Roseneath Cottage (under consideration for amendment)

Item details


Name of item:	Roseneath Cottage (under consideration for amendment)
Type of item:	Built
Group/Collection:	Residential buildings (private)
Category:	House
Location:	Lat: -33.8070137979 Long: 151.0023524890
Primary address:	40-42 O'Connell Street, Parramatta, NSW 2150
Parish:	Field of Mars
County:	Cumberland
Local govt. area:	City of Parramatta
Local Aboriginal Land Council:	Deerubbin

Property description

Lot/Volume Code	Lot/Volume Number	Section Number	Plan/Folio Code	Plan/Folio Number
LOT	1		DP	34629

All addresses

Street Address	Suburb/town	LGA	Parish	County	Type
40-42 O'Connell Street	Parramatta	City of Parramatta	Field of Mars	Cumberland	Primary Address
Ross Street	Parramatta	City of Parramatta	Field Of Mars	Cumberland	Alternate Address

Owner/s

Organisation Name	Owner Category	Date Ownership Updated
Our Lady of Mercy College	General

Statement of significance:


	Roseneath Cottage, built c.1835-37, is a finely detailed Colonial Georgian cottage which may be of State significance for its historic, associational, aesthetic and research values. Roseneath Cottage may be of State significance for its association with its first resident, Janet Templeton, who introduced crucial Saxon merino bloodlines to NSW during the 1820s-30s. Janet is regarded as one of colonial Australia's most important female pastoralists. Roseneath Cottage may be of State significance for its ability to represent the substantial growth of the colony during the late convict period, when successful wool exports led to the expansion of the pastoralist middle-class in NSW. Roseneath Cottage expresses the aspirations of the Templetons as a rising middle-class family contributing to the booming Australian wool industry. Its refined detailing, quality materials and prominent siting on O'Connell Street reflect the family's ambitions to join Parramatta's social elite at the height of their agricultural success. Roseneath Cottage may be of aesthetic significance as it demonstrates the key characteristics of the Colonial Georgian style, together with experimental elements such as the three secondary hipped roofs at the rear and integration of the verandah under a single-pitch roof. The garden, dwelling and kitchen wing have potential for State significant archaeological remains which could improve our understanding of middle-class domestic life in the late Georgian period. While its gardens are altered and some outbuildings removed, the site remains a largely intact example of a Colonial Georgian residential complex of potential State significance. Roseneath Cottage may also be of State significance for its historic links to the post-war heritage movement in NSW. Its inclusion on community and statutory registers from 1949 to 1989 provides a clear timeline of the heritage movement's transition from grassroots advocacy to formal government frameworks of heritage recognition at State level. Roseneath Cottage's potential State significance is vested in its general form, intact interiors, kitchen wing and garden setting.
	Date significance updated: 17 Feb 26
	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


Construction years:	1835-1837
Physical description:	Roseneath Cottage is an early 19th century single-storey colonial bungalow building with separate kitchen wing building, linked by a 20th century infill building. The cottage with associated garden and a 20th century outbuilding is located on the corner of O'Connell and Ross Streets, north of the Parramatta River. GARDEN AND SURROUNDS Roseneath Cottage is set in an informal garden, edged with a picket boundary fence. Early descriptions of the garden notes the presence of fruit trees and lush shrubbery (Lucas Stapleton Johnson & Partners, 2016); however, the current layout likely reflects a late 19th to early 20th century composition. Two large jacarandas (J.mimosifolia) are in the north-west and southern corners of the garden, with a large Californian desert palm (Washingtonia robusta) and hybrid kurrajong/Illawarra flame tree (Brachychiton populneum x B.acerifolium) located near the southern fence. Fruit trees including pomegranate (Punica granatum), lemon (Citrus limon cv.), fig (Ficus carica cv.), cumquat (Fortunella japonica), mango (Mangifera indica cv), avocado (Persea americana cv.) and grapefruit (Citrus x paradisi cv.) are present, and a horned holly (Ilex cornuta) tree is planted just south of the cottage. A brick-edged culvert runs from the northern side of the house west to O'Connell Street. An early-to-mid 20th century fibro-cement garage/workshop building with hipped roof is in the eastern corner of the lot. In 2020, a courtyard was laid out on the northern side of the infill building during which an early 19th century well was found. The well is located just north-east of the kitchen wing, protected from public access by a timber deck. ROSENEATH COTTAGE Constructed in c.1835-37, Roseneath Cottage is a single storey sandstock brick dwelling on stone foundations with a hipped roof and wrap-around verandah. Roseneath Cottage is a restrained, symmetrical bungalow structure that demonstrates typical Colonial Georgian and Anglo-Indian design features. Its three-sided verandah, integrated under a single pitched roof, was an early form of climate control adapted from Indian designs into British colonial architecture. This is a rare feature in c.1830s design, with more typical roof forms varied in pitch to include the verandah. Roseneath Cottage's verandah is supported by a restored Doric colonnade in turned timber, with original ripple iron ceiling and sandstone flagging. The cottage also features an unusual 'E' shaped roof configuration, with a main roof facing O'Connell Street and three secondary hipped roofs at the rear. This configuration is rarely seen in Colonial Georgian dwellings, which typically utilise the broken back form. The original timber shingles are replaced with corrugated metal and metal chimney pots top the original four terracotta chimneys. The faade is exposed fawn-and-grey sandstock brick laid in Flemish bond at the western, northern and southern elevations, with the eastern elevation rendered in cream. The western elevation, facing O'Connell Street, features a symmetrical layout with a central door flanked by four original double-hung 12-panel sash windows with louvered shutters. The door and windows feature soft red rubbing brick lintels. The cedar door is a distinctive six-panel design with deep bolection mouldings and two side lights, replicated from the original, and an elliptical fanlight with coloured glass. The diamond-shaped bell pull is original, with the 'Roseneath' nameplate likely a later addition. The northern verandah is partially enclosed by an early 20th century weatherboard sleepout with timber-framed sliding windows. The southern verandah and colonnade are intact, with two original double-hung 12-panel sash windows with reconstructed louvred shutters on the southern elevation. Two of these sash windows also flank the 20th century infill building at the eastern elevation. Internally, the original layout is largely intact, with five rooms linked by a central hall. Historical evidence suggests that the front two rooms were used as dining and drawing/parlour rooms and the rear three rooms were private, a typical layout for early 19th century homes. The skirting boards in the front rooms and hallway are higher and more ornate than the rear rooms and the doors and reveals are bolection moulded, demonstrating their purpose as public-facing areas. A ceiling hatch in the hallway leads to three attic rooms, which are not in use. The northern hallway wall shows evidence of a connecting staircase removed in the 20th century. Original features include plaster walls and cornices, timber skirting boards, panelled doors with deep architraves and re-laid pine board flooring in the front two rooms. Original lath and plaster ceilings with later timber battens are present in the former dining and rear room. Mid-to-late 19th century features include hardwood flooring, three timber fireplace mantles, and a Wunderlich pressed metal ceiling in the front drawing room and rear bedrooms. In 2023, the interior was restored and a lightweight office fit out installed. KITCHEN WING The 1830s kitchen wing, located east of the cottage, is a modest sparrow-pecked sandstone building with a hipped corrugated metal roof. An original sandstock brick chimney is at the east elevation. Two window openings on the western elevation and one on the southern are likely original, but other openings and sash windows are later additions. The sandstone was repointed and roof replaced in 2023. The original three-room layout is intact. The kitchen features early 20th century iron ripple ceilings and a kitchen fireplace, now blocked, with a restored late 19th century cast iron stove by James Ward. The other rooms feature timber-board ceilings and contemporary bathroom fit outs. INFILL BUILDING The timber infill building, constructed in the early 20th century, likely replaced an earlier covered way between the cottage and kitchen wing. This building is made of timber beaded boards with an exposed timber board ceiling and sliding sash windows to the northern and southern elevations.
Physical condition and/or Archaeological potential:	The form and exterior of Roseneath Cottage are substantially intact and its relationship with the kitchen wing is legible despite the 20th century infill. The original layout of both the cottage and kitchen wings has been restored, and a substantial number of original features, including timber joinery, lath and plaster ceilings and some flooring, are present.
	Date condition updated:17 Feb 26
Modifications and dates:	1835 - 1837 - Construction of Roseneath Cottage and sandstone kitchen wing, weatherboard stable and coach house, servant accommodation and a well. 1869 - 'Thorough repair' of Roseneath Cottage, works unknown. 1919 - Subdivision of site into current configuration. Repair works and enclosure of northern verandah. c.1950 - Works to divide the main dwelling, infill building and kitchen link into two separate dwellings. Central internal partition wall installed and main door replaced with two front doors. 1980s - 'Conservation works' undertaken, though extent of works unknown. Original attic staircase may have been removed. 2017 - 2023 - Conservation and restoration associated with change of use to an educational establishment. External works included a new corrugated metal roof, demolition of non-significant garage and outbuilding and reconstruction of timber column bases to existing verandah columns. Internal works included removal of central internal partition wall, provision of an accessible WC and access ramps to rear kitchen wing, new glazed screen with false ceiling to central hall, addition of AC, upgrades to lighting, security and fire safety, reconstruction of two fireplaces and front doorway with replicated door leaf and side lights, repair of lath and plaster ceilings and timber joinery. 2019 - 2023 - Landscaping works to the north courtyard and south garden area, including construction of new timber decking over archaeological remains of original well.


Current use:	School offices of a Catholic College campus
Former use:	Aboriginal land, town lot, residence, girls' private school, solicitors offices

History

Historical notes:

STATEMENT OF COUNTRY

Roseneath Cottage is situated just north-east of the Parramatta River on the traditional lands of the Burramattagal (also Barramatagal, Baramadagal, Boromedegal), a clan of the Dharug nation (Attenbrow, 2010).

Parramatta has long been a place of gathering, ceremony and song for Aboriginal people across NSW. Archaeological evidence of charcoal found at Parramatta indicates that campfires have been lit there for almost 300 centuries (Parramatta River Catchment Group, 2021). The name Parramatta derives from Burramatta, a Dharug word meaning 'place where the eels lie down [to breed]' (City of Parramatta, 2021). The burra (eel), a Burramattagal totem, was caught in dams or woven traps and shared or traded with visitors during gatherings (PRCG, 2021, Christian, 2021).

Just as the eels return to the river each year, Parramatta is still a place of gathering for Aboriginal peoples. The Dharug Keeping Place in Parramatta provides a culturally safe space for cultural materials to be returned to Country and visited by Dharug people (PHIVE, n.d.).

BURRAMATTA AND ROSE HILL
The first reference to today's Parramatta occurred in April 1788, two months after the First Fleet landed at Warrane (Sydney Cove). Concerned about the poor agricultural prospects of Sydney Cove, Governor Arthur Phillip led a group west looking for arable land. A promising area 20 kilometres up the Parramatta River was found, and Phillip established a camp on its southern bank (in today's Parramatta Park).

On 2 November 1788, Phillip proclaimed the town of Rose Hill, renamed Parramatta in 1791 (City of Parramatta, 2015). Convicts began clearing and cultivating, isolating the Burramattagal from their traditional lands (Parramatta River Catchment Group). Once a meeting place, Parramatta now became a place of resistance for Aboriginal people with many violent clashes and massacres of Aboriginal people across the Cumberland Plain (Gapps, 2018).

By the 1820s, Parramatta was a lively township, home to key institutions including Government House, Government Farm and the Female Orphan School and more experimental colonial ventures like the Female Factory and Native Institution (Norman, 2015). Farms continued to prosper, shipping produce downriver to feed the expanding colony.

EARLY LAND USE
The site of Roseneath Cottage was initially designated as government 'land in cultivation' and, as such, some of the earliest land farmed in Australia (State Library of NSW, 1796).

During the early 1830s, the site of today's cottage was surveyed as Lot 12 Section 10 of North Parramatta. William Tuckwell, a Female Factory employee, was named as the grantee on 12 January 1832; however, his grant was not finalised (PA15392, 1909). On 1 March 1833, former convict Henry Harvey was granted Lot 11 Section 10, the eastern portion of today's site.

Despite his dubious ownership, by 1834 Tuckwell had made a 'release of equity of redemption' for Lot 12 Section 10 to Janet Templeton, allowing her use of the site. Templeton was granted Lot 13 Section 10 the following year and Harvey leased part of Lot 11 to her in December 1836 (PA 15392).

JANET TEMPLETON, PASTORAL PIONEER
Merino sheep were first introduced to Australia in 1797 by Captain Henry Waterhouse, who sold breeding pairs of Spanish merinos to John Macarthur, Revered Samuel Marsden, William Kent and Thomas Rowley (National Museum of Australia, n.d). The hardy merinos suited the arid Australian countryside far better than the fat-tailed sheep of the early colony, bred mainly for meat. The other advantage of merinos was their fine, soft wool, perfectly suited for textile production.

Macarthur and his wife Elizabeth bred his pure merino flock and sent the first wool bale to England for sale in 1807. By 1813, the Macarthurs began regular exports to England, and by the early 1820s, the value of merino flocks in Australia began a spectacular rise (National Museum of Australia, n.d).

Janet Templeton was the head of an ambitious Scottish family. In the 1820s Templeton and her husband, a Glaswegian banker, recruited her brother John Furlonge (also Forlong/Forlonge), sister-in-law Eliza and their two sons to bolster the family's fortune by exporting fine merino sheep to Australia (The Australasian, 1931). The Templetons bankrolled the Furlonge sons' agricultural education, sent Eliza to purchase 130 sheep from Saxony's most prestigious studs, and shipped them to Tasmania in 1826.

In 1829, Janet Templeton was widowed and, by 1831, had followed her nephew to Australia on the Czar, alongside her 8 children, the Furlonge family, 8 employees and 150 more Saxon merinos (The Australasian, 1944). These flocks, known as the Templeton or Furlonge merinos, furnished what The Argus called 'the best foundation blood ever imported to Australia' (1934). Janet and Eliza ran their merinos on properties near Goulburn and on studs Templeton purchased in Tasmania and Victoria (The Sydney Herald, 1840). The Saxon bloodlines were bred with other imported merinos, including Macarthur's Spanish sheep, to create a densely crimped, cleaner wool that was in high demand in English textile mills. By 1840, Australia was producing more than two million kilos of wool each year, spawning a flourishing industry that would advance the national prosperity for the next century (State Library of NSW, n.d).

The contributions of Janet and Eliza to the nascent Australian wool industry have been increasingly recognised by historians. The story of Eliza's long walk through Saxony, gathering hand-picked sheep, has captured the romantic imagination; however, Janet is recognised as the strategist and financial backer of the entire scheme (Robertson, 2025). Among female pastoralists in colonial Australia, Eliza and Janet have few equivalents; similar figures include Anne Drysdale, who ran merinos in Victoria during the 1840s, and Elizabeth Macarthur, who bred merinos and ran vast agricultural properties in her husband's absence.

A HEALTHY AND COMMODIOUS RESIDENCE
There is some uncertainty as to when Janet Templeton built Roseneath Cottage. An 1835 letter implies that Templeton was living in Parramatta; however, it is uncertain whether she was living at Roseneath itself (Lucas Stapleton, Johnson and Partners, 2016). On 15 June 1837, The Sydney Herald reported the marriage of Janet's daughter Marian to William Furlonge at Roseneath Cottage. The residence was likely completed by this time, befitting a wedding venue for a rising colonial family.

The 1830s was the final decade of convict transport to NSW. It was a time of upwards mobility, where many emancipated convicts had already grown rich from agricultural ventures, and the opportunities to improve wealth and standing far more promising than they had been in Britain (MHNSW, n.d.).

Roseneath Cottage was built as the Templeton town residence, announcing their 'arrival' in Parramatta and their aspirations to join the social circles of their wealthy neighbours. The cottage was described as a 'healthy and commodious' brick residence with a shingle roof. Though the architect is unknown, the design is evocative of nearby Georgian-style bungalows built during the 1810s-20s by John Macarthur and Dr John Harris. Unlike those residences at Experiment and Elizabeth Farms, however, Roseneath's roof form maintained a continuous pitch, integrating the verandah under a single roof line.
The dwelling was prominently positioned on O'Connell Street opposite the entrance to Parramatta Park. A detached rear wing was connected by a lightweight shelter. The front door, set with expensive glass side lights and elliptical fanlight, was a particularly striking example of Georgian ornamentation. Inside, drawing and dining rooms were separated by a wide hall, with three ground floor and three attic bedrooms; the rear building contained kitchen, laundry and store. A weatherboard stable, coach house, servant accommodation and a 'well of excellent water' completed the complex (The Sydney Herald, 1841).

Janet did not reside at Roseneath for long. Prolonged drought and low wool prices in economically challenged Britain hit the family fortunes, with the cottage mortgaged in 1842 and repossessed in January 1844 (Lucas Stapleton, Johnson and Partners [LSJP], 2016). Hundreds of pastoralists, grain merchants and bankers throughout the state declared bankruptcy from 1842-46 in what became known as the colony's first depression (Dyster, 2022). Following her insolvency case and the loss of Roseneath, Janet moved to her property in Victoria to regroup. She died in Melbourne in 1857.

LATE 19TH CENTURY
Roseneath Cottage functioned as a boarding school from 1845 to 1855 (Sydney Morning Herald, 1855). The property was sold in 1852, 1854 and 1856. Sales notices emphasised the benefits of its location, including the opportunity to graze animals nearby in Parramatta Park (Sydney Morning Herald, 1877). Roseneath attracted several notable owners, including Charles Finch, member of the Legislative Council, Dr William Bassett, Assistant Colonial Surgeon, and Elizabeth Bobart, daughter of Parramatta dignitary Reverend Samuel Marsden.

In 1869, the Sydney Morning Herald reported that Roseneath had 'just been thoroughly repaired at a considerable expense', though works are unknown. The dwelling was again used as a school in 1887-1889 but returned to residential use in 1890.

EARLY 20TH CENTURY
Roseneath Cottage was purchased by Mary Elizabeth Allen in 1891 and sold to George Bayley Davey in 1909. Davey had founded the Cumberland Argus in 1887 (Reith, 2011).

There may have been plans to demolish Roseneath before Davey's purchase, as a 1909 article reported Davey had 'saved an historic old Parramatta buildingfrom the fate of [demolition]'. This article suggests that Roseneath Cottage's historic value was already being recognised and may reflect a growing awareness of the need to protect historic buildings.
A 1988 article suggests that Prime Ministers Andrew Fisher and William Hughes may have met at Roseneath Cottage during Davey's ownership; however, this is unsubstantiated (LSJP, 2016).

In 1919, Davey enclosed the cottage's northern verandah and subdivided the site into its current configuration (LSJP, 2016). The property passed to his daughter Marjory Davey (later Gates) in 1937 (Vol 2932 Fol 245).

HERITAGE RECOGNITION
Following World War II, community interest in Australian history began to coalesce into a heritage movement (Lesh, 2024). Driven by historians, architects and political conservatives and shaped by post-war ideas about Australian identity, the first wave of this movement focused on traditional colonial narratives (Lesh, 2024). Its integrity and colonial history made Roseneath Cottage a key property to be protected and celebrated in the context of this newly born heritage movement.

Both the National Trust (NSW) and the Royal Australian Institute of Architects included Roseneath Cottage on their first classification lists, published in 1949. Roseneath Cottage also began to be studied by architects. Architectural historian Morton Herman included detailed drawings of the cottage for Early Australian Architects and Their Work (1954), with Roseneath Cottage's ornamental door embossed on the cover.

Roseneath Cottage underwent substantial modifications in the 1950s. The residence was subdivided with internal partitions and the kitchen wing converted into bathrooms. The front door was also replaced and sold to a family in Young.
In 1960, Roseneath was proclaimed a Historic Building in Cumberland County Council's Register of Historic Buildings, the first statutory heritage register in NSW (LSJP, 2016). Photographs of Roseneath by Max Dupain featured in a 1963 exhibition by the National Trust (NSW) titled '"No Time to Spare! An Exhibition of the newly released 'A' List of buildings".
In 1975, Roseneath was sold to Laurence and Joan Mear. Shortly after the Mears arrived, the original well, filled with artefacts, was rediscovered (LSJP, 2016). In 1976, the National Trust (NSW) tried to recover the original front door with little luck.

In 1978, the newly formed Heritage Council of NSW made an Interim Conservation Order over Roseneath, converted to a Permanent Conservation Order in 1981. Roseneath was therefore one of the first 50 properties protected under the Heritage Act 1977. It was also listed on the Australian Heritage Commission's Register of the National Estate that year. It appeared as an exemplar of the Old Colonial Georgian style in Richard Apperly's seminal A pictorial guide to identifying Australian architecture in 1989.

Conservation works were undertaken in the 1980s, though their nature and extent were not recorded. The attic staircase may have been removed at this time.

CONTEMPORARY USE
In 2015, Bruce Mear and Alison Cotter reported the discovery of an underfloor deposit of c.1850s children's toys in Roseneath's attic (Parramatta Advertiser, 2015). The same year, the property was sold to Our Lady Of Mercy College (OLMC). OLMC, a secondary girls' school, was founded in Parramatta in 1889.

From 2018-2023, Roseneath Cottage underwent an extensive restoration program by Lucas Stapleton Johnson and Partners. The original door leaf and side lights were also successfully located, measured and replicated. Sympathetic modifications to facilitate use as the OLMC office were completed in May 2023.

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.	River flats-
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.	Topography: How did the environment, topography and the River influence early settlement? Is there a strong relationship-Peopling the Continent Contact
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	Agriculture-Activities relating to the cultivation and rearing of plant and animal species, usually for commercial purposes, can include aquaculture	Truffle 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	Private farming-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings	Developing local, regional and national economies-National Theme 3
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings	Landscapes and 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 used for self reliant recreation-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Events-Activities and processes that mark the consequences of natural and cultural occurences	Developing local landmarks-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Pastoralism-Activities associated with the breeding, raising, processing and distribution of livestock for human use	Developing stock blood lines - merino sheep-
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 townsfolk - terraces and cottages-
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.	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.	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.	Bungalows-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Land tenure-Activities and processes for identifying forms of ownership and occupancy of land and water, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal	1820s-1850s land grants-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Land tenure-Activities and processes for identifying forms of ownership and occupancy of land and water, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal	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	Surveying by Augustus Alt-
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	Changing land uses - from rural to suburban-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages	19th century suburban developments-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages	Macquarie's town layout-
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	Creating landmark structures and places in urban settings-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages	living in the suburbs-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages	Garden suburbs-
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	Supporting women with domestic work-
6. Educating-Educating	Education-Activities associated with teaching and learning by children and adults, formally and informally.	Correspondence School-
6. Educating-Educating	Education-Activities associated with teaching and learning by children and adults, formally and informally.	Catholic school-
6. Educating-Educating	Education-Activities associated with teaching and learning by children and adults, formally and informally.	Adapted villa/ cottage for a school-
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.	Applying architectural design to utlilitarian structures-
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	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.	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.	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.	Adaptation of overseas design for local use-
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 in suburbia-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Domestic life-Activities associated with creating, maintaining, living in and working around houses and institutions.	Kitchens and servants-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Domestic life-Activities associated with creating, maintaining, living in and working around houses and institutions.	Valuing women's contributions-
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	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Gardening-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with Rev. H.H. Bobart, Anglican Chaplain and architect-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with Henry Harvey, Parramatta property owner and miller-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with Janet Templeton, Scottish widow-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with Eliza Forlonge, Merino and Saxon sheep pioneer farmer-

Assessment of significance


SHR Criteria a) [Historical significance]	Built for pastoralist Janet Templeton in c.1835-37, Roseneath Cottage reflects a period of significant growth in the colony of NSW. It may be of historic significance for demonstrating the economic and societal shifts that expanded Parramatta northwards. Built at the height of success of an entrepreneurial pastoral family, in the context of the critical rise of the colonial wool industry, Roseneath Cottage may provide an important window into NSW’s burgeoning middle class society during the late Georgian period. Its refined architectural detailing, high quality materials and prominent siting reflect the Templeton family’s entrepreneurial accomplishments and resulting ambitions to join Parramatta’s social elite. As the main dwelling and original kitchen wing are largely intact, Roseneath may also be of State significance for its ability to demonstrate aspects of domestic middle-class life during the Georgian period. Roseneath Cottage may be of State historic significance for its ability to tell the story of the post-war heritage movement in NSW. As one of the earliest places championed by heritage advocates, Roseneath reflects the movement’s initial focus on colonial buildings and pastoral narratives. Publicly recognised as an important historic building as early as 1909, Roseneath Cottage has continued to be celebrated for its significance by both statutory and non-statutory bodies throughout the development of the heritage movement in the 20th century. In 1949, it was included on the first community heritage lists compiled by the National Trust of Australia (NSW) and the Royal Australian Institute of Architects. It was one of the earliest sites to receive formal protection on NSW’s first statutory heritage list in 1960 and was among the first 50 sites gazetted on both the State Heritage Register and the Register of the National Estate.
SHR Criteria b) [Associative significance]	Roseneath Cottage may be of State significance for its strong association with its first resident, pastoralist Janet Templeton (1785-1857). Roseneath was built as Janet’s town residence during the height of her success in the late 1830s. Janet Templeton was a pioneering woman in the early Australian wool industry. Recognising the value of fine merino bloodlines in the developing colony, she imported almost 300 carefully selected Saxon sheep to Tasmania between 1826 and 1831. Together with her sister-in-law, Eliza Furlonge, Janet bred, pastured and sold these merinos, which became crucial foundation stock for herds across NSW, Victoria and Tasmania. This was critically important to the flourishing of the wool industry which would advance the national prosperity for the next century. While unrecognised in her lifetime, Janet is now regarded as one of colonial Australia’s most important female pastoralists.
SHR Criteria c) [Aesthetic significance]	Roseneath Cottage may be of State significance for its architectural merit as a fine, substantially intact example of a Colonial Georgian bungalow. Roseneath Cottage may be a State significant example of vernacular Colonial Georgian architecture that demonstrates the tastes and aspirations of a middle-class pastoral family of the late 1830s. The main dwelling exemplifies the Colonial Georgian style, characterised by its symmetrical, well-proportioned façade with restored central door, turned timber colonnade and shuttered 12-panel sash windows. Rather than using the broken-backed roof associated with Colonial Georgian buildings, Roseneath Cottage incorporates a single-pitch main roof with three secondary hipped roofs to the rear. This unusual arrangement, which increases usable attic space, demonstrates a degree of innovation within a constrained building footprint. While the secondary roof is an innovative form, the presentation of the main roof remains typically Georgian. The main dwelling’s three-sided verandah is integrated under the main roof, with no variation in pitch, an Anglo-Indian form that rarely survives today. Due to its long-term use as a residence, the interior retains a high level of integrity. The symmetrical floor plan and full attic storey remain intact, with lath and plaster ceilings, bolection-moulded doors and reveals and high-quality cedar joinery clearly expressing the original room hierarchy. The original sandstone kitchen wing is also intact, providing a complete portrait of a Georgian residential complex. While no original plantings are present, the late 19th -early 20th century garden provides an appropriately picturesque framing. Situated on a prominent corner at O’Connell and Ross Streets, Roseneath Cottage possesses strong landmark qualities. While its broader setting has been altered by early 20th century subdivision, the site remains an excellent example of a middle-class Colonial Georgian residence. Its architectural quality and integrity have been widely acknowledged, including in seminal works on Australian architecture by Morton Herman and Richard Apperly.
SHR Criteria e) [Research potential]	Roseneath Cottage may be for State significance as it has potential for archaeological remains of State significance which can contribute to our understanding of middle-class domestic life in the late Georgian period. Excavations in the north-east portion of the garden have previously discovered relics of State significance, including a sandstock brick lined well dated to c.1788-1830s. Due to the low level of historical disturbance across the site, there is high potential for further early 19th century archaeological remains of potential State significance to be found in the rear and side gardens. The high integrity and long-term residential use of the main dwelling and kitchen wing indicate high potential for archaeological remains in their under-floor, inter-wall and building cavities which may be of State significance. Previous under-floor deposits discovered in the attic included artefacts dated to c.1850s.
Integrity/Intactness:	Highly intact
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	Review a Conservation Management Plan (CMP)
Recommended Management	Carry out an Archaeological Assessment
Recommended Management	Prepare a maintenance schedule or guidelines
Recommended Management	Carry out interpretation, promotion and/or education

Procedures /Exemptions

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

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

Listings

Heritage Listing	Listing Number	Gazette Date	Gazette Number	Gazette Page
Heritage Act - State Heritage Register	00042	02 Apr 99	27	1546
Heritage Act - Permanent Conservation Order - former	00042	17 Jul 81	102	3846
Local Environmental Plan		21 Jul 89	84	4636
Cumberland County Council list of Historic Buildings 1961-67		05 Aug 60
Register of the National Estate	3038	21 Mar 78

References, internet links & images

Type	Author	Year	Title	Internet Links
Written		1944	Women Pastoral Pioneers: Story Of Janet Templeton	View detail
Written		1931	Early Merino Importations	View detail
Written		1908	A LUCKY FIND.	View detail
Written			"ROSENEATH."	View detail
Written	Adams, Nancy		'Forlonge, William (1811-1890)',	View detail
Written	Apperly, Richard, Robert Irving and Peter Reynolds.	1989	A pictorial guide to identifying Australian architecture.
Written	Attenbrow, Val	2010	Sydney's Aboriginal past: investigating the archaeological and historical records.
Written	Austin, Geoff (Manager, Permits, Heritage Victoria)	2015	email 'Janet Templeton & Eliza Forlong', sent to Heritage Victoria Chat email group, 15/11/15
Written	Britton, Geoffrey, in conjunction with DA documentation by Lucas, Stapleton Johnson & Partners P/L	2018	Maintenance Schedule for the grounds of Roseneath Cottage, O'Connell Street, Parramatta
Written	Christian, Jules	2021	The eel as a totem and symbol of resilience	View detail
Written	City of Parramatta	2021	Dharug and First Nations Community	View detail
Written	City of Parramatta,	2014	First European Exploration of Parramatta	View detail
Written	Dyster, Barrie	2022	The Depression of the 1840s in New South Wales	View detail
Written	Evans, Ian OAM PhD	2015	email to Vic Heritage Chat email group, 12/11/2015
Written	Gapps, Stephen	2018	The Sydney Wars
Written	Gibbs, Shallard & Co	1877	Town and district of Parramatta. New South Wales: Bird's eye view and insets of buildings	View detail
Written	Herman, Morton	1963	Early colonial architecture.
Written	Herman, Morton	1954	The early Australian architects and their work.
Written	Herman, Morton and Max Dupain	1963	Georgian Architecture in Australia: with some examples of buildings of the post-Georgian period
Written	Jervis, James. (Ed. by George Mackaness) Jervis, James ; Ed.: Mackaness,	1961	Cradle city of Australia; a history of Parramatta, 1788-1961
Written	Johnson, Sean	2019	A tale of two front doors
Written	Kass, Terry, Carol Liston, John McClymont	1996	Parramatta, a past remembered, City of Parramatta.
Written	Leary, Frank & Judith	1979	Colonial Heritage - Historic Buildings of NSW
Written	Lesh, James	2024	Battling Hideous Things: The National Trust of Australia in its first two decades.	View detail
Written	Lucas Stapleton Johnson & Partners	2015	Roseneath Cottage Conservation Management Plan
Written	Lucas Stapleton Johnson & Partners P/L	2016	Roseneath Cottage, 40-42 O'Connell Street, Parramatta - Conservation Management Plan
Written	Lucas, Stapleton Johnson & Partners	2018	Roseneath Cottage, 40-42 O'Connell Street, Parramatta - Interpretation Plan
Written	M. Quinn, T. Owen, J. Flanagan, K.E. Westaway	2023	An Aboriginal presence in the Sydney basin prior to the LGM; further investigations into the age and formation of the Parramatta Sand Body
Written	Museums of History NSW		Land Grants Guide NSW	View detail
Written	Nancy Adams; Forlong Family.;Templeton Family	1961	Saxon sheep; a novel based on the activities of the Templeton and Forlong families in the early days of Australian settlement / Saxon Sheep
Written	National Museum of Australia		Merino sheep introduced in Australia	View detail
Written	Norman, Heidi	2015	Parramatta and Black Town Native Institutions	View detail
Written	Parramatta River Catchment Group	2021	First Nations Peoples of the Parramatta River and surrounding region	View detail
Written	Robertson, Emma, Nicola Verdon, and Jennifer Jones	2025	“‘Shepherdesses in the Bush!’: Representations of Women’s Shepherding Labour, from Britain to the Australian Colonies in the 19th Century
Electronic	Russell Jennifer, Huffadise Leith		Family finds historic children's toys including carved wooden birds, dusty marbles and dominoes hidden in their attic for over 100 years Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3309728/Family-finds-historic-children-s-toys-including-carved-w	View detail
Written	Willys Keeble, wka@sprint.net.au	2015	email 'Concealed objects in historic Parramatta house' sent to Vic Heritage Chat email group, 16/11/15

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:	5045134
File number:	EF14/26215; S90/6140; HC 32138

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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