Innisfallen Castle and Grounds

Item details

Name of item: Innisfallen Castle and Grounds
Other name/s: Willis' Castle
Type of item: Built
Group/Collection: Residential buildings (private)
Category: Mansion
Location: Lat: -33.7913760634 Long: 151.2235758910
Primary address: 14 Cherry Place, Castle Cove, NSW 2069
Parish: Willoughby
County: Cumberland
Local govt. area: Willoughby
Local Aboriginal Land Council: Metropolitan
Property description
Lot/Volume CodeLot/Volume NumberSection NumberPlan/Folio CodePlan/Folio Number
LOT35 DP235319
All addresses
Street AddressSuburb/townLGAParishCountyType
14 Cherry PlaceCastle CoveWilloughbyWilloughbyCumberlandPrimary Address
Willis DriveCastle CoveWilloughbyWilloughbyCumberlandAlternate Address

Owner/s

Organisation NameOwner CategoryDate Ownership Updated
Vanoso Pty LtdPrivate15 Mar 99

Description

Designer/Maker: James Whitmore Hill
Construction years: 1903-1905
Physical description: Setting and grounds:
The building is sited in large grounds occupying a superb commanding position over Middle Harbour. Several elements of the original gardens have survived, including driveways, lawns, stone edgings and walls and some paintings (LEP, 1995).

The Castle Grounds are adjacent to foreshore bushland reserve and recognising the heritage value of the property the City of Willoughby purchased three properties to retain the image of The Castle in a bushland setting (RNE, 1992).

The current garden is a pastiche of elements of the original native vegetation of the area overlaid with early plantings of English oaks (Quercus robur) which line the truncated original vehicular entrance drive, scattered specimens of palms (including native cabbage tree palms (Livistona australis), Canary Island date palm (Phoenix canariensis) and Californian desert fan palm (Washingtonia robusta): Stuart Read, from photograph in Betteridge consulting, 2018, 26) and other ornamental tree species, garden beds of shrubs such as camellias and azaleas and bulbous plants such as jonquils (Narcissus tazetta). The boundaries feature a mix of bushland remnants supplemented with hedge plants to enhance privacy while still allowing for panoramic views to surrounding bushland and parts of Middle Harbour (Betteridge consulting, 2018, 5: botanical names added by Stuart Read).

The grounds include a mature maidenhair or gingko tree (Ginkgo biloba)(Stuart Read, from Arborist's report, 2020). A large specimen of Sydney red gum (Angophora costata) is beside the tennis court (ibid, from Betteridge consulting, 2018, p.24).

Mansion / Castle:
A large two storey sandstone-faced mansion in the style of a castle with crenellated parapet, octagonal corner turrets, massive entrance portico with crenellated balcony above and neo-gothic window details. On the northern side of the building (at the junction of the front and side wings) is a crenellated tower, three storeys high with a separate staircase, used by the two maids for their quarters.

The front door is framed by a massive entrance portico topped with an open verandah (RNE, ibid).

Each exterior corner of the house is graced with a solid stone octagonal turret and all the exterior walls are two feet thick. The dwelling comprises a two storey wing containing four principal rooms on each floor around a central stair hall, and a two storey wing to the rear for staff quarters and kitchen.

The interior rooms are fourteen feet high. The connecting tower contains a separate entry archway leading into the rear courtyard. Internally the style is late Victorian / transitional Federation. Cedar panelling and staircase and richly moulded plasterwork feature (LEP). The interior has exceptional plaster ceiling rosettes incorporating native plants. Leadlight stair window has designs of waratahs and Christmas bells. Furnishings are basically intact from the first occupation. Mainly cedar woodwork (RNE, ibid).

The decoration inside is today, much the same as it was whern the house was built, the nationalism of the time reflected in the plasterwork as well as in stained glass (LEP, 1995).
Modifications and dates: c1993: tennis court installed
c2004: Replanning of first floor bathrooms, relocation of kitchen to south end of veranda, relocation of guest toilet to approved location of kitchen and pergola
c2019: Alterations and additions including construction of a swimming pool and associated landscaping
Current use: semi-rural suburban estate residence
Former use: Aboriginal land, rural periurban estate residence

History

Historical notes: Castle Cove was originally known (by settlers) as Little Sugar Loaf Peninsula and the land in this area remained largely undeveloped until the 1950s. The first land purchase in the area was in 1858 by Dr Haynes Gibbes Alleyne and by 1878 most of the land had been sold, but no residential development followed. In 1886, Allan Armostrong had purchased most of the land in today's Castle Cove and Middle Cove and formed the Cammeray Estate Land Company which, with English capital, intended to develop it for residential purposes. A subdivision plan was prepared, which showed eight roads in Castle Cove named after towns on the central NSW coast. No development took place and of the original roads, Kendall Road is the only one developed to its original plan, while today's Cammeray Road follows part of the planned Corrabare Road. During the depression of the 1890s the company went into liquidation and the land passed into the hands of the Association of North Sydney Debenture Holders, but remained undeveloped (Betteridge consulting, 2018, 9).

The first permanent resident of the area was the Hon. Henry Willis (1860-1950), who acquired from Dr Alleyne 52 acres (20.8 hectares) of land surrounded by bushland overlooking Fig Tree Cove and Sugarloaf Point. Following his arrival in Sydney in 1888 and marriage the following year, Willis launched into municipal politics: he was first mayor of Cabramatta and Canley Vale (1893), served on Camden Council (from 1897) and Randwick Council (1899-1902) and strongly advocated unification at the 1900 Metropolitan Municipal Reform Conference. Meanwhile he read the lives of famous statesmen and joined the Sydney School of Arts Debating Club (Betteridge consulting, 2018, 9).

Innisfallen Castle was built between 1903 and 1905 for Willis, a member of the first Commonwealth Parliament 1901 - 1910 and a Member of the NSW Legislative Assembly 1911 - 1913.

Willis served in the first three federal parliaments (Macken, 2020).

The first structure to be built on the property was a wooden wharf (later replaced by a stone structure) at which time a small weatherboard cottage was constructed near the water for weekend use by the family (Betteridge consulting, 2018, 9).

In 1903, Willis decided to build a permanent residence on the site whereupon the original weekend cottage became the gardener's cottage. The foundation stone was laid in 1904, a year before the family moved in. An architect named Hill from Parramatta, was commissioned to design a building in late Gothic, perpendicular style, which was constructed of local sandstone, quarried on-site and dressed by local masons. During construction, the 30-40 or so men working on the building lived on-site in tents, many with their families. A stone wharf, stables, reservoirs, a tennis court and formal gardens were part of the original estate. 'Innisfallen' was named after a ruined Abbey at Killarney in South-west Ireland and means 'Isle of the Field.'

Willis was quoted at the time: 'I think Middle Harbour is Australia's Killarney and, in some resepects, the castle resembles the old Irish abbey' (Macken, 2020, 7).

The Willis family occupied themselves with light farming, and lived a relatively rustic lifestyle... during which time, the ... original house was connected to town water and electricity supplies.

Following his retirement from politics, Henry Willis devoted his time to managing his rural estates in Queensland and yachting on Middle Harbour. He moved to Medlow Bath in the Blue Mountains in the 1930s, occupying a former railway worker's cottage, but Annie remained at Innisfallen where Hastings became head of the household, which included his sisters Urania (Ray) and Callipe. Henry returned to Innisfallen Castle for the grand family reunion to mark his and Annie's 60th wedding anniversary on 1/10/1949 (Betteridge consulting, 2018, 16).

Willis died in 1950 and the estate was passed to his son, Dr Hastings Willis (Macken, 2020, 7).
Whether the garden at Innisfallen Castle was given more attention during Henry (perhaps Hastings Willis is intended, given this is describing a 1966 Australian Womens' Weekly article, which quotes Hastings Willis) Willis' tenure is not clear. He is quoted saying 'goodness no' to the question: do they employ gardeners?...The AWW article mentions a governess, housemaid and cook who lived in special quartesr (in the service wing of the house)...Available archival photographic and documentary evidence suggests that the garden at Innisfallen castle was always a mix of informal utilitarian elements, some formal ornamental elements and remnant native vegetation. On 22/4/1975 Innisfallen Castle was passed in at auction when the highest bid fell $200,000 short of the reserve of $575,000 and the property was subsequently put on the open market (Betteridge consulting, 2018, 19).

From the original 21 hectares (Macken, 2020 says 20 hectares), the land... has been reduced to 8000m through subdivision and the construction of roads.

In 1966 it was subdivided, with 75 parcels of land sold off by an LJ Hooker company, Headland Developments. The following year, Willoughby Council bought three blocks of land next to the castle to further enhance the view of it from the harbour and the Harold Reid Reserve and to preserve the castle's heritage value (Macken, 2020, 7).

Dr Hastings Willis died in 1972 and the estate was left to a third generation of the Willis family. In the mid-1980s the castle was almost converted into apartments and the 8300 square metter estate buried in a townhouse subdivision until then-planning minister Bob Carr stepped in to save it, saying the proposals were 'inappropriate' and it 'would crowd the castle excessively and destroy the spaciousness provided by the existing grounds'. Thousands of locals had protested against the development (Macken, 2020, 7).

During the mid-1980s, a plan by the NSW Roads and Traffic Authority to extend the Warringah Freeway along the north edge of Castlecrag, bridging over Middle Harbour to Seaforth, was abandoned following an outcry from local residents. Following this, a plan to route the Freenway through Castle Cove, was rejected for the same reasons. Around 1985, descendents of Henry Willis attempted to subdivide the land around the castle for construction of several town houses, and turn the castle into a wedding reception centre. As the land earmarked for townhouses was previously donated to the castle owners by the government to enhance the castle's grounds, it was felt that profiting from this was inappropriate. Willoughby Council rejected the proposal. In 1987, John Willis, great grandson of Henry Willis revealed to the press that he had given up his job as a Sydney postman and had spent $250,000 fighting to maintain Innisfallen Castle (Betteridge consulting, 2018, 20).

The property remained in the family until 1988 (when it was sold for approximately $4m: Betteridge consulting, 2018, 20) and continuously used as a residence. In 1988 a Permanent Conservation Order was placed upon Innisfallen Castle.

At the time of his decision, Bob Carr said the property...could be sold at market value and conservation achieved without any laws or regulations being modified. The estate was sold for $5.25m. There have been improvements to the property since, including a tennis court and landscaping (Macken, 2020, 7).

Historic themes

Australian theme (abbrev)New South Wales themeLocal 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. Other open space-
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: Plains and plateaux 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. 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. Changing the environment-
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 Landscapes of scenic beauty-
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 Landscapes and countryside of rural charm-
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 Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings Creating environments evocative of the 'old country'-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies Events-Activities and processes that mark the consequences of natural and cultural occurences Developing local landmarks-
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. Country Homes-
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. Castle-
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 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. Residences-
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 for seclusion-
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. 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. 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. 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. Country mansion-
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. Marine villa-
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 Land tenure-Activities and processes for identifying forms of ownership and occupancy of land and water, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Housing-
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 Changing land uses - from rural to suburban-
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 Granting Crown lands for private farming-
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 Naming places (toponymy)-
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 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 Subdivision of 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 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 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 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 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 Beautifying towns and villages-
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-
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 Country Estate-
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 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 living in the country-
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 hand tools and implements-
5. Working-Working Labour-Activities associated with work practises and organised and unorganised labour Working independently on the 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. 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. Federal 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 - 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. Monuments-
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 Tudor Revival-
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 Gothic Revival-
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. Landscaping - neglected, regenerating to bushland-
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. Making and using vernacular furnishings and decorations-
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. 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. 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. Building in response to climate - bushfires-
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. Vernacular structures and building techniques-
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. Creating an icon-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life Domestic life-Activities associated with creating, maintaining, living in and working around houses and institutions. Country estates - visiting, enjoying-
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 a rural homestead-
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. At home with a national leader-
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. 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 a bushland setting-
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. 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 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 Activities associated with relaxation and recreation-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation Going bushwalking-
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 Visiting lookouts and places of natural beauty-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation Going fishing-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation Visiting places of romantic inspiration-
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.
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life Social institutions-Activities and organisational arrangements for the provision of social activities Places of informal community gatherings-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life Social institutions-Activities and organisational arrangements for the provision of social activities Belonging to an historical society or heritage organisation-
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-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups Associations with James Whitmore Hill, architect-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups Associations with the Hon. Henry Willis MLC, federal and state parliamentarian, local councillor-

Recommended management:

Recommendations

Management CategoryDescriptionDate Updated
Recommended ManagementProduce a Conservation Management Plan (CMP) 
Recommended ManagementCarry out an Archaeological Assessment 
Recommended ManagementPrepare a maintenance schedule or guidelines 
Recommended ManagementCarry out interpretation, promotion and/or education 

Procedures /Exemptions

Section of actDescriptionTitleCommentsAction date
57(2)Exemption to allow workHeritage Act - site specific exemptions Record converted from HIS events. Refer to exemptions gazetted 15 December 1995.


Order Under Section 57(2) to exempt the following activities from Section 57(1):
(1) The maintenance of any building or item on the site where maintenance means the continuous protective care of existing material;
(2) Garden maintenance including cultivation, pruning, weed control, the repair and maintenance of existing fences, gates and garden walls, tree surgery but not extensive lopping; 		May 15 1987
57(2)Exemption to allow workHeritage Act - site specific exemptions Record converted from HIS events


Order Under Section 57(2) to exempt the following activities from Section 57(1):
1) Maintenance of all components of the place, where maintenance means the continuous protective care of the fabric, contents and setting of the place.
2) Minor repairs to components of the place where this involves replacing missing or deteriorated fabric to match the existing fabric in all respects.
3) Repainting of previously painted surfaces in the same colour scheme and paint type.
Alterations to existing colour schemes are to be approved by the manager, Heritage Branch, NSW Department of Urban Affairs and Planning.
4) Repairs to service where this does not involve alterations to or opening up of existing early fabric.
5) Conservation works in accordance with a conservation policy or strategy contained in a conservation plan endorsed by the Heritage Council of New South Wales. 		Dec 15 1995
57(2)Exemption to allow workStandard 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

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

Listings

Heritage ListingListing TitleListing NumberGazette DateGazette NumberGazette Page
Heritage Act - State Heritage Register 0040402 Apr 99 271546
Heritage Act - Permanent Conservation Order - former 0040408 Jul 88 114 
Local Environmental Plan 199517 Nov 95 1417943
Register of the National EstateInnisfallen Castle and Grounds1671430 Jun 92   

Study details

TitleYearNumberAuthorInspected byGuidelines used
Willoughby Heritage Study1989277Jonathon Falk & Rodney Jensen  No

References, internet links & images

TypeAuthorYearTitleInternet Links
WrittenBetteridge Consulting2018Landscape Analysis and Heritage Impact Statement for Innisfallen Castle, Castle Cove
WrittenConybeare Morrison Innisfallen Castle - Heritage Significance and Development Potential Study
WrittenLeslie, Esther1988The Develoment of Castle Cove and Middle Cove
WrittenMayne-Wilson & Associates2001Landscape Master Plan
WrittenNational Trust of Australia (NSW)1987nnisfallen Castle, Castle Cove - Submission to Commission of Inquiry Pursuant to Section 70 Appeal of the Heritage Act
WrittenSchweger Brooks & Partners1992Heritage Impact Assessment "Innis Fallen Castle, Castle Cove"

Note: internet links may be to web pages, documents or images.
rez
(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: 5045027
File number: EF14/5809, S90/05342, HC 32894

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.

All information and pictures on this page are the copyright of Heritage NSW or respective copyright owners.