Babworth House

Item details


Name of item:	Babworth House
Other name/s:	Mount Adelaide (site of)(demolished)
Type of item:	Built
Group/Collection:	Residential buildings (private)
Category:	House
Location:	Lat: -33.8720148513 Long: 151.2388767410
Primary address:	103 Darling Point Road, Darling Point, NSW 2027
Parish:	Alexandria
County:	Cumberland
Local govt. area:	Woollahra
Local Aboriginal Land Council:	La Perouse

Property description

Lot/Volume Code	Lot/Volume Number	Plan/Folio Code	Plan/Folio Number
LOT	1	DP	270253
LOT	10	DP	270253
LOT	11	DP	270253
LOT	12	DP	270253
LOT	13	DP	270253
LOT	14	DP	270253
LOT	15	DP	270253
LOT	16	DP	270253
LOT	17	DP	270253
LOT	4	DP	270253
LOT	5	DP	270253
LOT	6	DP	270253
LOT	7	DP	270253
LOT	1-5	CP/SP	70612

All addresses

Street Address	Suburb/town	LGA	Parish	County	Type
103 Darling Point Road	Darling Point	Woollahra	Alexandria	Cumberland	Primary Address
Mount Adelaide Road	Darling Point	Woollahra			Alternate Address

Owner/s

Organisation Name	Owner Category	Date Ownership Updated
	Private
Babworth House	Private

Statement of significance:


	Babworth House is one of the largest, finest and most intact examples of an early twentieth century grand house in Australia. It is of national significance both historically and aesthetically. Babworth House is an excellent and rare example of the Federation Arts and Crafts style in grand domestic architecture in Australia. The quality and uniqueness of the exterior and interior detailing, incorporating both Art Nouveau and neoclassical motifs and forms is of a standard and scale rarely seen in domestic architecture. The workmanship and detailing of the external cement render work is of national significance technically. Babworth's garden is an integral part of the design for the whole estate and, although the estate is reduced in size, the gardens and grounds provide a substantially intact and highly appropriate setting to the grand mansion. The built garden elements such as stairs, balustrades, grottoes and faux-rockwork amplify the scale of the mansion and demonstrate high technical accomplishment by using the same high standard of construction as the house. The Babworth estate, including house, garden and outbuildings, is representative of the large villa estate established by the wealthy elite of Darling Point during the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. It demonstrates an affluence and lifestyle which could only be supported by a very large range of live-in servants and which was rare following the First World War. Babworth House was built as the home of Sir Samuel Hordern, a fourth generation member of the notable Sydney Commercial family who founded the famous Anthony Hordern's stores. Sir Samuel was a well-known and influential member of Sydney society. Babworth represents the continuing association of the Hordern family with Darling Point from 1864 through to 1956. The garden is a major extant private collection of plants dating from the nineteenth and early twentieth century. It also contains various plants which are rare or otherwise uncommon in cultivation in Sydney as well as rare indigenous species that have persisted since before site development. (Babworth House Conservation Management Plan, Design 5 Architects, p. 50)
	Date significance updated: 07 Jun 99
	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:	Morrow and De Putron
Builder/Maker:	Messrs W Gawne and Son
Construction years:	1912-1915
Physical description:	Grounds: One of Anthony Hordern's sons was Samuel Hordern (1849-1909). His eldest son, (Sir) Samuel Hordern (1879-1956) acquired Mount Adelaide on the Darling Point ridge and created a vast new residence and landscaped setting in an Arts and Crafts style (c.1912): formal stairways descended from the porte cochere to sunken gardens and grottoes distinguished by an important botanic collection (Tanner, Howard & Britton, Geoffrey, 'Hordern family' entry, in Aitken, R. & Looker, M. (ed.s), 'The Oxford Companion to Australian Gardens', 2002, Oxford University Press in association with the Australian Garden History Society, 310). Known as Babworth House (or Hall), this great estate was designed by architects Morrow and De Putron, who also designed nearby Hopewood House (1914) on the point for his brother Lebbeus. Sir Samuel also resided at Retford Park, Bowral; Lady (Charlotte) Hordern took a keen interest in both gardens. The site was graded to form a series of garden platforms and enclosures descending to a rose garden, herbaceous border, and oak glade under-planted with bluebells (Tanner & Britton, ibid, 2002, 310). In Australia during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, grottoes were developed in some grander gardens, to recreate nature in miniature and provide suitable habitat niches for a range of tropical and bold-foliaged plants including palms, agaves, bromeliads and orchids. Examples survive at Yaralla and Babworth House (Darling Point, NSW), Werribee Park, Werribee, Vic)., and Wairoa (SA) in the works of Charles Robinette (Betteridge, 2002, 227; Jones, 2002, 510). Other examples survive in the Royal Botanic Garden, Melbourne and in Rosalind Park fernery, Bendigo (Stuart Read, pers.comm., 17/11/2021). As with the house the garden also displays a certain stylistic eclecticism: Italianate garden terrace balustrading and cypress-lined walks; highly sculptured faux rockwork walls and grottoes clad in an array of succulents and rock garden plants; the use of palms and clumps of umbrella tree (Schefflera sp.) and bird-of-paradise flower (Strelitzia sp.) to give an exuberant and tropical character to parts of the garden; the retention of areas with a strong nineteenth sombreness and richly varies plant list throughout the estate. (Babworth House Conservation Management Plan, Design 5 Architects, 1998) House: Babworth House is sited on the highest point of the Darling Point peninsula. The house is two storey with walls finished in finely worked, unpainted, cement render with beautifully detailed Art Nouveau-inspired decorations around openings and chimneys. A series of very crisp and precise indented lines surround the house, adding strength and balance to the numerous and varied openings, balconies and other architectural elements. The house asymmetrical with broad gabled areas juxtaposed with bold projecting covered balconies, some with bowed or circular fronts. The east, north and west elevations are each different but use the same architectural language and decoration. The joinery is all timber with french doors generally containing tapered glass panels. The windows are usually double hung with single panes to the lower sash and six panes to the upper sash. The eaves are broad with ventilated soffits supported on tapered timber brackets or joists. The roof is broken into many parts and covered with slate, mostly with terracotta ridges and occasionally copper. The guttering, rainwater heads and downpipes are all in copper and of consistent detail designed especially for the house. Internally the house displays a variety of architectural styles, from Edwardian, Classical Revival to Art Nouveau and early Art Deco. The ground floor principal rooms comprise entry hall, stair hall, dining room, drawing room, ballroom/billiard room with attached bays and attached library/smoking room. All of these, with the exception of the drawing room, are heavily paneled in English oak and Queensland maple with finely detailed door cases and beamed ceilings. The plaster ceiling panels between the beams show bold Art Nouveau decoration and in the main rooms the ceilings show a subtle curve down towards the wall around the perimeter. The drawing room is entirely painted, even though it contains extensive areas of carved timber. Walls are paneled in a Classical Revival manner, reminiscent of the eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries with carved door cases and a strongly articulated dado. The alcove to the fireplace is entered through a large columned opening and contains a fine white and green serpentine marble chimneypiece. The stair is heavily carved in the Art Nouveau style with large newel posts at each change of direction. The lower posts now support modern white ball light fittings. The other ground-floor rooms display varying degrees of lesser decoration down to the minimal work in the south-west servants' wing. The principal bedroom and dressing room are finished in a similar but simpler manner to the drawing room and without the wall paneling. The other rooms show clear differentiation between family/guest use and servants' use in their scale and detail. The hospital use has introduced a lift adjacent to the ballroom and an upgraded dumb waiter adjacent to the kitchen. The joinery, including door and window hardware has been moved around in many instances (Babworth House Conservation Management Plan, Design 5 Architects, 1998).
Physical condition and/or Archaeological potential:	Physcial condition is excellent. Archaeological Potential: (from 1999 Casey & Lowe Archaeological Assessment of 4 & 6 Wiston Gardens, a subdivision off the Babworth/then the Mt.Adelaide) estate to its east and downhill)(also in Tanner & Associates, Heritage Impact Assessment, 4 & 6 Wiston Gardens, 2001, revised 5/2003): Although in the 1830s Macdonald did not build a house on the site he was responsible for a considerable amount of landscaping including the planting of a vineyard on the site of what is now Wiston Gardens, including No. 4. The vineyard was reputedly designed by Thomas Shepherd, the first nurseryman and landscape designer in the colony. The Mount Adelaide Estate was extensively sub-divided between the time Macdonald departed for England in 1837 and the turn of the century. The site has identified archaeological potential for relics associated with the significant 1830s vineyard of the Mount Adelaide Estate located on this site prior to its subdivision and construction of the subject house. These potential relics have been assessed as significant for the following reasons: - For their association with Thomas Shepherd, the first nurseryman, the first early writer and teacher on landscape design in NSW, first nuseryman and one of the main proponents of vine cultivation in this period. - For their association with William Macdonald, an ex-convict who became a wealthy entrepreneur. - For their association with contemporary theories of aesthetics in landscaping and picturesque design. - For their ability to demonstrate aspects of the cultivation of the vine and the design, layout and construction of a vineyard of the 1830s. The potential for substantive is remains is limited as a result of the major changes to the site of the vineyard (through subdivision and housing construction)(Sources: as above)
	Date condition updated:01 Jul 99
Modifications and dates:	1833 - 13 acres 3 rods to McDonald 1830s - vineyard terracing on eastern side of Mt.Adelaide Estate for McDonald, possibly by Thomas Shepherd (the only documented landscape design of Shepherd's) 1837+ Mortimer Lewis house with bay window on the northern-most edge of the estate by 1857 the first (Percyville) house had been enlarged, finished and changes had been made to its outbuildings 1858+ substantial additions by E.T.Blacket for Mort 1893-1910 grounds reduced by subdivision 1912-15 old house pulled down and large new mansion built by Morrow & de Putron for Samuel Hordern II


Current use:	Accommodation for staff of St Vincent's Hospital
Former use:	Aboriginal land, Suburban estate residence, school

History

Historical notes:

Aboriginal Sydney:
When Captain Arthur Phillip and the First Fleet landed, first in Botany Bay and then in Port Jackson (Sydney Harbour), in January 1788, he was met by people who had lived on this land for many thousands of years. At least 1,500 people lived in the area between Botany Bay and Broken Bay and the intermediate coast (Attenbrow, n.d.)

There were two main languages spoken in the Sydney region - Darug and Tharawal. The Darug language had two main dialects - one spoken along the coast and the other in the hinterland (west of present-day Parramatta). Tharawal was spoken to the south of Botany Bay and as far west as the Georges River and possibly Camden (ibid, n.d.)

People belonged to small groups (territorial clans) through which they were spiritually related to specific tracts of land - these clans included the Gadigal, Wanngal, Gamaragal, Wallumedegal and Boromedegal. The suffix 'gal' denotes 'people of', thus, for example, the Gadigal were the people of Gadi (also spelled Cadigal and Cadi respectively) (ibid, n.d.).

The 'district of Gadi' was reported to have stretched from South Head west to 'the cove adjoining this settlement' (Darling Harbour) - an area that would have included Centennial, Moore and Queens Parks. Watkin Tench referred to the Gadigal as 'those who reside in the bay of Cadi'. The 'bay of Cadi' is probably Kutti, the Aboriginal place name recorded for present-day Watsons Bay, and the present name of a small beach in the bay (ibid, n.d.).

The Centennial Parklands Conservation Management Plan contains the following report that provides in depth detail of the pre-colonial history of the lands that are present day Centennial Parklands, which is where the text on this page comes from: Pre-colonial Aboriginal land and resource use in Centennial, Moore and Queens Parks - assessment of historical and archaeological evidence for Centennial Parklands Conservation Management Plan (ibid, n.d.).

Darling Point or Yarranabbe:
In 1903 Mrs Elizabeth Phillip, then aged 96, recalled that in her childhood:
'The blacks in that time were numerous, and I have often seen hundreds of them camped on what is now known as Darling Point; [they were] as kind people as ever lived. Whenever they speared fish they used to bring us some.'
Yerinibe or Yeranabe (Yeranibe Goruey), though born a Burramattagal (member of the Parramatta clan), was said to be 'King' of the Darling Point 'tribe' in the 1830-40 period. He is commemorated by Yarranabbe Road, Darling Point and Yarranabbe Park, Rushcutters Bay (Vincent Smith, 2011).

Originally known by its Aboriginal name Yarranabbee, this suburb on the south side of Sydney harbour was called Mrs Darling's Point in honour of his wife by Governor Ralph Darling, the colony's often criticised governor of 1825-31. At that time the area was heavily timbered, but after New South Head Road was built in 1831 timber cutters felled many of the trees, and the land was subdivided. Most of the plots, covering 9 to 15 acres in this area, were taken up between 1833 and 1838. The 'Mrs' was lost from the name and the suburb and point became Darling Point (Pollen, 1988, 79).

In 1833 'Villa allotments' were advertised for sale at 'Mrs Darling's Point'. The land was auctioned on 11 October and the largest allotment No. 10, 13 acres 3 rods won the eastern side of the point was purchased by William Macdonald, an emancipist (transported for life for forgery) turned successful businessman and entrepreneur, dealing in general hardware. Macdonald named his purchase Mount Adelaide and spent considerable amounts of money on it, although no residence had been built by the time he put it up for sale in 1837.

In the 1830s (1833-7) Macdonald was responsible for a considerable amount of landscaping including the planting of a vineyard on the Mt.Adelaide estate (part of which is the site of what is now Wiston Gardens, including No.s 4 & 6). The vineyard was reputedly designed by Thomas Shepherd, the first nurseryman and landscape designer in the colony. The Mount Adelaide Estate was extensively sub-divided between the time Macdonald departed for England in 1837 and the turn of the century.

Thomas Shepherd (c.1779-1835) landscape gardener and nursery proprieter was NSW's first nurseryman, the first early writer and teacher on landscape design in the colony and one of the main proponents of vine cultivation in this period.
His father was Principal Gardener to the Earl of Crawford and Lindesay at his property Struthers, where the young Thomas received his earliest horticultural education. He then trained in all aspects of landscape gardening and worked for the practice of Thomas White before setting himself up as a practising landscape gardener in both Scotland and England. In his English work he came in contact with Humphry Repton (noted landscape gardener) and in his writing criticised some of Repton's methods. Shepherd eventually established a nursery at Hackney (London) to support his business. WIdowed (c.1821-2) and then remarried (1823) and faced with an unprofitable landscape and nursery business in the period after 1815 at the end of the Napoleonic Wars, he took a position with the New Zealand Company. As Principal Superintendent he was charged with establishment of a colony on Stewart Island, New Zealand, with the intention of cultivating flax (Phormium tenax).

With a band of colonists, mainly Scots, he sailed in 1825 with his new wife Jane Sarah (nee Henderson) and young family for the South Pacific. Unsuccessful in finding a suitable place for a settlement either in Stewart Island or the rest of New Zealand, they arrived in Sydney in early 1827. With encouragement from Governor Darling, he established the first commercial nursery garden in Australia near Grose Farm (1827)(today's suburb of Chippendale/Darlington, and adjacent to what is now Sydney University and Victoria Park). He named his nursery the Darling Nursery in honour of his patron. Progress was difficult because of the unprepared nature of the land allocated and he began with a vegetable garden. This was gradually expanded into the Darling Nursery with help of stock from Sydney Botanic Gardens, as well as from Colonial Secretary Alexander Macleay at Elizabeth Bay House and his son William Macarthur at Camden Park. Little is known of his landscaping work but, having established himself in the colony, Shepherd gave two sets of lectures at Sydney Mechanics' School of Arts during 1834-5, for which (in their published form) he is now chiefly remembered.

Shepherd's first published writings were on viticulture (1831) and he was an early supporter of James Busby (viticultural promoter, educator, and patron). Shepherd's 'Lectures on the Horticulture of New South Wales' (1835) addressed practical matters, such as the growing of vegetables in a colony with a different climate and soils to those of Britain and complete turnabout of the seasons. The vital need for water in hot Sydney summers was also stressed in this, Australia's first garden book. 'Lectures on Landscape Gardening in Australia (1836) of which only the first was able to be delivered due to Shepherd's death, was the first Australian book to address garden design, and preceded by five years the first major North American text on landscape gardening (by Andrew Jackson Downing). At first sight conservative in their aesthetics, the lectures drew rhetorically on the (Capability) Brownian tradition of the English landscape garden, albeit tempered by local circumstance and contemporary thought. Shepherd deplored the indiscriminate destruction of timber and instead advocated selective thinning and tasteful arrangement and disposition of exotic trrees to create 'pleasing effects (and) ...improved scenery'. He addressed a range of garden styles - Sublime, Picturesque, and Beautiful - an inclusive approach in a colony of only modest population. His advice on education for young gardeners had strong overtones of (publisher and writer) John Claudius Loudon, and many of the later lectures borrowed from his writings.

William McDonald's Mount Adelaide estate (1833-7) is the only known landscape design that can confidently be attributed to Thomas Shepherd - a terraced vineyard overlooking an ornamental fishpond with Sydney Harbour (Double Bay) as a backdrop (Crittendon, in Aitken & Looker, 2002, 548-50).

The site has identified archaeological potential for relics associated with the significant 1830s vineyard prior to its subdivision and construction of both Lewis' 1838+ house and subsequent additions, its demolition and construction of Babworth House between 1912-15. The estate (and its subdivisions, such as 4 & 6 Wiston Gardens to the east and downhill) are significant for their association with Shepherd and thorugh hims with contemporary theories of aesthetics in landscaping and picturesque design and to demonstrate aspects of the cultivation of the vine and the design, layout and construction of a vineyard of the 1830s. The potential for substantive is remains is limited as a result of the major changes to the site of the vineyard (through subdivision and housing construction (Sources: 1999 Casey & Lowe Archaeological Assessment of 4 & 6 Wiston Gardens (a subdivision off the Babworth/then the Mt. Adelaide) estate to its east and downhill); Tanner & Associates, Heritage Impact Assessment, 4 & 6 Wiston Gardens, 2001, revised 5/2003). Building and garden making works by Lewis and later the Hordern family may have removed much of the potential archaeological remains of Mt. Adelaide's 1830s landscaping (e.g. vineyard terraces and fishpond) (Stuart Read, pers.comm., 12/8/09).

Mortimer Lewis:
A major purchaser of Macdonald's land was Mortimer William Lewis, the Colonial Architect. Lewis constructed a house on the northern most edge of the Mount Adelaide estate taking advantage of views of the harbour. The main feature of Lewis' simple but elegant design was the semicircular bay window of the drawing room, a feature of Lewis' other work at Fernhill, Mulgoa and Richmond Villa. Burdened with mortgage commitments in the difficult financial conditions of the depression of 1840s, Lewis filed his Insolvency Schedule in November 1849.

John Croft (1849-57):
In 1849, John Croft, a businessman and partner with T W Smith in the firm of Smith, Croft & Co. purchased Mount Adelaide.
By 1857 when the house was again up for sale, it had not only been finished but apparently enlarged and changes made to the outbuildings.

Henry Mort (1858-93 as home; 1893-1910 as rental):
Henry Mort purchased Mount Adelaide in 1858. After years of living in the House and coping with its limited facilities, it was only as his family was diminishing in size that Henry decided to make substantial additions. These were designed by E T Blacket (now in practice with his son Cyril as Blacket & Son) who had first made the house habitable after it had been left unfinished by Lewis.

Due to financial problems in September 1893 Mort transferred Mount Adelaide to his daughter Eliza and eldest son, the Reverend Henry Wallace Mort. From 1893 to 1910 Mount Adelaide house was let and the grounds were gradually reduced by subdivision.

Sir Samuel Hordern II (1910-56):
In 1910 retail magnate, Samuel Hordern II purchased Mount Adelaide. At that time, Samuel had been married to Charlotte (daughter of shipping magnate and later Premier of New South Wales, Sir John See), and they had three children.

As Samuel Hordern II already enjoyed the benefits of a modern home at Strathfield, it is unlikely the existing house was the reason for his purchase of the property. Mount Adelaide was an old house in a modern age, lacking domestic convenience, modern plumbing and sanitation and in a style with which his grandparents would have been more familiar. It was scarcely a suitable residence for the successful modern businessman. It did however have a wonderful position, views and large grounds. Moreover it was here in the neighbourhood of Darling Point, that a new generation of prosperous merchants and businessmen were building their twentieth century houses much as a previous generation had done before them. Mount Adelaide would be demolished and a new home built for Samuel and his family.

The Horderns favoured the work done by the architectural firm Morrow and De Putron and a new residence was designed at Mount Adelaide in 1912. In 1912 the old house had been pulled down and plans prepared for the new residence. A brief description in the Sydney Morning Herald gave some idea about the character: 'The building, which will contain about 40 rooms including a magnificent billiard room will be finished with the most up-to-date appointments and all the latest labour saving devices. The furnishings throughout will be of the richest character. The joiner's work will be in English oak, cedar and Queensland maple, highly polished. The plaster enrichments will be on a lavish scale and everything will be worked pout in special details. The design throughout will be in modern Renaissance, and when complete the building should be one of the finest residences in Sydney.'

The estimated cost was from 30,000 to 40,000 pounds. The house was on a grand scale with high quality finishes and it appears that it was not until 1915 that Hordern and family took up residence in their new home, called Babworth House. Its style and location were sure marks of a class of commercial entrepreneurs which had established itself as part of the Sydney social elite.

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 approporiated 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...(Aitken, 2002, 619-20).

One of retailer magnate Anthony Hordern's sons was Samuel (1849-1909). Samuel's eldest son, (Sir) Samuel (1879-1956) acquired Mount Adelaide and created a vast new residence and landscaped setting in an Arts and Crafts style (c.1912): formal stairways descended from the porte cochere to sunken gardens and grottoes distinguished by an important botanic collection. Known as Babworth House (or Hall), this great estate was designed by architects Morrow and De Putron, who also designed nearby Hopewood House (1914) on the point for his brother, Lebbeus. Sir Samuel also resided at Retford Park, East Bowral; Lady (Charlotte) Hordern took a keen interest in both gardens. The site was graded to form a series of garden platforms and enclosures descending to a rose garden, herbaceous border, and oak glade under-planted with bluebells (Tanner, Howard & Britton, Geoffrey, 'Hordern family' entry, in Aitken, R. & Looker, M. (ed.s), 'The Oxford Companion to Australian Gardens', 2002, Oxford University Press in association with the Australian Garden History Society, 310).

Architects in Sydney also (to Melbourne) paid attention to the design of the house and garden as a unified composition. The Hordern family... were responsible for a number of important gardens in Sydney and rural New South Wales from the 1860s, and some ... associated with Arts and Crafts houses by architects Morrow and De Putron. At Samuel Hordern's Babworth House, 'formal stairways descended from the porte-cochere to sunken gardens and grottoes distinguished by an important botanic collection. At Milton Park, for brother Anthony, 'the site was graded to form a series of platforms and enclosures descending to a rose garden, herbaceous border, and oak glade underplanted with bluebells'. The grounds at Hopewood House, Darling Point (1914) were designed along with the house by Morrow and de Putron for 23-year-old Lebbeus, brother of Samuel and Anthony...The grounds were entered through an elaborate wrought-iron gateway; its piers topped by ingenious and probably Craftsman-inspired lamps designed by the Ornamental Steel Manufacturing Company. The garden was laid out on different levels connected by formal stairs and included lawns, a tennis court and croquet lawn at the edge of which was a circular domed shade house, one of the few elements of the garden that remain (Edquist, 2008, 171).

For just over 40 years Babworth House was Sir Samuel II Hordern's family home. Built on exactly the same spot as the earlier Mount Adelaide and replicating its orientation, the main aspect of the house faced north-east towards Double Bay.
The furnishings, like the house itself, reflected an eclectic choice of style and period but of high quality, a mixture of antique and reproduction furniture and ornaments, much of it purchased overseas.

From the onset of his father's last illness in 1906 until 1926 when the company was sold to private investors, Samuel II was the governing director of Anthony Hordern and Sons. Despite his many commitments to the family business and associated boards and organisations, he was also active in recreational and sporting pursuits, agricultural interests and philanthropic causes.

Major Rubin (1956); convalescent and after-care use by St. Vincent's Hospital (1959-1980):
Following Sir Samuel II's death in 1956, the contents of Babworth House were sold by auctioneers, Lawson's. Major Rubin purchased Babworth House with the mind for using it as a private hospital and a Remembrance Trust was established.

Woollahra Council refused permission for use of the site for a hospital on the basis that it was a proclaimed residential area. The matter went to the Land and Valuation Court where a compromise was reached whereby one and a half acres was subdivided for residential purposes but the hospital was allowed to use Babworth House for a convalescent hospital.

The first stage of works for conversion to a convalescent hospital was drafted by the Government Architect's Branch of Public Works in 1959 and provided accommodation for 30 patients. From 1961 until 1980 Babworth House was used as an after-care unit of St Vincent's Hospital.

In 1979 the State Government announced a radical rationalisation of hospital accommodation resulting in the closure of Babworth House as an after-care unit.

Following the closure a range of options was considered for the use of Babworth House and from 1981 until 1985 the house remained essentially unoccupied. During this period the site was used as a location for two films, Kitty and the Bagman and Careful He Might Hear You.

Sacred Heart Hospice temporary use (1986-9): Nurses' accommodation (1989-c1998):
In 1985 the Trustees of St Vincent's agreed that Babworth House would be made available for the relocation of the Sacred Heart Hospice during the estimated three year period in which a new hospice was built in Darlinghurst. The hospice moved patients into Babworth house in July 1986.

When it vacated the site plans were drawn up in December 1989 for the conversion of Babworth into nurses' accommodation. It continues to serve this function at the present time (Babworth House Conservation Management Plan, Design 5 Architects, 1998).

c2000+: subdivision and conversion back into residential property:
From 2000-10, Babworth House was adapted as five residential apartments, the property subdivided and nine new dwellings constructed in its grounds, and the garage converted into housing, with underground car parking, all under the guidance of a conservation management plan for the property.

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 - 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.	All nations - places of battle or other early interactions between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal peoples-
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.	Aboriginal Culture-
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.	Bidjigal tribe - Eora nation-
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-
2. Peopling-Peopling the continent	Ethnic influences-Activities associated with common cultural traditions and peoples of shared descent, and with exchanges between such traditions and peoples.	English migrants-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Agriculture-Activities relating to the cultivation and rearing of plant and animal species, usually for commercial purposes, can include aquaculture	Private farming-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Agriculture-Activities relating to the cultivation and rearing of plant and animal species, usually for commercial purposes, can include aquaculture	Viticulture-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Agriculture-Activities relating to the cultivation and rearing of plant and animal species, usually for commercial purposes, can include aquaculture	Irrigation technology and structures-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Agriculture-Activities relating to the cultivation and rearing of plant and animal species, usually for commercial purposes, can include aquaculture	Ancillary structures - wells, cisterns-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Agriculture-Activities relating to the cultivation and rearing of plant and animal species, usually for commercial purposes, can include aquaculture	Agricultural Society activities - research, experimentation, acclimatisation --
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Agriculture-Activities relating to the cultivation and rearing of plant and animal species, usually for commercial purposes, can include aquaculture	Attempting to transplant European farming practices to Australian environments-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Agriculture-Activities relating to the cultivation and rearing of plant and animal species, usually for commercial purposes, can include aquaculture	Growing vines and maintaining vineyards-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Commerce-Activities relating to buying, selling and exchanging goods and services	Retailing-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Commerce-Activities relating to buying, selling and exchanging goods and services	Shopkeeping-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Commerce-Activities relating to buying, selling and exchanging goods and services	Selling Furniture-
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	Developing local, regional and national economies-National Theme 3
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 parklands of distinctive styles-
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	Significant tree(s) providing 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	Significant tree(s) providing 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 of passive recreation-
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-
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 and landscapes reminiscent of an 'old country'-
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 demonstrating styles in landscape design-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Events-Activities and processes that mark the consequences of natural and cultural occurences	Developing local landmarks-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Health-Activities associated with preparing and providing medical assistance and/or promoting or maintaining the well being of humans	Operating public hospitals-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Health-Activities associated with preparing and providing medical assistance and/or promoting or maintaining the well being of humans	Operating private and religious hospitals-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Health-Activities associated with preparing and providing medical assistance and/or promoting or maintaining the well being of humans	Caring for the sick in hospitals-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Health-Activities associated with preparing and providing medical assistance and/or promoting or maintaining the well being of humans	Operating convalescent and rehabilitation hospitals-
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.	Building settlements, towns and cities-National Theme 4
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.	Edwardian era residence-
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.	Architectural design-
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.	Victorian era residence-
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.	Federation era residence-
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.	Adapted heritage building or structure-
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 professional people-
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 (suburbs)-
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 for merchants and dealers-
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.	A Picturesque Residential Suburb-
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 famous families-
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 working animals-
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 medical staff-
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.	Housing for industrial managers and owners-
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	Land tenure-Activities and processes for identifying forms of ownership and occupancy of land and water, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal	1820s-1850s land grants-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Land tenure-Activities and processes for identifying forms of ownership and occupancy of land and water, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal	Stone Wall-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Land tenure-Activities and processes for identifying forms of ownership and occupancy of land and water, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal	Administering and alienating Crown lands-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Land tenure-Activities and processes for identifying forms of ownership and occupancy of land and water, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal	Sub-division of large estates-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Land tenure-Activities and processes for identifying forms of ownership and occupancy of land and water, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal	Expressing lines of early grant allotments-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Land tenure-Activities and processes for identifying forms of ownership and occupancy of land and water, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal	Changing land uses - from rural to suburban-
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	19th century suburban developments-
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	20th century Suburban Developments-
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	Subdivision of urban estates-
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	Beautifying rural estates-
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	20th Century infrastructure-
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	Creating landmark structures and places in suburban settings-
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	living in the suburbs-
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	A Picturesque Residential District-
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	Garden suburbs-
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	Suburban Consolidation-
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	Rural Estates-
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	Suburban Expansion-
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	Shaping coastal settlement-
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	Cultural Social and religious life-
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	Role of transport in settlement-
5. Working-Working	Labour-Activities associated with work practises and organised and unorganised labour	Working in the public service-
5. Working-Working	Labour-Activities associated with work practises and organised and unorganised labour	Working on public infrastructure projects-
5. Working-Working	Labour-Activities associated with work practises and organised and unorganised labour	Working in health care-
5. Working-Working	Labour-Activities associated with work practises and organised and unorganised labour	Working as a manager or executive officer-
5. Working-Working	Labour-Activities associated with work practises and organised and unorganised labour	Working independently on the land-
5. Working-Working	Labour-Activities associated with work practises and organised and unorganised labour	Providing job training and placement services-
5. Working-Working	Labour-Activities associated with work practises and organised and unorganised labour	Servants quarters-
5. Working-Working	Labour-Activities associated with work practises and organised and unorganised labour	Working with plants-
6. Educating-Educating	Education-Activities associated with teaching and learning by children and adults, formally and informally.	Private education-
6. Educating-Educating	Education-Activities associated with teaching and learning by children and adults, formally and informally.	(none)-
6. Educating-Educating	Education-Activities associated with teaching and learning by children and adults, formally and informally.	Industry training and education-
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.	State government-
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.	Local government-
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 - administration of land-
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 - administering a public health system-
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 - building and operating public infrastructure-
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 - town and country planning-
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 - conserving cultural and natural heritage-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities.	Architectural styles and periods - Federation Arts and Crafts-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities.	Landscaping - Federation period-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities.	Adaptation of overseas design for local use-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities.	Landscaping - Victorian period-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities.	Landscaping - colonial period-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities.	Landscaping - 20th century interwar-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities.	Landscaping - Victorian gardenesque style-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities.	Architectural styles and periods - Art Nouveau-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities.	Interior design styles and periods - Edwardian-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities.	Architectural styles and periods - Federation Free Classical-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities.	Interior design styles and periods - Victorian-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities.	Building in response to natural landscape features.-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities.	Architectural styles and periods - Victorian (late)-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities.	Designing landscapes in an exemplary style-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities.	Designing structures to emphasise their important roles-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities.	Designing in an exemplary architectural style-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities.	work of stonemasons-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities.	Interior design styles and periods - Art Nouveau-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities.	Interior design styles and periods - 20th century Inter War-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Domestic life-Activities associated with creating, maintaining, living in and working around houses and institutions.	Ways of life 1788-1850-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Domestic life-Activities associated with creating, maintaining, living in and working around houses and institutions.	Ways of life 1850-1900-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Domestic life-Activities associated with creating, maintaining, living in and working around houses and institutions.	Ways of life 1900-1950-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Domestic life-Activities associated with creating, maintaining, living in and working around houses and institutions.	Ways of life 1950-2000-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Domestic life-Activities associated with creating, maintaining, living in and working around houses and institutions.	Living in apartments-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Domestic life-Activities associated with creating, maintaining, living in and working around houses and institutions.	Living on the urban fringe-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Domestic life-Activities associated with creating, maintaining, living in and working around houses and institutions.	Ornamental Garden-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Domestic life-Activities associated with creating, maintaining, living in and working around houses and institutions.	Living in suburbia-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Domestic life-Activities associated with creating, maintaining, living in and working around houses and institutions.	Kitchens and servants-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Domestic life-Activities associated with creating, maintaining, living in and working around houses and institutions.	Living in a new house-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Domestic life-Activities associated with creating, maintaining, living in and working around houses and institutions.	Living in, adapting and renovating homes for changing conditions-
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	Playing cards-
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	Visiting gardens-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Playing billiards-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Playing tennis-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Horse riding-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Swimming-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Visiting heritage places-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Gardening-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Going to the beach-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Going swimming-
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	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Leisure-Includes tourism, resorts.
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with John Croft, businessman of Smith and Croft P/L-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with Rev. Henry Wallace Mort, clergyman-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with Edmund Blacket, Government Architect-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with Mortimer Lewis, Colonial Architect, 1796-1879-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with Thomas Shepherd, colonial nurseryman and landscape gardener,-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with Morrow and de Putron, architects-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with Sir Samuel Hordern II, retailer, horse and cattle breeder-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with William McDonald, emancipist and businessman-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with Henry Mort-

Assessment of significance


SHR Criteria a) [Historical significance]	The place is historically significant as the site of the nineteenth century house Mt Adelaide, reported by several to have been one of the finest houses in Sydney at the time, as well as the site of Babworth house, probably the finest house built in Sydney during the twentieth century. Babworth House was built as the home of Sir Samuel Hordern, a fourth generation member of the notable Sydney Commercial family who founded the famous Anthony Hordern's stores. Sir Samuel was a well-known and influential member of Sydney society. Babworth represents the continuing association of the Hordern family with Darling Point from 1864 through to 1956. The Mt Adelaide and babworth estates have associations with significant architects of the nineteenth and early twentieth century. Their is historic
SHR Criteria c) [Aesthetic significance]	The quality and uniqueness of the exterior and interior detailing, incorporating both Art Nouveau and neoclassical motifs and forms is of a standard and scale rarely seen in domestic architecture. The workmanship and detailing of the external cement render work is of national significance technically. Babworth's garden is an integral part of the design for the whole estate and, although the estate is reduced in size, the gardens and grounds provide a substantially intact and highly appropriate setting to the grand mansion. The built garden elements such as stairs, balustrades, grottoes and faux-rockwork amplify the scale of the mansion and demonstrate high technical accomplishment by using the same high standard of construction as the house.(Babworth House Conservation Management Plan, Design 5 Architects, p. 50)
SHR Criteria d) [Social significance]	The Babworth estate, including house, garden and outbuildings, is representative of the large villa estate established by the wealthy elite of Darling Point during the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. It demonstrates an affluence and lifestyle which could only be supported by a very large range of live-in servants and which was rare following the First World War.
SHR Criteria e) [Research potential]	The garden is a major extant private collection of plants dating from the nineteenth and early twentieth century. It also contains various plants which are rare or otherwise uncommon in cultivation in Sydney as well as rare indigenous species that have persisted since before site development.
SHR Criteria f) [Rarity]	Babworth House is an excellent and rare example of the Federation Arts and Crafts style in grand domestic architecture in Australia.
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:

Recommendations

Management Category	Description	Date Updated
Recommended Management	Produce 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
CMP-Endorse	Conservation Plan submitted for endorsement	CMP by Connybeare Morrison	CMP endorsed by Heritage Council 21 November 2000 for a period of five years, expires 21 November 2005.	Nov 21 2000
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 Number	Gazette Date	Gazette Number	Gazette Page
Heritage Act - State Heritage Register	01300	13 Aug 99	92	5797
Heritage Act - s.130 Order - Lapsed		03 Jul 92	83	4676
Heritage Act - s.130 Order - Lapsed		03 Jul 93	83
Local Environmental Plan	1995	10 Mar 95	28	1351
National Trust of Australia register		05 Apr 76
Register of the National Estate		21 Oct 80

Study details

Title	Year	Number	Author	Inspected by	Guidelines used
Woollahra Heritage Study	1995		Schwager Brooks		No

References, internet links & images

Type	Author	Year	Title	Internet Links
Written	Aitken, Richard	2002	'Villa Garden' (entry)	View detail
Written	Attenbrow, Val		A pre-colonial history	View detail
Written	Betteridge, Chris	2002	'Grotto' (entry)	View detail
Written	Britton, Geoffrey; Design 5 Architects; Dr. Rosemary Annable; Allen, Jack & Cottier	1998	Conservation Management Plan for Babworth House, Darling Point
Written	Casey & Lowe Associates	2000	Archaeological assessment: Babworth House, 103 Darling Point Road, Darling Point
Written	Casey & Lowe Associates	1999	Archaeological Assessment of 4 & 6 Wiston Gardens
Written	Crittendon, Victor, in Aitken, R. & Looker, M. (ed.s), in The Oxford Companion to Australian Gardens	2002	'Shepherd, Thomas' (entry)	View detail
Written	Croaker, Trish	2004	"Such manors" (in Sydney Morning Herald, Domain, 3-4/1/04)
Written	Edquist, Dr. Harriet	2008	'Garden Craft'
Written	Jones, David	2002	'Robinette, Charles (1841-1921)' (entry)	View detail
Written	Pollen, Frances (ed.) & Healy, Gerald	1988	Darling Point, in "The Book of Sydney Suburbs"
Written	Tanner & Associates Architects	2003	Heritage Impact Assessment - 4 & 6 Wiston Gardens, Double Bay
Written	Tanner, Howard & Britton, Geoffrey, in Aitken, R. & Looker, M. (ed.s), The Oxford Companion to Australian Gardens	2002	‘Hordern family’ (entry)	View detail
Written	Vincent Smith, Keith	2011	Aboriginal Life around Port Jackson after 1822	View detail

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Data source


The information for this entry comes from the following source:
Name:	Heritage NSW
Database number:	5044995
File number:	10/14924; S90/02936

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