Bomera & Tarana

Item details


Name of item:	Bomera & Tarana
Other name/s:	Boomera, Taranah
Type of item:	Built
Group/Collection:	Residential buildings (private)
Category:	Mansion
Location:	Lat: -33.8657861134 Long: 151.2247024030
Primary address:	1 Wylde Street, Potts Point, NSW 2011
Local govt. area:	Sydney
Local Aboriginal Land Council:	La Perouse

Property description

Lot/Volume Code	Lot/Volume Number	Plan/Folio Code	Plan/Folio Number
LOT	1	DP	1053056
LOT	3	DP	1053056
		CP/SP	70368

All addresses

Street Address	Suburb/town	LGA	Parish	County	Type
1 Wylde Street	Potts Point	Sydney			Primary Address

Owner/s

Organisation Name	Owner Category	Date Ownership Updated
Aremob Pty Ltd	Private

Statement of significance:


	Although Bomera and Tarana are significant in their own right, a great deal of their cultural significance lies in their relationship to each other. The buildings are significant because they provide a rare example of a pair of adjacent houses constructed for two successive generations of an important Australian family. Bomera and Tarana provide good examples of the nineteenth-century houses of the Potts Point area. Their survival in relatively intact condition, when virtually all their nearby contemporaries have fallen, is quite remarkable. Together they provide a waterfront component of the former nineteenth-century waterfront houses stretching from Darling Point to Potts Point. The precinct is also important because of their joint use as Naval Fleet Headquarters, Eastern Australian Command, during and after the Second World War and for its continuing association with the Navy (Freeman 2000).
	Date significance updated: 23 May 00
	Note: The State Heritage Inventory provides information about heritage items listed by local and State government agencies. The State Heritage Inventory is continually being updated by local and State agencies as new information becomes available. Read the Department of Premier and Cabinet copyright and disclaimer.

Description


Designer/Maker:	John F. Hilly (Bomera, 1856); Edward H. Buchanan; Sheerin & Hennessy (3rd storey 1907)(Tarana,1889)
Builder/Maker:	John Alexander Oag (Tarana); Wheelwright & Alderson (1907)(Tarana)
Construction years:	1856-1889
Physical description:	3700 square meter (0.37ha) combined site (bought by Fernandez, 2001 (Blok, 2013). A pair of Victorian marine villas (oriented with their main faade overlooking the harbour rather than the street). Bomera and Tarana - Landscape setting: Bomera was constructed as a marine villa on the prominent headland areas of Potts Point to take advantage of the harbour views, which extended from the western elevation through 180 degrees to the eastern side, which faced towards the Heads. Marine Villas such as Bomera, and other villas erected on land fronting Sydney Harbour, differed in their orientation in that they faced towards the harbour in contrast to villas on more urban sites. Although Bomera, and its neighbour Tarana, clearly retain their orientation and limited views and some garden, physical links with the waterfront recreational areas have been severed. Tarana and Bomera occupy a site reduced in area by the impact of harbour works including the Cowper Wharf Roadway in 1911 and the formalisation of Wylde Street and the extension of Garden Island Dockyard from 1941. Bomera however, continues to make a prominent contribution to the Wylde Street frontage in association with Tarana, and to the harbour setting, and is a valuable cultural link with other mid to late nineteenth century marine villas in the Potts Point area. The latter include its neighbour Tarana, and Jenner and Elizabeth Bay House. Tarana, Jenner and Elizabeth Bay House are listed in the RNE at file numbers 1/12/036/232, 60 & 205 respectively. Site elements and buildings are considered separately (AHC, 1978). Bomera - Site elements: 2000 square metres (SMH, 12-13/3/2011). 2156 square meter block (Blok, 2013). The grounds of Boomera occupy a prominent position at the northern most tip of Potts Point. They were established c.1856 contemporary with the residence and include mature gardens, trees and statues designed as an intrinsic part of the house and estate (LEP, 2000). Bomera's house was designed with two directions in mind - Woolloomooloo Bay and the harbour to the north. Access from the south resulted in service areas, including stables and servants quarters, being located on the south side. Unlike later marine villas the main entrance from the carriageway was on the western side overlooking the harbour. The early Sydney roads were poor and arrival by water on the foreshore would have conferred a sense of status and the opportunity to impress by the extent of their gardens and recreational settings. The location of this main entrance to the west allowed both of these options. The original carriageway alignment remains in place with its stone edging. The two storeyed ashlar sandstone stables building remains in place at the entrance from Wylde Street. Garden elements include one of the original carved stone dogs, an 1890s iron picket fence, mature pine trees, two Californian desert fan palms (Washingtonia robusta), a Canary Island date palm (Phoenix canariensis), grass terrace at the rear (north-western) facade, a hedge demarcating a change of level to lower terraces, a swimming pool on the lower northern terrace, stone boundary walls and a tuckeroo tree (Cupaniopsis anacardioides)(Stuart Read, 26/3/2012). Sandstone bust of Lord Nelson in Bomera's garden was originally in the gardens at the Annandale Estate of Commander Robert Johnson, one of the first Australian-born officers serving in the Royal Navy (LEP, 2005). In the landscaped grounds are an eight-car garage and a three bedroom cottage (Block, 2013). Bomera - House: A marine villa located above Cowper Wharf Road concealed at street level by the large retaining wall, but prominent from the water. It is a two storey residence of Victorian Italianate style located on a prominent site on the Potts Point peninsula. This is a rare building type within Sydney and forms an important association with the other villas Elizabeth Bay House, Tusculum, Rockwall, Jenner and Tarana (adjacent.) It is a remnant of the marine villas that were sited relative to the water and determined the prestige residential status of the Potts Point peninsula in the nineteenth century and for its contribution to the waterscape of Potts Point. The building is well resolved in its design and is particularly noted for its well detailed timber stair and the two storey ballroom with musicians gallery supported on cast iron brackets. The building has great potential to be restored to this key period of occupation, with original fireplaces and cornices remaining extant. Some finishes and partitions conceal original fabric. The building is significant for its more recent long term association with the Navy. The restrained classical sandstone facade on the western side is articulated with quoins to the corners and pilasters to the entry. The entrance itself is defined by a main symmetrical stair and porch. The 1875 two storey curved projecting ballroom wing protrudes forward on the south. The windows and doors are vertical with flat heads and bracketed entablatures over. The roof is slate and the 1875 chimneys are intact. The north facade to the water has a two storey verandah with cast iron railing to the upper level above a masonry loggia which has infilled an earlier open court. The asymetrical plan reflects that of the main wing with its central hall and stair. Three rooms open onto the verandah which is also accessed by a central stair. The plan arrangement is intact. The timber stair is well detailed and the ballroom has been restored. Category: Individual Building. Style: Victorian Italianate. Storeys: 2. Facade: Sandstone, Rendered brick. Side/Rear Walls: Sandstone, Rendered brick. Internal Walls: Plastered brick. Roof Cladding: Slate tile. Internal Structure: Load-bearing walls and timber beams. Floor: Timber joists & boards. Roof: Timber framing. Ceilings: Soaring moulded decorative plaster. Wide skirting boards (Blok, 2013) Stairs: 2. Fire Stairs: 1 (LEP, 2005). Bedrooms: 5; Kitchen: Provincial style; Formal rooms, including a dining room with space for a table seating 14 people (Blok, 2013) Ballroom with parquetry flors, two fireplaces, a bar and musicians' gallery (Blok, 2013) Pool and Spa in grounds Six car garage (SMH, 12-13/3/2011). A two-storey, Italianate styled building which reflects the design and planning of classically influenced double pile houses erected in the first half of the nineteenth century. Such houses often featured a single storey loggia between projecting bays and an entrance vestibule wider than other circulation areas. At Bomera the loggia is expressed at ground floor level on the north side with the first floor expression of the verandah continued in cast iron. The loggia illustrates Hilly's use of large arched openings in verandahs. The vestibule is centred on the western side to provide access to the central corridor. The ground floor level is expressed externally by a rusticated base. The main elevations feature three bay elements picking up the rhythm of the western breakfront with its projecting porch. Classically detailed, the porch is supported on piers flanked by stone sphinxes. The projecting bays on the north side include large three bay sash windows with narrow projecting balconies at first floor level. The central loggia/verandah space features three arched openings supported by masonry piers with pilasters and classical detailing. This classical detail is reflected in the arched detailing of the timber sash windows. The corners of the fine sandstone ashlar masonry are defined by quoins. The southern limit of the original building appears to have been defined by the central corridor. A low, partly excavated basement, accessed from the northern side of the building, was used to store perishables. Two periods of extension are apparent. In 1876 J F Hilly extended his original design by the addition of an upper verandah, with cast iron supports, on the northern side. On the southern side a ballroom, with curved external corners and an internal decorated cast iron gallery, was added opposite the northern verandah. The ball-room features a coffered timber ceiling and originally a glazed rooflight. The rectangular apse at the southern end held an organ. The ballroom features three bay clerestory lighting and classically detailed fireplaces in keeping with the overall Italianate idiom of the house. At the north east corner an open, two storey loggia, entered from the breakfast room, was also added. In keeping with the concept of the marine villa, rooms opening onto the verandahs and loggias feature French doors. By 1902 Bomera was extended at its eastern side in the Federation style by the addition of a servants' wing, bridging the gap between the stables and the house, and reflecting the line of the open loggia added in the 1870s. This was removed in 1941 with the exception of two rooms adjoining the house. The two storey loggia appears to have been infilled at this time. The main roof is hipped with a slate covering. The wide eaves retain the original timber soffits with supporting modillions and fascias largely intact. Later additions, including the ballroom, are roofed with a combination of slate and copper, the copper replacing an earlier lead covering. The building retains most of the original timberwork, including stairs, architraves and doors, and internal plaster finishes, including cornices, intact. Internal surface finishes have been mostly lost. The ground floor hall and stairs are in white marble with slate dividing strips. Some basement floors have been replaced in concrete. Evidence of the social functioning of the house is provided by a servants' bell in the north-east ground floor room and the suite of smaller rooms added in 1876. Bomera - Stables: A two storeyed ashlar sandstone building on an L-shaped plan erected in two stages. In keeping with the main house the roof is hipped with slate cladding. The building has some intact windows and joinery at first floor level, although some new door openings and windows were inserted during World War Two. The use of stone for the stables building, which also functioned as a coach house, clearly states the importance of the building as the point of entry to the site (AHC, 1978). A two storey ashlar sandstone building with a hipped roof form, to the south of the main Bomera building. The stables present original sandstone external wall facades featuring extant heads and sills to some windows and a hipped slate roof with original eaves including fascias, soffits and soffit mouldings. The south elevation was treated as the prime side of the stables and the crook of the east and west wings enclosed the main stables-related working area. This elevation features window heads and sills to larger first floor window, WWII opening and sill to small window, original window frames and sashes and a recycled small window frame and sash at first floor level. The Western elevation was the least important side of the stables building and was originally a totally blank and recessive faade. After successive additions and alterations during and after WWII it has reverted back to its original state and now features blank original sandstone block external walls. The Northern elevation originally comprised a faade that was largely devoid of features. It generally features sandstone external walls with some original and early openings filled in during or after WWII. The doors and windows added during during the 1942 works remain (LEP, 2005). Tarana - Setting: Tarana is located above Cowper Wharf Road, concealed at street level by the large retaining wall, but prominent from the water. It comprises a three storey residence of Victorian style, located on a prominent site with water views on the Potts Point peninsula. It contributes to the waterscape of Potts Point in particular its relationship to the adjacent Bomera. Marine villas are a rare building type within Sydney and it forms an important association with the other villas Elizabeth Bay House, Tusculum, Rockwell, Jenner and Bomera (adjacent.) Tarana is a remnant of the marine villas that were sited relative to the water and determined the prestige residential status of the Potts Point peninsula in the nineteenth century. It is an important work of E H Buchanan and was residence for two generations of the McQuade family, an important early Australian family. The design is well resolved and particularly noted for its main wing which contains an off centre stair in the central hall, and two paired rooms opening onto the verandah... There is some archaeological potential within the house and grounds (LEP, 2005). The garden has a grass terrace at the rear (north-western) facade,with trees and shrubs to the northern side, hedges demarcating changes in level and a Canary Island date palm (Phoenix canariensis) prominent (Stuart Read, 26/3/12) Tarana - House: c1889 home in Victorian Italianate style. Private entrance area, reception foyer, marble powder room. Large ballroom is now living/dining room with domed ceiling, stained glass, frescoes. Now converted to three apartments in a security garden complex, including a large sunny garden and a heated swimming pool/spa. Large additional open plan mezzanine study / office / library. Granite gas kitchen, breakfast island, internal laundry. Oversized bedroom wings, marble ensuites, built-in wardrobes, parquetry and polished timber floors, ducted air conditioning. Master ensuite bedroom with free standing bath and underfloor heating Northerly private level lawn, sandstone paved terrace, gas fired bar-b-que. Double security parking (Wentworth Courier, 18/7/2012). Private entance area, reception foyer, marble powder room. Versailles parquetry and polished timber floors, ducted air conditioning, granite European kitchen, breakfast island, internal laundry (Richardson & Wrench, Wentworth Courier, 6/2/13).l The south facade has a main symmetrical three storey wing with servant wings stepped along the boundary to the east. The 1907 two storey ballroom wing protrudes forward on the west. The windows and doors are vertical with flat heads and bracketed entablatures over. The roof is slate with the 1907 chimneys intact. By contrast the north facade to the water has a three storey verandah where the cast iron has been replaced by timber detailing. The servant and ballroom wing is set below the main roof. Two paired rooms open onto the verandah which is also accessed by a central stair. A fire stair is located adjacent to the verandah. The asymetrical plan reflects that of the main wing with its central hall and off centre stair. The plan arrangement is intact with some original features including the timber stair, fireplaces, and vestibule arches. Category: Individual Building. Style: Victorian Italianate. Storeys: 3 + basement. Facade: Rendered brick. Side/Rear Walls: Rendered brick. Internal Walls: Plastered brick. Roof Cladding: Slate Tile. Internal Structure: Loadbearing walls and timber beams. Floor: Timber joists & boards. Roof: Timber framing. Ceilings: Decorative plaster. Stairs: 2. Fire Stairs: 1. Lifts: None (LEP, 2005). 1889 Victorian Italianate villa, restored and adaptively reused as three apartments. One has north-west aspect and wide views including harbour and Sydney Opera House. Garden forecourt leads to a private portico entrance. Extensive verandahs with tesselated tile floors, cast iron balustrades and half columns on masonry bases. A garden including lawn area, palm and other trees, a common area swimming pool/spa. Double security parking. Grand formal living rooms (2 marble fire places and high ceilings). Four bedrooms and 3.5 marble bathrooms, internal laundry, built in storage. Polished timber/marble floors (Richardson & Wrench, real estate advertisement, 9/3/2011).
Physical condition and/or Archaeological potential:	Bomera: The building retains its original plan layout. In altered condition - some restoration work undertaken. Some rooms have been further partitioned. Modifications have removed or concealed original fabric but the original hall, stair and main rooms onto the verandah are largely intact. The verandah has been modified and a fire stair added. The grounds to the building have been extensively modified.. Some archaeological potential exists within the house and grounds (LEP, 2005). Tarana: There is some archaeological potential within the house and grounds. Tarana was completely restored and refurbished and converted to 3 residential units, and a basement carpark constructed (LEP, 2005).
	Date condition updated:14 Mar 11
Modifications and dates:	Bomera: 1856-1858, 1875, 1902 (LEP, 2005); 2003: restoration under Graham Brooks & Associates (SMH, 12-13/3/2011). Catelan ownership to 2019: modern kitchen, bathrooms, custom-fitted walk-in wardrobe (Miller, 2019, 46). Tarana: 1888-1889, 1907 (addition); 2001: D2001/5 approved 5 January 2001 for refurbishment of 3 heritage buildings & construction of a new basement carpark to accommodate 6 vehicles and the award of heritage floor space; 2003: U2003/5 approved 14 March 2003 allowed subdivision of the site formerly known as 1 Wylde Street into 3 lots, being 1, 1A and 1B Wylde St. Tarana is located at 1A Wylde Street (LEP, 2005)
Further information:	Bomera constructed in 1856; Bomera: High Significance: Pre-1875 exterior fabric of the building and significant pre-1875 interior spaces, including 1875 two storey curved projecting ballroom and original living and bedroom space. Medium Significance: All other interior spaces including bathrooms and stores. Low Significance: Timber verandah modification and post 1875 additions and modifications, such as room subdivisions (LEP, 2005). Tarana: High Significance:Pre-1907 exterior fabric, form and fabric of the pre-1907 interior spaces in particular the vestibule, stair grand verandah rooms and ballroom. Medium Significance:All other interior spaces. Low Significance: Timber verandah modification and post 1875 additions and modifications (LEP, 2005).


Current use:	residential - redundant defence purposes
Former use:	Aboriginal land, residences; offices

History

Historical notes:

Aboriginal history:
The "Eora people" was the name given to the coastal Aborigines around Sydney. Central Sydney is therefore often referred to as "Eora Country". Within the City of Sydney local government area, the traditional owners are the Cadigal and Wangal bands of the Eora. There is no written record of the name of the language spoken and currently there are debates as whether the coastal peoples spoke a separate language "Eora" or whether this was actually a dialect of the Dharug language. Remnant bushland in places like Blackwattle Bay retain elements of traditional plant, bird and animal life, including fish and rock oysters.

With the invasion of the Sydney region, the Cadigal and Wangal people were decimated but there are descendants still living in Sydney today. All cities include many immigrants in their population. Aboriginal people from across the state have been attracted to suburbs such as Pyrmont, Balmain, Rozelle, Glebe and Redfern since the 1930s. Changes in government legislation in the 1960s provided freedom of movement enabling more Aboriginal people to choose to live in Sydney (Anita Heiss, "Aboriginal People and Place", Barani: Indigenous History of Sydney City http://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/barani).

The Aboriginal name for Potts Point is Derrawunn (Sydney City Council, 2019).

Darlinghurst Ridge /Woolloomooloo Hill:
In the 1830s the whole area from Potts Point to Kings Cross and up to Oxford Street was known as Darlinghurst - probably named in honour of Governor Ralph Darling (1824-31)'s wife, Eliza. The rocky ridge that extended inland from Potts Point was called Eastern or Woolloomooloo Hill from the early days of white settlement. The earliest grant of land on Woolloomooloo Hill was made to Judge-Advocate John Wylde in 1822. In 1830 Wylde sold six of his 11 acres on the Point to Joseph Hyde Potts, accountant to the Bank of NSW, after whom Potts Point is named.

By the late 1820s Sydney was a crowded, disorderly and unsanitary town closely settled around the Rocks and Sydney Cove, with a European population of around 12,000. Governor Darling was receiving applications from prominent Sydney citizens for better living conditions. The ridge of Woolloomooloo Hill beckoned, offering proximity to town and incomparable views from the Blue Mountains to the heads of Sydney Harbour.

In 1828 Darling ordered the subdivision of Woolloomooloo Hill into suitable 'town allotments' for large residences and extensive gardens. He then issued 'deeds of grant' to select members of colonial society (in particular, his senior civil servants). The first 7 grants were issued in 1828, with the other allotments formally granted in 1831.

The private residences that were built on the grants were required to meet Darling's so-called 'villa conditions' which were possibly determined and overseen by his wife, who had architectural skills. These ensured that only one residence was built on each grant to an approved standard and design, that they were each set within a generous amount of landscaped land and that, in most cases, they faced the town. By the mid-1830s the parade of 'white' villas down the spine of Woolloomooloo Hill presented a picturesque sight, and was visible from the harbour and town of Sydney (State Library, 2002).

The name of the suburb [Potts Point] honours a self-made man, Joseph Hyde Potts, who was employed with the Bank of New South Wales when it initially opened for business in 1817. Before the arrival of the settlers, the Point was known by a variety of names, among them Paddy's Point, Kurrajeen (or Curageen) and Yarrandabbi. The last two are Aboriginal names and "Paddy" may have been Patrick Walsh, who received a grant of 30 acres here in 1809 (Graham Brooks & Associates, 2001, 14-15).

Bomera & Tarana:
Bomera:
The subject site formed part of the land grant to Judge-Advocate John Wylde (after whom Wylde Street is named) in 1822, which comprised 11 acres of land at the northern end of the Point." (Graham Brooks & Associates, 2001, 8).

William McQuade (Sr.), merchant of Windsor, first purchased land at Potts Point in June 1856. He also purchased adjacent allotments including one to the east, on which Tarana was built by 1889 and a second lot to the south in June 1857. McQuade also purchased four other sites in 1858 with the result that his land stretched along Wylde Street to Victoria Street. Early title documents refer to minor works and a boat harbour on Woolloomooloo Bay (AHC, 1978). McQuade also helped establish Randwick Race Course (Blok, 2013).

The term 'villa' was first used in England in the 17th century, partly from the Latin and Italian 'country house, farm', perhaps derived from the stem of vicus (village). The villa was a country mansion or residence, together with a farm, farm-buildings, or other house attached, built or occupied by a person of some position and wealth. It was taken to include a country seat or estate and later a residence in the country or in the neighbourhood of a town, usually standing in its own grounds. From this is was appropriated by the middleof the 18th century to mean a residence of a superior type, in the suburbs of a town or in a residential district, such as that occupied by a person of the middle class, and also a small, better-class dwelling house, usually detached or semi-detached. The term 'villa garden' was used in the context of Hobart and Sydney residences in the 1830s, and if near the coast or harbour, the appellation 'marine villa' was often applied. Australian origins probably date from the grant conditions applied to Sydney's Woolloomooloo Hill (1827, under Governor Darling), which obligated the construction of villas fulfilling certain conditions... 'with garden like domain, and external offices for stables and domestic economy' (John Buonarotti Papworth, 1825, quoted in James Broadbent's 1997 book, 'The Australian Colonial House'). Many gardens of 19th century villas followed Gardenesque conventions, with garden ornaments often complementing the architecture of the house. The term had acquired such widespread usage by the 1850s that when Jane Loudon issued a new editiion of her husband (John Claudius Loudon)'s 'Suburban Gardener and Villa Companion' (1838) she merely entitled the revised work 'The Villa Gardener' (1850). This coincided with a growing period of suburbanisation in Australia with consequent fostering of the nursery trade... By the 1880s, descriptions of Australian villas implied sufficient room for a lawn on two or three fronts of the residence. By the 1920s, a garden attached to a large suburban house was often described as a villa garden... after WW2 the term villa was rarely used..(Aitken, 2002, 619-20).

McQuade occupied and cleared the land [on which Bomera and the stables stand] in 1856 and commenced construction of Bomera the same year. The complex consisted of a two-storey building designed as a house by architect John Frederick (J.F.) Hilly (who lived up hill at 'Campbell Lodge' and designed Carrara (now Strickland House, Vaucluse) in that same year, Fiona (now Ascham School, Edgecliff) seven years later. Fiona and Bomera have identical front elevations (HMAS Kuttabul, 1986) and constructed in sandstone in the early Italianate style, as well as a two-storey building originally serving as a stables and a coach house, also in sandstone (Graham Brooks & Associates, 2001, 14-15).

Tenders for construction of the stables/coach house were probably let in July 1857 and for the boundary wall, iron fence and gates in September 1857. There is no record of the date of completion of construction of stables or boundary elements, but they appear in a survey map of 1865 (ibid, 15). The stables, coach house, boundary walls and fences were completed by 1865 to designs by Hilly (AHC, 1978). Bomera's builder is not known (LEP, 2005).

The Australian Subscription Boat Club was built on McQuade's land at Potts Point in 1861. By 1862 McQuade had reclaimed large areas from the bay on which he erected a bathing house and pool, approached by steps, to the north of the future site of Tarana. The northern areas of the site had been developed as a garden, with the land to the west serving as a kitchen garden. The term 'marine villa' was employed in the Sydney Morning Herald when sub-divided land was offered for sale in the 1860s and clearly demonstrates the importance given to the social and recreational opportunities offered by the foreshores. A gatehouse was erected in 1865 on Wylde Street (AHC, 1978).

In 1867 a further grant allowed additional reclamation of foreshore areas and the construction of a new jetty in 1876. An octagonal summer house had been erected by 1875 as well as two flagpoles, an iron picket fence along the foreshore and two stone statues of dogs. In 1876 tenders were called by Hilly, for erection of a ballroom, with a timber floor and other additions (AHC, 1978).

Major modifications were made to the building and grounds, almost certainly in 1876. These included the billiards room, the large central room on the south of the building and a second stone jetty. The works may also have included construction of the two-storey extension at the north-west corner of the building. Hilly has been confirmed as architect for these works (LEP, 2005).

By 1884 the new foreshore areas included a tennis court.

William McQuade Sr. lived on his country property 'Fairfield' at Windsor, which was built for the Cox family. This survives today surrounded on two sides by a golf course. McQuade built his own private race course which is now the site of Clarendon Racecourse (just east of Richmond). McQuade Sr. died in 1885. He had three sons - William (Jr.), Frederick and Henry (HMAS Kuttabul, 1986).

Following the death of William McQuade in 1885 the estate was divided. Land south of Bomera went to William James Hale McQuade (the eldest son) and land to the east of Bomera to (William's son) Arthur Frederick Hale McQuade. Henry Michael Hale McQuade inherited Bomera (see below). Arthur Frederick Hale McQuade was left money with whichTarana was erected adjacent to Bomera by 1889 for him and his family. The construction of Tarana in 1889 led to the destruction of structures associated with Bomera including sheds and glasshouses (AHC, 1978). Fairfield at Windsor was left to Henry, the youngest son (HMAS Kuttabul, 1986).

The three sons studied at Cambridge and studied pipe organ under the great masters in Europe. William brought a Bryceson pipe organ back from Manchester and installed it in Bomera's ballroom, Henry brought back from England a Hunter pipe organ and installed it in Fairfield. After William Jr.'s death in 1901, Frederick transferred the organ from Bomera to the ballroom of Tarana in time to entertain the officers of 'The Great White Fleet' (which visited Sydney) in 1908. Eventually this organ was sold to St.Brigid's Church, Marrickville, where it remains in fine voice. Henry's Hunter organ is in St.Matthew's Catholic Church, Windsor. Mrs McQuades's monument is the imposing and largest monument at the front entrance of St.Matthew's Anglican Church, Windsor (HMAS Kuttabul, 1986).

In 1890 much of the south-west corner of the Bomera site was acquired by the state government. The former Boat Club, walls and steps in this area were removed in the subsequent works for new wharfage. This action followed the state government's acquisition of the whole of the Bomera property in 1910 following the McQuade's 11 year battle to force the purchase of the whole of the site. In 1917 the building was acquired by the Sydney Harbour Trust (AHC, 1978).

The building was either occupied by members of the McQuade family or leased as a residence until c.1902. At this time it became a boarding house, and works involving the adaptation of the building to its new use were carried out. The architects responsible for these works were Sheerin and Hennessy (LEP, 2005).

In 1902 Bomera had been extended by the addition of servants rooms to the northern side of the stables building creating a wing at right angles to the original building and linking with the main house. This new wing appears to have been designed by the architectural practice of Sheerin and Hennessy. Sections of this wing were removed, when the complex was modified by the Navy, in the post-war years (AHC, 1978).

From 1902 until 1941 the house was used to provide boarding accommodation. Various changes were effected during this period including partitioning and the addition of stairs and external walkways to the stables. The ballroom was converted to a dining room (AHC, 1978).

In 1911 ownership was transferred to the Sydney Harbour Trust. During this period Bomera was sub-leased and physically subdivided (LEP, 2005). In 1911 the Cowper Wharf Roadway was implemented reducing the area of the gardens above the existing retaining wall, which subsequently became the southern side of Wylde Street in 1941. Extensions to Wylde Street were implemented in 1941, which until then had been a cul de sac terminating outside the Bomera stables. The new road alignment encircled Bomera and Tarana isolating them from the foreshores (AHC, 1978).

In June 1941 it was acquired by the Commonwealth Government for Naval use. Throughout the period of Commonwealth ownership the building with Tarana served as Sydney Naval Fleet Base Headquarters (offices), Eastern Australian Command. During the war parts of the building's interior were returned to a form basically similar to that in which they existed prior to acquisition by the Sydney Harbour Trust in 1917, except for the south-east wing and their servant's wing, which were almost totally removed (LEP, 2005).

The stable building was modified to accommodate ambulances with internal and external changes to the house and its finishes to reflect operational needs.

In 1955 a bust of Lord Nelson was placed in the garden north of the house. Until the 1980s the ballroom was used for court-martial hearings when most administrative functions were transferred to the new Maritime Command Centre at Garden Island. The property remains under Navy occupation (AHC, 1978).

Since the war a considerable amount of partitioning and other works have again taken place, with detrimental effects to the significant fabric of the building. The building is, however, still substantially intact, and sufficient documentary evidence exists to enable works to be carried out to preserve and enhance its heritage qualities (LEP, 2005).

In 2001 manufacturer-turned property developer Jorge Fernandez and his wife Monica bought Bomera and Tarana from the Department of Defence. Bomera was restored by heritage architects Graham Brooks & Associates (Blok, 3/2013) as a single residence, with its former stables converted into a three-bedroom cottage (Macken, 2019, 4).

After two years on the real estate market, Bomera has sold to Queenslander Leanne Catelan, daughter of property mugul Ray Catelan, the entrepreneur behind real estate database RP Data (Blok, 3/2013). In 2019 the property was placed on the real estate market (Macken, 2019, 4). She has updated Bomera as well as restoring it (Miller, 2019, 46).

Bomera sold in 2019 to steel magnate Sanjeev Gupta (Nicholls, 2016).

Tarana:
Tarana was built as a private house between 10th November, 1888 and 9th December 1889, for Arthur Frederick Hale McQuade. The architect was probably Edward Harman Buchanan, and the builder John Alexander Oag (LEP, 2005).
Along with Bomera Tarana was constructed for leading Sydney families at a time when the Darlinghurst-Potts Point ridge and the adjacent waterfront was the location of mansions of the affluent (LEP, 2000).

It became the Ashford Ladies College between 1890/91 and 1894/95, and reverted to used as a single private residence until 1919. Major modifications to the building in 1907 by Sheerin and Hennessy included the addition of a third storey to the buildings. The ballroom extension and portico, and rebuilding of the bathing house boathouse may also have been executed at this time.

In 1917 Tarana was acquired by the Sydney Harbour Trust, and during this period of ownership was subdivided into flats. In June 1941 the building was acquired by the Commonwealth. Throughout the period of Commonwealth acquisition the building served as Naval Fleet Headquarters, Eastern Australian Command. During the War the building's interior was returned to a form basically similar to that in which it existed prior to acquisition by the Sydney Harbour Trust in 1917, although the verandahs, the billiards room ceiling and the site elements were lost.

Since the war a considerable amount of partitioning and other works have again taken place, with detrimental effects to the early fabric of the building. The building is nevertheless substantially intact, and sufficient documentary evidence exists to enable works to be carried out to preserve and enhance its heritage qualities. Areas of archaeological potential include the southern portions beneath the house, and the roof space (LEP, 2005).

In 2001 manufacturer-turned property developer Jorge Fernandez and his wife Monica bought Bomera and Tarana from the Department of Defence. Tarana was converted to three luxurious apartments, which Fernandez subsequently sold (Blok, 2013).

In 2013 owner Leanne Catelan, daughter of late property data pioneer Ray Catelan bought Bomera. She oversaw a restoration and modernised the kitchen and bathrooms. In October 2019 she sold it to billionaire steel tsar Sanjeev Gupta (Nicholls, 2019, ).

In 2019 Bomera was sold to steel tsar Sanjeev Gupta (Nicholls, 16/10/2019).

Historic themes

Australian theme (abbrev)	New South Wales theme	Local theme
1. Environment-Tracing the evolution of a continent's special environments	Environment - naturally evolved-Activities associated with the physical surroundings that support human life and influence or shape human cultures.	Gardens-
1. Environment-Tracing the evolution of a continent's special environments	Environment - naturally evolved-Activities associated with the physical surroundings that support human life and influence or shape human cultures.	Introduce cultural planting-
1. Environment-Tracing the evolution of a continent's special environments	Environment - naturally evolved-Activities associated with the physical surroundings that support human life and influence or shape human cultures.	Changing the environment-
1. Environment-Tracing the evolution of a continent's special environments	Environment - naturally evolved-Activities associated with the physical surroundings that support human life and influence or shape human cultures.	Cultural: Cliffs and escarpments influencing human settlement-
1. Environment-Tracing the evolution of a continent's special environments	Environment - naturally evolved-Activities associated with the physical surroundings that support human life and influence or shape human cultures.	Cultural - Coasts and coastal features supporting human activities-
1. Environment-Tracing the evolution of a continent's special environments	Environment - naturally evolved-Activities associated with the physical surroundings that support human life and influence or shape human cultures.	Modification of terrain-
2. Peopling-Peopling the continent	Aboriginal cultures and interactions with other cultures-Activities associated with maintaining, developing, experiencing and remembering Aboriginal cultural identities and practices, past and present.	Cadigal tribe - Eora nation-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings	Gardens demonstrating the travels and sojurns of a gardener-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings	Landscapes of urban amenity-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings	Landscapes and gardens of domestic accommodation-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Accommodation-Activities associated with the provision of accommodation, and particular types of accommodation – does not include architectural styles – use the theme of Creative Endeavour for such activities.	Housing the prosperous - mansions in town and country-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Accommodation-Activities associated with the provision of accommodation, and particular types of accommodation – does not include architectural styles – use the theme of Creative Endeavour for such activities.	Gentlemens Mansions-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages	Developing suburbia-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages	Developing towns in response to topography-
7. Governing-Governing	Defence-Activities associated with defending places from hostile takeover and occupation	Involvement with the Second World War-
7. Governing-Governing	Defence-Activities associated with defending places from hostile takeover and occupation	Involvement with the Second World War-
7. Governing-Governing	Defence-Activities associated with defending places from hostile takeover and occupation	Naval establishment or involvement-
7. Governing-Governing	Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities.	Sydney's colonial settlement; Shipping-
7. Governing-Governing	Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities.	Developing roles for government - public land administration-
7. Governing-Governing	Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities.	Administering ports and shipping facilities-Includes maladministration.
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Outdoor relief-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Sea baths-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Activities associated with relaxation and recreation-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Going boating and sailing-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Gathering at landmark places to socialise-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Social institutions-Activities and organisational arrangements for the provision of social activities	Developing local clubs and meeting places-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Social institutions-Activities and organisational arrangements for the provision of social activities	Developing exclusive clubs-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Social institutions-Activities and organisational arrangements for the provision of social activities	Developing clubs for social improvement-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Sport-Activities associated with organised recreational and health promotional activities	Boating-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Sport-Activities associated with organised recreational and health promotional activities	Private sporting facilities-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with Governor (Mjr-Gen., later Gnl., Sir) Ralph Darling and Eliza Darling, 1826-1830-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with John Frederick Hilly, architect-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with William James Hale McQuade Jr., merchant-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with John Wylde, Judge Advocate to the Colony, landholder-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with Edward H. Buchanan, architect, builder, businessman-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with William McQuade Sr., merchant-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with Arthur Frederick Hale McQuade, merchant-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with Henry Michael Hale McQuade, merchant-

Assessment of significance


SHR Criteria a) [Historical significance]	Bomera is the oldest remaining building at the northern end of Potts Point and one of the oldest in Potts Point. Tarana was the last house house of its type constructed in the same location in the nineteenth century. Although the houses are significant in their own right, a great deal of their cultural significance lies in their precinct relationship to each other. The buildings are significant because they provide a rare example of a pair of adjacent houses constructed for successive generations of an important Australian family. (Freeman)
SHR Criteria c) [Aesthetic significance]	Bomera is significant as an early example of the Italianate Villa style and because its designer, John Frederick Hilly, was one of the most important Sydney architects of the nineteenth century. Tarana retains fine original joinery, fireplaces, plaster mouldings and leadlights typical of the period. Also, because it may have been designed by Edward Harman Buchanan, it is a good and rare example of his house designs. The Bomera and Tarana precinct provide an important visual focus at the extremity of the Point when viewed from the Harbour. (Freeman)
SHR Criteria d) [Social significance]	Bomera has considerable social significance having been built for William McQuade, a leading member of a family of importance in the social, cultural and political development of early Sydney. Tarana was built for a member of the next generation of the same family. The precinct is a rare survivor of the nineteenth century period of the Potts Point area. The precinct is also important because of the use of the houses as Naval Fleet Headquarters during and after the Second World War and for its continuing association with the Navy. (Freeman)
SHR Criteria e) [Research potential]	The Bomera Tarana precinct (particularly Bomera) contains remnant sites of archaeological significance, relating to the former foreshore gardens and structure to the Harbour. (Freeman)
Integrity/Intactness:	Generally complete, with alterations.
Assessment criteria:	Items are assessed against the State Heritage Register (SHR) Criteria to determine the level of significance. Refer to the Listings below for the level of statutory protection.

Recommended management:

Bomera: General: A conservation plan should be prepared to guide the future use and maintenance of the place. The overall form of the building should be conserved. The building should continue to be used for residential accommodation, and any new uses should retain the original planning arrangement relatively intact. Limited scope for development exists within the grounds to the south, but should be of a low scale which has no impact on the curtilage or vistas to and from the harbour. The stone facade should remain unpainted. The existing rendered masonry and windows should be painted in appropriate colours. Exterior: All remaining intact exterior fabric should be retained. Any future development should preserve the existing form and external surfaces and materials of the facade. Accretions which are significant to understanding the history of the building's use and do not detract from the primary significance should be retained. Future refurbishment should attempt to recover significance by reconstruction of the pre-1902 condition of the house and its grounds. Door and windows openings should not be enlarged or closed in. Interior: All remaining intact interior fabric should be retained, in particular, its original fireplaces and cornices, its well detailed timber stair, and the two storey ballroom with musicians gallery supported on cast iron brackets. Significant remaining intact interiors as noted should be protected. The building should be retained and conserved. A Heritage Assessment and Heritage Impact Statement, or a Conservation Management Plan, should be prepared for the building prior to any major works being undertaken. There shall be no vertical additions to the building and no alterations to the faade of the building other than to reinstate original features. The principal room layout and planning configuration as well as significant internal original features including ceilings, cornices, joinery, flooring and fireplaces should be retained and conserved. Any additions and alterations should be confined to the rear in areas of less significance, should not be visibly prominent and shall be in accordance with the relevant planning controls (LEP, 2005). Tarana: General: A conservation plan should be prepared to guide the future use and maintenance of the place. The overall form of the building should be conserved. The building should continue to be used for residential accommodation, and any new uses should retain the original planning arrangement relatively intact. Limited scope for development exists within the grounds to the south, but should be of a low scale which has no impact on the curtilage or vistas to and from the harbour. The existing plasterwork and windows should be painted in appropriate colours. Exterior: All remaining intact exterior fabric should be retained. Accretions which are significant to understanding the history of the building's use and do not detract from the primary significance, should also be retained. Future refurbishment should attempt to recover significance by reconstruction of the pre-1907 condition of the house and its grounds. Any future development should preserve the existing form, external surfaces and materials of the facade. Door and windows openings should not be enlarged or closed in. Interiors: All remaining intact interior fabric should be retained, in particular the main wing with its central hall and off centre stair, and two paired rooms opening onto the verandah. Significant remaining intact interiors as noted should be protected. The building should be retained and conserved. A Heritage Assessment and Heritage Impact Statement, or a Conservation Management Plan, should be prepared for the building prior to any major works being undertaken. There shall be no vertical additions to the building and no alterations to the faade of the building other than to reinstate original features. The principal room layout and planning configuration as well as significant internal original features including ceilings, cornices, joinery, flooring and fireplaces should be retained and conserved. Any additions and alterations should be confined to the rear in areas of less significance, should not be visibly prominent and shall be in accordance with the relevant planning controls (LEP, 2005).

Recommendations

Management Category	Description	Date Updated
Recommended Management	Review a Conservation Management Plan (CMP)
Recommended Management	Prepare a maintenance schedule or guidelines
Recommended Management	Carry out interpretation, promotion and/or education

Procedures /Exemptions

Section of act	Description	Title	Comments	Action date
57(2)	Exemption to allow work	Standard Exemptions	HERITAGE ACT 1977 ORDER UNDER SECTION 57(2) TO GRANT STANDARD EXEMPTIONS FROM APPROVAL I, Penny Sharpe, the Minister for Heritage, on the recommendation of the Heritage Council of New South Wales and under section 57(2) of the Heritage Act 1977: revoke the order made on 2 June 2022 and published in the Government Gazette Number 262 of 17 June 2022; and grant an exemption from section 57(1) of the Act in respect of the engaging in or carrying out the class of activities described in clause 2 Schedule A in such circumstances specified by the relevant standards in clause 2 Schedule A and General Conditions in clause 3 Schedule A. This Order takes effect on the date it is published in the NSW Government Gazette. Dated this 29th day of October 2025 The Hon Penny Sharpe MLC Minister for Heritage For more information on standard exemptions click on the link below.	Nov 7 2025

Standard exemptions for engaging in or carrying out activities / works otherwise prohibited by section 57(1) of the Heritage Act 1977

Listings

Heritage Listing	Listing Title	Listing Number	Gazette Date	Gazette Number	Gazette Page
Heritage Act - State Heritage Register		01400	23 Jun 00	73	5230
Local Environmental Plan	CSH Local Environmental Plan 4		07 Apr 00
National Trust of Australia register	Bomera	6799	01 Jan 89

References, internet links & images

Type	Author	Year	Title	Internet Links
Written	Aitken, Richard	2002	'Villa Garden' (entry)	View detail
Written	Chancellor, Jonathan	2011	"Potts of Gold" in 'Title Deeds' in Domain Houses, in the Sydney Morning Herald
Written	D.M.Taylor Landscape Architects P/L	2001	"Bomera" and "Tarana", Wylde Street, Potts Point : landscape conservation report
Written	Graham Brooks & Associates	2001	"Bomera" and "Tarana", 1 Wylde Street, Potts Point : conservation management plan : statement of heritage impact
Written	Graham Brooks & Associates	2001	Photographic archival recording
Written	Heiss, Anita		Aboriginal People and Place, Barani: Indigenous History of Sydney City	View detail
Written	HMAS Kuttabul	1986	Notes from Open Day - Heritage Week, 20/4/1986
Written	Macken, Lucy	2019	'Grand Mansion builds on its nautical history'
Written	Maclaren, P.	1985	Bomera, Tarana and Jenner : a conservation study of three former residences at Potts Point, New South Wales : abstract of thesis
Written	Mider, Jana Jadwiger	2000	No 1 Wylde St., Potts Point, Sydney : historical archaeological assessment
Written	Miller, Prue	2019	1 Wylde St., Potts Point - Mansion watches over Sydney - Bomera offers an incomparable mixture of opulence and history
Written	Nicholls, Stephen	2019	'Billionaire pays $34m for Bomera'
Written	Nicholls, Stephen	2019	'Homes of the Year' (Bomera, Potts Point wins our House of the Year Award)
Management Plan	Peter Freeman Pty. Ltd.	2000	The Bomera and Tarana Precinct, Potts Point: Heritage Assessment
Written	Richardson & Wrench	2011	Potts Point 'Tarana' 2/1A Wylde Street - real estate advertisement
Written	Richardson & Wrench (advertisement)	2013	Potts Point - 3/1A Wylde Street - majestic villa style harbour-side garden residence
Written	Sydney City Council	2019	Cartographica - Sydney on the Map
Written	Wentworth Courier	2012	Advertisement - 'Tarana' 3/1A Wylde Street, Potts Point - apartment

Note: internet links may be to web pages, documents or images.

(Click on thumbnail for full size image and image details)

Data source


The information for this entry comes from the following source:
Name:	Heritage NSW
Database number:	5000851
File number:	EF14/5333; H00/19

Every effort has been made to ensure that information contained in the State Heritage Inventory is correct. If you find any errors or omissions please send your comments to the Database Manager.

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