since she was 18 years of age. She gave evidence respecting the dates Mr. J. B. Dalley had visited her house and the dates Mrs. Dalley had been there. DIVORCE COURT. (1905, November 23). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 4. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article14741607
It’s reputation rose under her stewardship, despite those who used the premises for alleged illicit purposes, and became a place for honeymooners, community celebrations and was famous for its ‘fish dinners’. By 1896 the mortgage on the premises had been discharged and the business thrived as a place for honeymooners or more exclusive parties. Steamers landed people at their own jetty on Crystal Bay and it was one of the places to be on New Year's Eve.
This description sounds a little alike the cottage available for rent at Scott's, although it could have been Lovett's Bay too:
PITTWATER.
I will write and tell you about a delightful holiday Flo and I had a few weeks ago. We had grown rather tired of the Mountains, and thought a seaside place would be a change, so at last we decided on Pitt-water. We started one Friday afternoon, and, catching the 3 o'clock boat to Manly, reached it in plenty of time for the Pittwater coach, which left Manly shortly after 4 o'clock, and arrived at Pittwater in time for dinner.
Although we had a 12 miles' drive by coach, still we did not find it a tiresome one, for the road was good all the way ; besides, the scenery was so beautiful. All along the route there was something interesting to look at. Now we were passing through a forest of tall trees and beautiful cabbage-tree palms, and wild flowers growing in great profusion ; and then suddenly we were confronted in all its grandeur by the ocean itself. And so on we drove, until Church Point, which is as far as the coach goes, was reached, and we found ourselves on the shores of Pittwater.
We had made arrangements beforehand as to what coach we would come down by, so we weren't surprised on leaving the coach to find a small motor launch waiting to convey us to our destination.
Above: Barretts' launch at Newport, Dated: c. 31/12/1908, Digital ID: 18526_a024_000028, courtesy State Records of NSW
After about 10 minutes in the launch we entered a pretty little bay surrounded almost by mountains, and picturesquely situated on the side of one of these was the cottage which was to be our abode for the next ten days.
Next morning we awoke early and made a tour of inspection, and were delighted with the place, for, besides having a nice orchards, cows, poultry, plenty of milk, eggs, cream, and oysters, we discovered a bathing-place securely fenced off and boats if we cared to fish or row.
After break-fast the little launch in which we had come across in the previous evening, and which belonged to the house, was waiting at the pier to take us to see some of the beauty spots round about. That morning we went up as far as the Barrenjoey Heads, which are the entrance to it from the ocean side. On the South Head is the famous Barrenjoey lighthouse. Then we went round Lion Island into Brisbane Water, on to the mouth of the Hawkesbury River, and on our way back landed at Barrenjoey to inspect the light-house, and thence homewards, after having spent a most enjoyable day.
Next day we went in quite an opposite direction, and soon found ourselves in the Kuring-gai Chase. Leaving the launch, we followed the path up the mountain. At first we anticipated rather a dreadful climb, but soon the beauty of the flowers and ferns attracted our attention, and so onward we pressed until the summit was reached. Sitting down, we gazed on the surrounding scene — one of the most glorious I had ever looked upon. Down beneath us was the water sparkling like diamonds in the Summer sunshine, and jutting out into it a large isthmus richly clothed in all its beautiful verdure and foliage ; whilst studded here and there among the trees were tiny cottages. Then further on Church Point, and Scotland Island appear-ed ; and still further on Bayview and Newport. And so our days were spent exploring new places, picnicking, and fishing, until at last the morning came for our departure homewards. And it was rather unwillingly that we bade farewell to beautiful Pittwater. Our board, which was very good, indeed, cost us 30s a week; and as there were two of us, and we stayed ten days, it came to £4 6s, a slight reduction being made for staying over the week. The coach journey cost 6s return for the two or us, and out fares by tram and ferry Is each, making in all £4 14s. This covered everything excepting tips, but as everyone has his or her idea on that subject I thought it best to leave that item out.— CONSTANCE (Enmore). PITTWATER. (1906, December 23). Sunday Times (Sydney, NSW : 1895 - 1930), p. 4 (The Sunday Times Magazine Section). Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article126553173
David Scott passed away in 1913, the death was registered at Manly:
SCOTT.— February 15, 1913, at his residence, Newport, David Scott, aged 78 years. Family Notices (1913, February 17). The Daily Telegraph (Sydney, NSW : 1883 - 1930), p. 6. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article238627286
An old identity was lost to the Pittwater district by the death of. Mr. David Scott, of Newport, whoso remains were interred at Waverley Cemetery on Monday. Mr. Scott, who had formerly carried on .business as a photographer in Sydney, went with his wife and family to reside at Newport nearly 30 years ago, and purchasing a house situated on the Isthmus that divides Pittwater from the ocean, opened a boarding-house, which for a quarter of a century has been visited by cyclists and other travellers going north from Manly. PERSONAL. (1913, February 22). The Daily Telegraph (Sydney, NSW : 1883 - 1930), p. 12. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article238617462
Scott's Hotel had it's peak from 1918-1930, during which time it specialised in fish meals. The 1930 depression adversely affected the Hotel. Bert worked for Clifford Love and Company, he and his wife took over from Minnie, stayed a couple of years then left. The Kemp family were the next managers. World War II changed everything. A Mr McClintock lived permanently at Scott's Hotel.
Mr Douglas rented a section not in use for residence. Soon after the property was demolished as further development in the area took place. Perhaps the last advertisement;
SCOTTS HOTEL Newport Xmas and New Year Accommodation Vacant for a limited number of guests Mona Vale 41 for particulars. Advertising. (1932, December 7). The Sydney Morning Herald(NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 4. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article16935781
Black and white postcard of Scott's, circa 1900. Photo Courtesy of Pittwater Image Library, Mona Vale.
Henry King Photographs, courtesy National Library of Australia and Pittwater Image Library Mona Vale, c. 1880-1890. Top: Bay view House, Newport NSW. Below: Pittwater from Bay View House. All by Henry King.
Bayview House from Loftus Point, Newport. circa 1880-1890 (Later named Green Point and site of present day RPAYC.) 
Crystal Bay December 2011. Above: Looking towards Green Point. Below: Looking from Green Point across Crystal Bay.
