Cox's Cottage

Item details


Name of item:	Cox's Cottage
Other name/s:	Mulgoa Cottage; The Cottage, Coxs Cottage, Fern Hill, Estate of Mulgoa
Type of item:	Landscape
Group/Collection:	Farming and Grazing
Category:	Homestead Complex
Location:	Lat: -33.8254180585 Long: 150.6566228860
Primary address:	2 St Thomas Road, Mulgoa, NSW 2745
Parish:	Mulgoa
County:	Cumberland
Local govt. area:	Penrith
Local Aboriginal Land Council:	Deerubbin

Property description

Lot/Volume Code	Lot/Volume Number	Plan/Folio Code	Plan/Folio Number
LOT	2	DP	241971
LOT	3	DP	241971
LOT	4	DP	241971

All addresses

Street Address	Suburb/town	LGA	Parish	County	Type
2 St Thomas Road	Mulgoa	Penrith	Mulgoa	Cumberland	Primary Address

Owner/s

Organisation Name	Owner Category	Date Ownership Updated
	Private

Statement of significance:


	Cox's Cottage or 'the Cottage', dating from 1810, is of State significance as one of the oldest weatherboard-clad dwellings in NSW and probably the oldest occupied residence in the country. Located on the early land grant made to the influential Cox family in the Mulgoa Valley, Cox's Cottage is historically significant and rare at a State level for retaining the original pastoral landscape of its immediate surrounds, providing evidence of colonial settlement patterns in the western part of the Cumberland Plain and of early attempts at farming and viticulture in the Sydney region. The property has historical associational significance at a State level through several generations of the Cox family, who were important in the development of agricultural and pastoral industries in the colony of NSW, including William Cox, who supervised the first road over the Blue Mountains. The house is of State aesthetic significance as a relatively intact early Georgian cottage and its surrounding fields are also of State significance for providing an intact pastoral landscape setting for the Cottage. Cox's Cottage is of social significance at a State level for the esteem in which it is held by heritage organisations and other community groups. Cox's Cottage has research potential at a State level for the tangible evidence of its early nineteenth century heritage fabric including the Cottage building itself and the former vineyard terracing on Lot 2 dating from the first half of the 19th century. The property is considered likely to contain other archaeological evidence relating to the Cox family period of occupation of the area, including possible building sites and orchard locations. Cox's Cottage has rarity significance at a State level as an integral part of one of the most significant cultural landscapes in NSW, namely the Mulgoa Valley landscape which is also associated with 'Fernhill' and St Thomas' Anglican Church. This is a designed landscape which includes historic and existing visual links between the three properties and which demonstrates attempts by early European settlers to manipulate the native vegetation to achieve a particular design outcome. Cox's Cottage is also of State significance as representative of early colonial homesteads and cultural landscapes associated with early farming practices in the western part of the Cumberland Plain.
	Date significance updated: 21 May 10
	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


Builder/Maker:	James King (supervisor)
Construction years:	1810-1811
Physical description:	The original SHR listing for Cox's Cottage included two ten hectare lots of land, Lots 3 and 4 DP 241971. The Cottage is located on the northern end of Lot 3 and a contemporary home with associated outhouses has been built on Lot 4 DP 241971 to the north and out of sight from the cottage. Mulgoa Creek runs from north to south near the eastern boundary of both Lots 3 and 4. Most of the 20 hectares comprising Lots 3 and 4 is pastoral in appearance. Setting: Cox's Cottage is an integraql part of the historic Mulgoa precinct, being a cornerstone of the golden triangle of heritage landscape that lies between it, St. Thomas' Anglican Church and the magnificent Greek Revival mansion Fernhill, built c.1845 for Edward Cox (to its west). This remarkable landscape of apple oaks, the colonial colloquial name for the native (rough-barked) angophoras (A.floribunda, A.subvelutina), has remained almost unchanged since colonial times (Reid, 2018, 78. Botanical names added by Stuart Read, 21/3/2019). Garden: The garden entrance is through a wooden railed gate. Surrounded by a dark green hedge of African olive (Olea europaea var. cuspidata), a tall hoop pine (Araucaria cunninghamii) and a Bunya pine (A.bidwillii) look like century old sentinels but were only planted 30 years ago (Reid, 2018, 90). The bungalow sits on the crown of a low hill. Mown paths lead through pasture to distant parts of the garden. White cedar trees (Melia azederach var.australasica) in front of the cottage are in the same position as two earlier specimens. This was confirmed by Cox family photographs, found recently, that had been taken in the 1880s. Explaining his romantic vision for the property,James Broadbent quotes English garden designer Norah Lindsay who wrote in a 'Country Life' magazine of 1931: 'Every garden should be a continuation of the house it surrounds, and where the dwelling is old and sleepy, the garden, too, must be drowsy and lie under the spell of ages'. From the verandah, framed by posts supporting banksia roses (Rosa banksiae cv.), the garden slopes gently away to Mulgoa Creek (a tributary of the Nepean River), which flows among old elms (Ulmus procera) and oaks (Quercus robur)(ibid, 2018, 78, 83). Self-seeding plants are an essential part of the garden's relaxed wildness. Garden beds are filled with shrubs that are tough survivors (e.g. flowering quince or japonica apple (Chaenomeles speciosa cv., crepe myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica)), drought-hardy perennials (e.g. white Watsonia sp., common yellow and white iris (I.orientalis), flag iris (I.germanica cvs), Yucca gloriosa, valerian or kiss-me-quick (Kentranthus ruber), self-sown sweet peas (Lathyrus), herbs) and old roses, including the species hybrid, Rosa roxburghii 'Plena', the tea Noisette 'Lamarque' and tea rose 'Bon Silene'. Banksia roses and Noisette rose 'Reve d'Or' sprawl over verandah posts. Other treasures include the bright red 'Lady Brisbane'. James believes this rose is given that name in Australia to remember Anna Maria, wife of fourth NSW Governor, Thomas Brisbane, as she was instrumental in bringing many roses into the colony. The rest of the world knows it as 'Cramoisi Superieur'. Many other roses in the garden are unnamed, tough survivors discovered by James in cemeteries and gardens across the country and nurtured from cuttings. His prize is an old pink China rose, 'Old Blush', also known as 'Parson's Pink', which was introduced into the colony by wool pioneer John Macarthur. James discovered it in the cottage's vineyard, where it had survived since the 1870s when the vineyard was abandoned (ibid, 2018, 83). Other roses include 'Paul Ricault', single Scotch rose, Rosa spinosissima and R.s. 'Irish Rich Marbled' and R.brunonii (ibid, 2018, 86. Some botanical names added by Stuart Read, 21/3/2019). Chinese wisteria (W.sinensis) climbs some verandah posts (ibid, 2018, 88). Huge specimens of century plant (Agave americana) with their strappy silver-grey leaves are living sculptures in the grass north of the Cottage. They are great survivors, living for years without attention (ibid, 2018, 89). Both the two white cedars and the agaves were chosen by James Broadbent because their presence - in what had been the bed defining the carriage loop in the drive - was noted in the journal of Jane, Lady Franklin, wife of Tasmanian Governor, Sir John Franklin, when she visited in 1839. Today the loop is a neat lawn, edged with brighly coloured bulbs, including the African trio of Watsonia, flowering garlic (Tulbaghia) and Tritonia, brought to Australia by early settlers. These reflect the horticultural influence of the Cape Province on our garden history (ibid, 2018, 90). A twentieth century flower garden lies to the rear (south) of the house. Common yellow and white irises collected from a nearby churchyard thrive among self-sown sweet peas and valerian. In the centre of each quartered bed sits a standard rose - 'Monsieur Tillier' and 'General Gallieni' holding sway over well-trodden soft earthen paths (ibid, 2018, 90). At the (eastern) end of the house, overlooking the creek, 'the ballroom lawn' commemorates a large dining room that was added in 1830 and then demolished in 1960. The space is now a grassy terrace walled with a hedge of Cape leadwort (Plumbago capensis), Viburnum odoratissimum and Cherokee rose (R.bracteata)(ibid, 2018, 90). Cox's Cottage: The Cottage is oriented to the north-east and positioned at the end of its ridge (a pattern of development through the immediate area) with views along the creek to the north and over the river flats (Davies, 2007, p2). Cox's Cottage, dating from 1810 or 1811, is probably the oldest inhabited residence in Australia (other earlier surviving domiciles are now typically run as museums). It is probably also the oldest weatherboard cottage in New South Wales. The cottage is a early colonial bungalow which retains its rural setting and remnants of its original garden (including white cedar trees (Melia azederach var.australasica) and the striking succulent 'century plants' (Agave americana), both documented as growing here in the mid 19th century). Post 1980 plantings include a number of species typical of Cumberland Plain colonial gardens, such as Bunya Bunya pine (Araucaria bidwillii) and silky oak (Grevillea robusta)(Stuart Read, pers.comm.5/3/2012). It has a rectangular, asymmetrical plan with double pitched roof. Appears to have reached present form by 1820. It was originally shingled but this was replaced c.1850 by zinc coated roofing tiles (AHC entry for RNE, 1978). The still intact historical and visual relationships between Cox's Cottage, St Thomas's Church to the south and Fernhill to the west are important. ( AHC) Lot 2 Lot 2 DP 241971 is an undeveloped lot of 10 hectares adjacent to Cox's Cottage to the north, with its narrow western end fronting onto Mulgoa Road. It is L shaped and extends to the north along the river flats on its eastern boundary. The block generally slopes from Mulgoa Road to the creek with a small rise of saddle near the road. . . The site features two small dams lcoated on the natural watercourse along the northern boundary which are fed by rain and not by a watercourse (Davies, 2007). Two areas of former vineyard terraces are still evident. Vegetation on the cleared lower flats and the flat area east of Mulgoa Road is mainly pasture species with agricultural weeds including St John's Wort and blackberry in places. Along Mulgoa Creek are remnant native trees interspersed with mature exotic species including English and Japanese elms and privet. Vegetation elsewhere is mostly regenerating rough-barked apple oak (Angophora sp. - e.g. A.intermedia, A.floribunda) and stands of Acacia sp. (Musescape, 2009)
Physical condition and/or Archaeological potential:	The property is considered likely to contain archaeological evidence relating to the Cox family period of occupation of the area, including possible building sites and orchard locations, for example: Site of early buildings - large area of ridge to south of the cottage with signs of former buildings from farm and possibly race horse stud; Site of clay pits, c.1810 - distinct impression in ground in gully to west of cottage; source of bricks for house; Site of the vineyard, c.1810 - distinct impression of many terraces over wide area on slope; Site of dam/weir, c19th c. - possibly marked by vertical timber piling; Site of former house, c.1792 - marked by surviving fruit trees; Possible site of former horse graves, c1880s - no visible remains of graves of 'Yattendon' and 'Grand Flaneur' (s.6.5.4 Mulgoa, p.92 in appendix D, Historical Archaeological Component by Wendy Thorp, 8/1986 in Fox & Associates, Heritage Study of the City of Penrith, Volume 2 - appendices)
	Date condition updated:28 Nov 07
Modifications and dates:	1820s extension c1850 zinc-coated flat-iron roofing replaced the original shingles (www.hha.net.au/cox-s-cottage). 1870s vineyard abandoned. 1970s: Cottage almost derelict when bought by Broadbent family. James Broadbent has spent decades carefully conserving the building and its landscape following Burra Charter principles. 1986: NSW Department of Environment and Planning in 1986 acquired two hectares of land next to Cox's Cottage, not only an integral part of the important historic landscape associated with three colonial buildings of the Cox family (Fernhill, St. Thomas' Anglican Church and Cox's Cottage) but also identified in the department's Mulgoa Regional Environmental Study as part of a proposed rural conservation zone requiring detailed planning control. This land also contains the archaeological relics of pre-1850 sandstone and earth terracing associated with Cox's Cottage (HCoNSW, 1986, 3).


Current use:	Residence and pasturing land
Former use:	Aboriginal land, farm residence and pasturing land

History

Historical notes:

Aboriginal land
The traditional owners of the land now occupied by Cox's Cottage were the Mulgowie people, who became known as the "Mulgoa tribe" (Karskens, 2009, p9).

There is a reference to an attack on the Cox property by Aboriginal people in 1814 (Sydney Gazette, May 1814).

Mulgoa Valley colonisation
Cox's Cottage is part of early colonial land grants and purchases to members of the Cox family in the Mulgoa Valley, south of Penrith, eventually totalling some 3,760 acres (Kinhill Stearns, 1983; Bertie 1930, p51). The first of these grants, of 30 acres (12 hectares), made in 1809 to the infant Edward Cox and confirmed by Governor Macquarie the following year (Watson, 1917), became known as 'Fernhills' or 'Fernhill'.

Edward's father Lieutenant William Cox is perhaps best known for supervising the construction of the first road over the Blue Mountains in the second half of 1814 (Betteridge, 2009). Lt.William Cox sailed to New South Wales on the 'Minerva' in 1799. During his 37 years of residence in the early colony, he made a substantial and enduring contribution to its progress in the fields of public administration, building and agricultural development. The Cox family were remarkable 'house and garden' people. During the middle years of the 19th century, William Cox Sr. was at Clarendon, near Windsor; his eldest son William, lived at Hobartville, Richmond; his sons Henry, George and Edward were to build and occupy their respective houses of Glenmore, Winbourne and Fernhill at Mulgoa. Another son, James, settled in Van Dieman's Land, where he built his own magnificent 'Clarendon'. Around all these houses the Cox families created beautiful gardens (Chippindall/Broadbent, 1979, 2).

'The Cottage'/'Mulgoa Cottage' or 'Fernhill' was built for Lt. William Cox under the supervision of James King, a retired sergeant of the New South Wales Corps, on land granted to the infant Edward Cox in 1809-10. Surveyor James Meehan apparently sighted boundaries for neighbouring grants from "Mr Cox's house" in July 1811 (Meehan, Field Books), and the earliest part of the house - (verandah-less, with jerkin-head gables, intact in the roof space today) - may date from this time (Chippindall/Broadbent, 1979, 3). The house noted by Meehan, probably built circa 1810-11, is most likely to have been the building known as 'The Cottage' or 'Cox's Cottage' . The farm was well established by 1815 when Mrs Cox prepared for the visit of Governor Macquarie with 'an excellent cold collation'. For some time James King, a servant of the Cox family, managed their Mulgoa properties from the site of 'The Cottage', with the occasional help of William Cox's fourth, fifth and seventh sons, George, Henry and Edward (Watson, 1917)(Betteridge, 2009).

Between 1821 and 1825 George and Henry Cox lived in turn at 'The Cottage' with their new wives before moving to their own houses in the Mulgoa area. At about this time (Chippindall/Broadbent, 1979 says c.1820) 'The Cottage' was extended from a simple three room house with jerkin head gabled roof by the addition of another room, at the western end, and an encircling verandah (Watson, 1917). Adding a verandah was an innovation of architectural significance: the former vernacular English weatherboard box became a colonial bungalow. The cottage was the nucleus of the Mulgoa Settlement...and was also the site of religious gatherings before the construction of St.Thomas' Anglican Church nearby (Chippindall/Broadbent, 1979, 3).

About 1825 Edward Cox, who had been only four years old when he was granted the land, returned from schooling in England (Roxburgh, pp.239-40). In 1827, at the age of 22, he married Jane Maria Brooks and they lived at 'The Cottage' for the next sixteen years (Cox, Jane Maria, 'Reminiscences', B391)(Betteridge, 2009).

By the late 1830s 'Fernhill', including 'the Cottage' and Lot 2 was described as one of the five principal estates in the Mulgoa Valley (Riley, W E, JRAHS, vol.XXXII, p.251 et al.) In 1843 Edward Cox built and moved into a much grander Greek Revival style house, 'Fernhill', on the hill to the west of 'The Cottage' on the western side of Mulgoa Road. Apparently designed as a two-storey building but built as single storey, possibly by colonial architect Mortimer Lewis, 'Fernhill' was not finished, possibly as a result of the economic recession of the 1840s (Betteridge, 2009).

Perhaps also as a result of the recession 'The Cottage' and 400 acres of land were put up for lease. At this time the property was described as:
'a commodious and convenient Family Cottage in the Vale of Mulgoa, containing dining (30 feet by 17), drawing, five bedrooms and a large cellar with every description of convenient out-offices - an established well stocked orchard and garden' (Sydney Morning Herald, 7 July 1845, p.3) (Betteridge, 2009)

In 1847 a medal was won by Edward Cox (Australiana, November 2008) for wines produced on his property, Fernhill, competing against his brother and neighbour Henry at Glenmore also at Mulgoa and Sir John Jamison at Regentville. Competition in 1847 for the West Cumberland Agricultural Society (now Royal Agricultural Society of NSW) medal for the production of the best wine, was keen. The magnificent 3 1/2' (9cm) diameter, 5 1/2 oz (156g) medal by Richard Lamb is a reflection on the status of the prize, possibly engraved by the colony's leading exponent Samuel Clayton, then living close by at Windsor. A case could be made for this medal being amongst the earliest and possibly the grandest of all surviving New South Wales agricultural medals and one of the great objects of Australian silver (Betteridge, 2009).

Historical archaeologist Judy Birmingham(1979, p.158) has listed the literature on wine making that would have been available to the early European settlers of the colony, including William Macarthur's comprehensive Letters on the culture of the vine (1844). She cites William Cox's vineyard at Mulgoa as being planted in 'deep trenches, and their parallel lines can still often be seen clearly as 'crop marks' (Birmingham, 1979, p.158). The vineyard terracing on Lot 2 was very evident in 1983 when the Mulgoa Valley Regional Environmental Study was prepared and is still obvious today. It is likely that the vines that produced the medal winning wine in 1847 were grown on Lot 2, since terraces have not been identified on the property now known as 'Fernhill' to the west of Lot 2 (Betteridge, 2009).

In the early 1850s Colonel Godfrey Mundy, aide-de-camp to Governor Fitzroy singled out 'Fernhill' for the way in which the Cox family had manipulated the landscape by removing or thinning eucalypts and retaining the local angophoras, which had more of the appearance of English trees (Mundy, pp.150-151) (Betteridge, 2009).

Edward Cox died in 1863 and the property passed to his oldest son Edward King Cox (1829-1883) of 'Rawden', Mudgee, who until 1885 operated a noted racehorse stud at 'The Cottage', producing several famous horses including 1880 Melbourne Cup winner 'Grand Flaneur' (Clibborn, 1926, pp.16, 23). In late 1982 the once-fenced gravesites of 'Grand Flaneur' and famous sire 'Yattendon' were no longer evident (Mulgoa Valley RES appendices item C14). The stables behind 'The Cottage' were still evident in 1917 (Watson, 1917, p.187) (Betteridge, 2009).

Following the death of Edward King Cox, his third son, Alfred Edward Cox and a J Blaikie formed a partnership and ran a dairy on the property during the period circa 1897 to 1913 (Palmer, 1972).

After the Cox family
In 1913 the property was sold to Fowler and Baylis of Penrith, then to a Mr Max Lam for a short time. In 1920 it was purchased by H J Davey. Mrs Davey and J Love had a short partnership, then Mrs Davey and Mrs Love ran the dairy farm until about 1969, when Mrs Davey retired to a fibro house she had built to the west of 'The Cottage'. 'The Cottage' was then leased to a Mr Sheehan until 1972 (Palmer, 1972) (Betteridge, 2009).

Rescue and revival:
'The Cottage' endured years of neglect with the inevitable consequence of the serious deterioration of its fabric. An important step was taken when Miss Valerie Cox made a donation to the National Trust of Australia (NSW): payment was made for the eradication of termites and the boarding up of its windows. The house thus was given some protection, but unfortunately the stone verandah flagging was removed shortly before Mr.Broadbent purchased the house (Chippindall/Broadbent, 1979, 4).

'The Cottage' has been owned by James Broadbent and his family since the 1970s. Dr James Broadbent is a noted architectural and landscape historian who has preserved the house and reconstructed/ recreated the garden to retain the significance of the building and its setting (Betteridge, 2009).

The Broadbent family farmed in the area for 200 years and Cox's Cottage came into their posession over 40 years ago.
The Cottage was derelict and partially roofless at that time' says owner James Broadbent (Reid, 2018, 78).

Broadbent has embarked on a lengthy scheme of restoration. His plan was to work from the outside in: therefore his attention was given firstly to the repair of the verandah and roof (ibid, 4).

Beautifully sited on a small rise near Mulgoa Creek, the Cottage is one of the earliest and most important colonial houses, and still retains its fine rural setting. It formed the nucleus of the Mulgoa settlement (Proudfoot,1987). It is perhaps the oldest weatherboard house in New South Wales, in proportion and roofline being one of the first early colonial bungalows. It is the oldest building in the Mulgoa/Wallacia Valley, and the oldest surviving of the numerous Cox family houses (Chippindall/Broadbent, 1979, 3).

Privately-owned. Historic Houses Association of Australia members will be informed of special open days (www.hha.net.au/cox-s-cottage).

The NSW Department of Environment and Planning in 1986 acquired two hectares of land next to Cox's Cottage, not only an integral part of the important historic landscape associated with three colonial buildings of the Cox family (Fernhill, St. Thomas' Anglican Church and Cox's Cottage) but also identified in the department's Mulgoa Regional Environmental Study as part of a proposed rural conservation zone requiring detailed planning control. This land also contains the archaeological relics of pre-1850 sandstone and earth terracing associated with Cox's Cottage (HCoNSW, 1986, 3).

In November 2020 the Friends of Fernhill and Mulgoa Valley Inc. escorted members of the Heritage Council on a tour of the valley. In September 2020 the FFMV nominated the valley for state heritage register listing (FFMV E-news, 11/2020).

In 2021 the Friends of Fernhill and Mulgoa Valley Inc. won a National Trust of Australia (NSW) Award for Advocacy, for their extensive stakeholder engagement and documentation to support the conservation and SHR-listing of the Mulgoa Valley as a cultural landscape and the protection of Fernhill Estate's cultural and natural heritage (NTA (NSW) Heritaeg Awards, 5/2021, 9).

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.	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.	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.	Natural - regenerating native flora valued for conservation purposes-
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.	Daruk nation - sites of first contact or early interaction with colonisers-
2. Peopling-Peopling the continent	Convict-Activities relating to incarceration, transport, reform, accommodation and working during the convict period in NSW (1788-1850) - does not include activities associated with the conviction of persons in NSW that are unrelated to the imperial 'convict system': use the theme of Law & Order for such activities	Creating a gentleman's estate-
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	Clearing land for 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	Growing vines and maintaining vineyards-
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	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	Places important in developing conservation processes-
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	Pastoralism-Activities associated with the breeding, raising, processing and distribution of livestock for human use	Agisting and fattening stock for slaughter-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Pastoralism-Activities associated with the breeding, raising, processing and distribution of livestock for human use	Modifying landscapes to increase productivity-
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.	Residential-
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.	Farm homestead-
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.	early settlement or worker's cottage-
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.	Bungalows-
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 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.	Housing farming 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 famous families-
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	Early 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	Fencing boundaries - wooden post and rail-
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 tourist-
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	Early farming (Cattle grazing)-
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	Selecting land for pastoral or agricultural purposes-
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	Surveying by James Meehan-Aboriginal and European; may include sub-divisions, fences, Survey marks etc.
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	living in the country-
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 quiet Rural 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	Shaping riverine 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	Shaping inland settlements-
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	Rural orchards-
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	Vernacular hamlets and settlements-
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 the social life of a rural community-
5. Working-Working	Labour-Activities associated with work practises and organised and unorganised labour	Working independently on the land-
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 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.	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.	Architectural styles and periods - colonial homestead-
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.	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.	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.	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 post WW2-
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 - Colonial-
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.	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.	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, adapting and renovating homes for changing conditions-
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 and working at home-
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.	Living in a rural homestead-
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 gardens-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Developing collections of items-
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	Visiting heritage places-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Social institutions-Activities and organisational arrangements for the provision of social activities	Developing local clubs and meeting places-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Social institutions-Activities and organisational arrangements for the provision of social activities	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	Joining together to study and appreciate philosophy-
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-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with Governor (later Maj-Gen.) Lachlan Macquarie, 1810-1821-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with James King, overseer of Cox family farms-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with Edward Cox, pastoralist-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with James Meehan, Deputy Surveyor General-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with William Cox, road builder over Blue Mountains, magistrate, farmer-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with Aaron Muron Bolot, architect-

Assessment of significance


SHR Criteria a) [Historical significance]	Cox's Cottage or 'the Cottage', dating from 1810, is of State significance as one of the oldest weatherboard-clad dwellings in NSW and probably the oldest occupied residence in the country. Located on the early land grant made to the influential Cox family in the Mulgoa Valley, Cox's Cottage is historically significant and rare at a State level for retaining the original pastoral landscape of its immediate surrounds, providing evidence of colonial settlement patterns in the western part of the Cumberland Plain and of early attempts at farming and viticulture in the Sydney region.
SHR Criteria b) [Associative significance]	The property has historical associational significance at a State level through its strong associations with several generations of the Cox family, who were important in the development of agricultural and pastoral industries in the colony of NSW, including William Cox, who supervised the first road over the Blue Mountains. William and other members of the Cox family were instrumental in developing the Mulgoa Valley and the houses they erected include some of the most significant surviving colonial residences in NSW. The land is considered to have historical associational significance at a State level.
SHR Criteria c) [Aesthetic significance]	The house is of State aesthetic significance as a relatively intact colonial cottage, thought to be the oldest weatherboard-clad dwelling in Australia and probably the oldest occupied residence in the country. Its surrounding fields are also of State significance for providing an intact pastoral landscape setting for 'the Cottage'. This cultural landscape remains substantially intact unlike the settings of many other colonial homesteads on the Cumberland Plain. The land also has potential local natural heritage significance since it includes remnant riparian vegetation (albeit with a species composition that includes a number of exotic species, including weeds), that is part of a wildlife corridor along Mulgoa Creek which may be the last of western Sydney's waterways to remain in a natural, largely undisturbed state.
SHR Criteria d) [Social significance]	Cox's Cottage is of social significance at a State level for the esteem in which it is held by heritage organisations and other community groups including the Australian Garden History Society and National Trust of Australia (NSW)) as well as the locally based Mulgoa Progress association and Mulgoa Valley Landcare Group.
SHR Criteria e) [Research potential]	Cox's Cottage has research potential at a State level for the tangible evidence of its early nineteenth century heritage fabric including The Cottage and the former vineyard terracing on Lot 2 dating from the first half of the 19th century. The property is considered likely to contain other archaeological evidence relating to the Cox family period of occupation of the area, including possible building sites and orchard locations.
SHR Criteria f) [Rarity]	Cox's Cottage has rarity value at a State level as an integral part of one of the most significant cultural landscapes in NSW, namely the Mulgoa Valley landscape which is also associated with 'Fernhill' and St Thomas' Anglican Church. This is a designed landscape which includes historic and existing visual links between the three properties and which demonstrates attempts by early European settlers to manipulate the native vegetation to achieve a particular design outcome.
SHR Criteria g) [Representativeness]	Cox's Cottage is of State significance as representative of early colonial homesteads and cultural landscapes associated with early farming practices in the western part of the Cumberland Plain.
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
57(2)	Exemption to allow work	Heritage Act - Site Specific Exemptions	(a) All activities associated with the ongoing use of the land for pastoral, agricultural or agistment purposes, excluding any new development that may materially affect the significance of the item. (b) All activities associated with the rehabilitation and re-vegetation of the landscape where these activities do not involve the disturbance of the early nineteenth century vineyard terracing and do not materially affect the significance of the item.	Oct 8 2010
57(2)	Exemption to allow work	Standard Exemptions	HERITAGE ACT 1977 ORDER UNDER SECTION 57(2) TO GRANT STANDARD EXEMPTIONS FROM APPROVAL I, Penny Sharpe, the Minister for Heritage, on the recommendation of the Heritage Council of New South Wales and under section 57(2) of the Heritage Act 1977: revoke the order made on 2 June 2022 and published in the Government Gazette Number 262 of 17 June 2022; and grant an exemption from section 57(1) of the Act in respect of the engaging in or carrying out the class of activities described in clause 2 Schedule A in such circumstances specified by the relevant standards in clause 2 Schedule A and General Conditions in clause 3 Schedule A. This Order takes effect on the date it is published in the NSW Government Gazette. Dated this 29th day of October 2025 The Hon Penny Sharpe MLC Minister for Heritage For more information on standard exemptions click on the link below.	Nov 7 2025

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

Listings

Heritage Listing	Listing Title	Listing Number	Gazette Date	Gazette Number	Gazette Page
Heritage Act - State Heritage Register		00171	02 Apr 99	27	1546
Heritage Act - Permanent Conservation Order - former		00171	31 Dec 82	182	6066
State Environmental Planning Policy	Mulgoa Valley REP		07 Oct 87
Local Environmental Plan	Cox's cottage	MV-2	20 Dec 91
National Trust of Australia register		10453
Register of the National Estate			21 Mar 78

Study details

Title	Year	Number	Author	Inspected by	Guidelines used
Heritage Study of the City of Penrith	1987		Fox & Associates		No
Sydney Regional Environmental Plan - No.13 - Mulgoa Valley	1987		Department of Environment and Planning		No

References, internet links & images

Type	Author	Year	Title	Internet Links
Written	Birmingham, Judy, Jack, Ian & Jeans, Dennis	1979	Australian Pioneer Technology
Written	C.H. Bertie	0	'Australian Pioneer Families: 2. The Cox Family', The Home
Written	Chippindall, Louise / Broadbent, James	1979	'The Cottage, Mulgoa' entry, in National Trust of Australia (NSW), Inspection no. 274, Mulgoa Days, Saturday 24/3 or Sunday 25/3/1979
Written	Clibborn, T	1885	Catalogue of the Fernhill Stud Horses
Written	Colleen Morris and Geoffrey Britton	2000	Colonial Landscapes of the Cumberland Plain and Camden
Written	Heritage Council of NSW	1986	Financial Assistance
Written	Historic Houses Association of Australia		Cox's Cottage, Mulgoa	View detail
Written	James Broadbent	2004	"On the verandah", Australia’s Open garden Scheme 2004-05: The Essential Guide to Australia’s Open Gardens
Written	James Meehan	1811	Surveyor’s field notes 1811-1813 [State Library of NSW]
Written	Kinhill Stearns	1983	Mulgoa Valley Regional Environmental Study
Written	Michael Walters	2003	Colonial Boy (100 amazing Sydney homes) SMH 15/11/03
Written	Mundy, G C .	1857	Our Antipodes
Written	Musecape P/L	2009	Report on preferred siting of buildings, Lot 2, DP241971, Mulgoa Rd., Mulgoa, adjoining 'The Cottage' a state-heritage-listed property
Written	Palmer, Freda	1972	"The Cottage, Mamre and Leeholme"
Written	Proudfoot, Helen	1987	Exploring Sydney's West
Written	Purdy, Barbara	1969	'The Cox Family in the Mulgoa Valley'.
Written	Reid, Christine, in 'Gardens on the Edge, Australian Landscapes from deserts to rainforests, ocean to plains'	2018	The Cottage, Mulgoa - a garden on the edge of the Blue Mountains
Written	Watson	1917	'Mulgoa Present and Past', Journal of the Royal Australian Historical Society, Vol. IV, 1917, pp.161-196

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

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

Data source


The information for this entry comes from the following source:
Name:	Heritage NSW
Database number:	5045078
File number:	S90/05992 & HC 32303; 10/10926

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

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