Hobartville, including outbuildings

Item details

Name of item: Hobartville, including outbuildings
Type of item: Landscape
Group/Collection: Farming and Grazing
Category: Homestead Complex
Location: Lat: -33.5954857738 Long: 150.7360410040
Primary address: Kurrajong Road, Richmond, NSW 2753
Parish: Ham Common
County: Cumberland
Local govt. area: Hawkesbury
Local Aboriginal Land Council: Deerubbin
Property description
Lot/Volume CodeLot/Volume NumberSection NumberPlan/Folio CodePlan/Folio Number
LOT3 DP596558
All addresses
Street AddressSuburb/townLGAParishCountyType
Kurrajong RoadRichmondHawkesburyHam CommonCumberlandPrimary Address
Richmond RoadRichmondHawkesburyHam CommonCumberlandAlternate Address

Owner/s

Organisation NameOwner CategoryDate Ownership Updated
Hobartville Stud Pty LtdPrivate26 Mar 99

Statement of significance:

Hobartville is of historic significance at a National level as an intact early colonial homestead group for its association with the Cox family and Francis greenway. Its original grant boundaries determined the extent of the 1810 grid layout of Richmond township and it has links, both historic and physical with St Peter's Anglican Church.
Date significance updated: 06 May 09
Note: The State Heritage Inventory provides information about heritage items listed by local and State government agencies. The State Heritage Inventory is continually being updated by local and State agencies as new information becomes available. Read the Department of Premier and Cabinet copyright and disclaimer.

Description

Designer/Maker: Francis Greeway (possibly)
Physical description: Estate:
Original grants of 100 acres (41ha) (1802) and 400 acres (162ha)(1804), effectively dominating the area to the south/south-west of Richmond township and 'Luttrell's Line' determining the extent of the grid layout of the town. Proudfoot states that Luttrell's property was known as Hobartville by 1816 and advertised as having a house, garden and out offices.

Luttrell's grant was purchased by Lt.William Cox in 1816 and by 1818 he had added Blackman's grant to the estate. Proudfoot notes Cox planted "an avenue of oak trees leading to the house as well as many other varieties along the river banks.". The avenue to the house was referred to as the "historic oak avenue" in the 1931 article. Cox established significant links with (adjacent to the north) St.Peter's Anglican Church suggesting that the alternative entry to the estate from the north opposite Chapel Street may be a physical manifestation of that link.

An aerial view (1931) indicates that part of the oak avenue (Quercus robur) had been lost although other views show its prominence. The immediate garden surrounding the house appears to have protected it on its north-west more than the present garden does. There was extensive planting to either side of the house, the trees of the entry avenue from the north were mature and the paddocks close to the house were planted with trees.

By 1947 the oak avenue appeared more depleted. To the north between Richmond and the original grant boundary, the continuation of the entry drive had been planted with plane trees (Platanus x hybrida). The property passed out of the Reynolds family hands in 1958 and in the mid-1970s was owned by Mrs Bruce Lindsay.

Suburban subdivision has since taken place between the house and Castlereagh Road. This has meant that a road bisects the original entry avenue from Castlereagh Road and this has resulted in the removal of a section of the old carriage drive on axis to Hobartville's front door and an excavation c.1m below the level of the drive. The remnant section is now isolated (Morris & Britton, 2000, figure 4.7.10) although the old line of oaks and corresponding carriage drive have been maintained as open space, they were not included in the original Permanent Conservation Order curtilage. Currently there are unimpeded views of Hobartville's mansion from Kurrajong Road (to its west/north-west)(LEP, 2012).

Garden:
The (southern, main) approach to the house through a formal garden sheltered by a high bamboo thicket. It passes the Old Stables block on the western side after going through a section of more modern subdivision and housing (along the drive). A second eastern driveway forks off opposite the Old Stables leading along the northern side of that same housing and connecting, via Hobartville's gates, to Chapel Lane and an avenue of plane trees that run up to Kurrajong Road (Stuart Read, pers.comm., interpreting Morris & Britton, 2000, figure 4.7.10).

The immediated garden surrounding the house appears to have protected the house on its north-west more than the situation that exists today. There was extensive planting to either side of the house, the trees of the entry avenue from the north were mature and the paddocks close to the house were planted with trees (ibid, 2000, 48).

Mansion (1828):
The present homestead Hobartville was completed in 1828.
Fine two storey sandstock brick mansion. Francis Greenway may have been the designer. The entrance has a fine sandstone portico with Doric columns, sidelights and elliptical fanlight around four panel door.
Curved cantilevered stone stair in two storey hall. French windows to flagged, one storey, verandah to north-south, with low pitched slate hipped roof. Slate roof to verandah (RNE, 1978).

The house, whilst reminiscent of William Cox Jr's childhood home, Clarendon, with its setting looking across the Hawkesbury floodplain, Hobartville displays the opulence associated with the modest prosperity of these second-generation Hawkesbury settlers (NTA (NSW), 2019).

The house is a masterpiece both inside and out. Its two faces contrast marvellously. The approach to the house shows an austere, flat, symmetrical frontage of brick, broken only by a Classical porch and by string courses between the storeys. There is a wide fanlight over the front door. A curious feature of the porch is the 'secret' panel in one of the supporting pillars, which has prompted amiable speculation (Jack, 1990, 155).

The symmetry is misleading, for the shuttered window at the left of the front door is not a window. Behind it, inside, the famous cantilevered stone staircase curves upwards in the spacious hall: the hall is the full height of the house and the original cedar joinery has survived throughout the main rooms. Upstairs the principal bedroom, with bay windows onto the garden, combines airiness with privacy by opening onto the upper landing with two sets of doors, one solid, the alternative one louvered to allow a through draught. This is a very thoughtful house (ibid, 1990, 156).

Garden Front / Northern outlook and setting:
The (northern, back) garden front is the very antithesis of the south front. The great three-sided central bay projects into the garden, the whole front extended, shaded, enlivened by a lower storey verandah (originally with turned wooden columns, now with Bubb's cast-iron pillars of the 1870s). This exquisite front to Hobartville faces the Kurrajong Road over the grazing flats west of Richmond. The colour of the brick is ideal for the climate and the whole mansion is infinitely enticing (ibid, 1990, 156).

Expansive views in a wide cone are available to the house looking north, out across the floodplain terraces and lagoons of the Richmond Lowlands and the Nepean River beyond to the Blue Mountains (Stuart Read, pers.comm., interpreting Morris & Britton, 2000, figure 4.7.10). The immediate grounds to the house('s north/rear) remain (ibid, 2000). The (floodplain) escarpment (terrace) is an important feature of the local landscape, quite prominent in views from Kurrajong Road both leaving Richmond going west and in approaching it from the river coming east.

Below the house there are cellars for wine and other storage. There is no reason to believe the story that convicts were kept there, although there were assigned servants on the property in William Cox's time: the bars are to keep people out rather than in (ibid, 1990, 156).

Outbuildings:
Beyond the house to the west are a number of 19th century outbuildings, many connected with the stud or the property's working horses.

Old Kitchen Block:
Luttrell Cottage (c1816):
The modest c1816 cottage from the Luttrell family estate survives adjacent to the house as the former kitchen (NTA (NSW), 2019).

At the side of the house is the old kitchen which is typical Hawkesbury cottage and may have been the original building in which the Cox's lived (ibid, 1990, 157).

Stables:
The stables nearby are brick of two storeys and with a gambrel roof. This unusual jerkin-head hipped roof is a recurrent Hawkesbury feature; but it also has painted glass in the windows. The colonial grooms enjoyed no such decoration: Art Deco windows were installed in the 20th century, when the lady of the house decided to have a private chapel in the old coach house (ibid, 1990, 157).

Summer House:
On the other side of the house is an elegant little summer house.

Cottages:
A number of small cottages on the estate complete the appearance of a remote homestead village.
There are a number of historic and substantial outbuildings and cottages (RNE, 1978).

Toilets:
Beyond the building which is probably the Luttrell house, with its attic and rear skillion, is the most memorable of dunnies. Within the brick building three sides of the square are occupied by seats, two high and large in the middle, flanked by a small one, with two more smaller ones on each wing, making a total of seven. It is the ultimate in family solidarity (ibid, 1990, 157).

Two Slab Buildings/Barns (Heritage Study):
The two slab buildings identified within the Hobartville Stud complex form part of a large number of outbuildings associated with the homestead "Hobartville" c1820s, the adjacent early cottage "Luttrells Cottage" c1806 and the working horse training property (Heritage Study).

Barn No1 - Description
Formerly believed to be a cattle property during Andrew Thompson's ownership, one of the barns reflects this with stabling for prized show cattle.
Utilising some of the former cattle stalls, this barn is now used partially as horse stables, feed shed and tack room. It is a large and high single storey barn ( approx 20m long x 5.5m wide) originally with loft, a feed storage area extending each side with integral skillions (approx 3.6m wide each side) and the total sectioned off for approx 12 cattle stables. It is possible that the barn was altered and the area divided for the installation of these cattle stables. The southern end of the barn has been further altered for use as a large feed loading dock by partial removal of the loft, removal of the cattle stabling and the installation of side loading dock floors. The roof structure of the primary barn length has been strengthened with cross bracing of the perimeter wall beams, to compensate for the removal of the loft structure within these 3 bays. 5 of these cattle stables remain intact (ibid).

It appears from the mix of claddings and the internal alterations to the barn that the earlier form may have only consisted of the primary gable roof section (approx 18m x 5.5m) then the skillions added wrapping around the northern end to form a "U" shape. The extant wall claddings are a mix of timber slabs and timber plank boarding placed vertically to resemble the slabs. The slabs are confined to the northern end only. The remaining side walls are the vertical planks between timber stable doors, and the southern end corrugated metal with large hinged doors (ibid).

The roof is also clad with corrugated metal (ibid).

Structure:
A post and beam structure constructed using round timber posts and sawn beams, rafters battens and other framing. Loft wall framing remnants indicates that the primary barn was constructed with timber slab wall linings externally up to loft floor level and thereafter horizontal boarding as is the typical Hawkesbury barn. This barn as indicated above has been extensively extended and widened on both sides of the primary barn. The whole roof has been reframed with more recent sawn timbers to the clean lines of the barn as viewed today (ibid).

Barn No 2 - description:
A wide single storey primary barn, originally with loft, in comparison to barn No 1 and much simpler in form and probably constructed for a differing purpose to the use as horse stabling today. The primary stable barn (approx 8 metres wide x 15 metres long) has been extended with an open verandah along two longitudinal sides. The two longitudinal sides are clad with timber planks between timber stable doors. The northern gable wall is clad with horizontal weather boards and the southern gable corrugated metal. The southern gable has a loft door. Internally the main structure has been divided into stables with solid timber divisions to approx 1500mm high and mesh wire above (ibid).

Structure:
The primary barn is structured with posts of varying spacings and beams. The round posts on the longitudinal sides are spaced at approx 2.5 metres and the gable end posts at much closer spacings of approx 1.0 metre. The perimeter beams are rectangular in shape and support a simply triangulated roof frame. The rafters are thin bush poles @ approx 450mm spacings and the battens are spaced for shingles. The roof is now clad with corrugated metal (ibid).

The walls with the stable doors have been framed using rectangular studding intermediate to the posts (ibid).
Modifications and dates: An aerial view (1931) indicates that part of the oak avenue (Quercus robur) had been lost although other views show its prominence. The immediate garden surrounding the house appears to have protected it on its north-west more than the present garden does. There was extensive planting to either side of the house, the trees of the entry avenue from the north were mature and the paddocks close to the house were planted with trees.

By 1947 the oak avenue appeared more depleted. To the north between Richmond and the original grant boundary, the continuation of the entry drive had been planted with plane trees (Platanus x hybrida). The property passed out of the Reynolds family hands in 1958 and in the mid-1970s was owned by Mrs Bruce Lindsay.

Suburban subdivision has since taken place between the house and Castlereagh Road. This has meant that a road bisects the original entry avenue from Castlereagh Road and although the old line of oaks and corresponding carriage drive have been maintained as open space, they were not included in the original Permanent Conservation Order curtilage. Currently there are unimpeded views of Hobartville's mansion from Kurrajong Road (to its west/north-west)(LEP, 2012).
Current use: farm and residence
Former use: Aboriginal land, farm, horse stud and sales site

History

Historical notes: INDIGENOUS OCCUPATION
The lower Hawkesbury was home to the Dharug people. The proximity to the Nepean River and South Creek qualifies it as a key area for food resources for indigenous groups (Proudfoot, 1987).
The Dharug and Darkinjung people called the river Deerubbin and it was a vital source of food and transport (Nichols, 2010).

NON-INDIGENOUS OCCUPATION
Governor Arthur Phillip explored the local area in search of suitable agricultural land in 1789 and discovered and named the Hawkesbury River after Baron Hawkesbury. This region played a significant role in the early development of the colony with European settlers established here by 1794. Situated on fertile floodplains and well known for its abundant agriculture, Green Hills (as it was originally called) supported the colony through desperate times. However, frequent flooding meant that the farmers along the riverbanks were often ruined.

Governor Lachlan Macquarie replaced Governor Bligh, taking up duty on 1/1/1810. Under his influence the colony propsered. His vision was for a free community, working in conjunction with the penal colony. He implemented an unrivalled public works program, completing 265 public buildings, establishing new public amenities and improving existing services such as roads. Under his leadership Hawkesbury district thrived. He visited the district on his first tour and recorded in his journal on 6/12/1810: 'After dinner I chrestened the new townships...I gave the name of Windsor to the town intended to be erected in the district of the Green Hills...the township in the Richmond district I have named Richmond...' the district reminded Macquarie of those towns in England, whilst Castlereagh, Pitt Town and Wilberforce were named after English statesmen. These are often referred to as Macquarie's Five Towns. Their localities, chiefly Windsor and Richmond, became more permanent with streets, town square and public buildings.

Macquarie also appointed local men in positions of authority. In 1810 a group of settlers sent a letter to him congratulating him on his leadership and improvements. It was published in the Sydney Gazette with his reply. He was 'much pleased with the sentiments' of the letter and assured them that the Haweksbury would 'always be an object of the greatest interest' to him (Nichols, 2010).

In marking out the towns of Windsor and Richmond in 1810, Governor Macquarie was acting on instructions from London. All of the Governors who held office between 1789 and 1822, from Phillip to Brisbane, recieved the same Letter of Instruction regarding the disposal of the 'waste lands of the Crown' that Britain claimed as her own. This included directives for the formation of towns and thus the extension of British civilisation to its Antipodean outpost (Proudfoot 1987, 7-9).

Hobartville:
An article in the 1931 edition of 'Pastoral Homes of Australia' gives an overview of the ownership of what was then "the most successful Hereford cattle stud in Australia". The property included the original grants of 100 acres (41ha) to James Blackman (1802) and 400 acres (162ha) to surgeon, Edward Luttrell (1804), effectively dominating the area to the south/south-west of Richmond township and 'Luttrell's Line' determining the extent of the grid layout of Richmond township. Helen Proudfoot gives a detailed history of Hobartville, stating that Luttrell's property had become known as Hobartville by 1816 and was advertised as having a house, garden and out offices.

Hobartville is the one grand early mansion on the Hawkesbury. The second generation of the Coxes, the sons of William Cox of Clarendon, built grandly, but only one son, William Jr., remained and built on the Hawkesbury (Jack, 1990, 154).

Luttrell's grant passed in 1814 to his son-in-law, who first leased it to Lt. William Cox junior and then, in 1816, sold it to him (ibid, 1990, 154-5). There was already a house on the property, which is probably the old kitchen building immediately adjacent to the later house: in this Luttrell house all nine children of Elizabeth and William Cox were born between 1814 and 1826 (ibid, 1990, 155).

By 1818 he had added Blackman's grant to the estate.

The grand new house (the present homestead) Hobartville was completed in 1828 and was the scene of much gaiety and entertainment (ibid, 1990, 155). Although the architect is unknown, Australia's most celebated convict, Francis Greenway, is thought to have been responsible for its design (Stevens, 1976, 31).

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

Proudfoot states that Cox planted "an avenue of oak trees leading to the house as well as many other varieties along the river banks.". The avenue to the house was referred to as the "historic oak avenue" in the 1931 article. Cox established significant links with (adjacent to the north) St. Peter's Anglican Church suggesting that the alternative entry to the estate from the north opposite Chapel Street may be a physical manifestation of that link.

Mrs Cox became one of the colony's most popular hostesses, and junior officers considered themselves accepted in society when they could boast of having stayed at Hobartville (Stevens, 1976, 31).

On the death of William Cox in 1850, the estate was left to his eldest son, yet another William, but with a life interest to his widow, Elizabeth. She moved permanently to England in 1864 and William had another property, so they passed Hobartville to another son, Sloper Cox (ibid, 1990, 155). In 1863 Hobartville was conveyed to the third son, Sloper Cox, who lived there until 1877.

In 1877 it was bought by Andrew Town, who established his famous horse stud and sales there. The stud long-survived Town, the Reynolds family breeding both horses and Hereford cattle up to the 1950s (ibid, 1990, 155).

So began the golden years of Hobartville (Stevens, 1976, 31). It became renowned as a thoroughbred stud after purchase by Town (Jack, 1990, 146). He built it up to become the biggest horse stud in the world, as well as running a large herd of cattle and pigs. Special trains brought buyers to Hobartville sales, which were held under the shade of the huge oak trees, crowds of up to 300 people being served luncheon in large marquees (Stevens, 1976, 31).

Born in 1840, Town was son and grandson of Hawkesbury publicans and farmers: his great-grandfather had been transported in 1800. Andrew made, and lost, a considerable fortune, principally as a breeder and racer of thoroughbreds, and owned Hobartville until his death in 1890. After he acquired it his yearling sales were held there, but he continued to use his (122 Windsor Street) Richmond house and entertained lavishly there in the 1880s (Jack, 1990, 146).

Sydney's premier trotting track Harold Park (Glebe) took its name from 'Childe Harold', Town's famous trotting sire. Town went bankrupt in the 1880 depression and it had a series of subsequent owners (Stevens, 1976, 31).

In 1889 it passed to William Long and George Hill who sold it to Percy Reynolds in 1900. Reynolds, who continued the tradition of thoroughbred breeding, was born at Tocal Station in Paterson (in the Hunter Valley) and was still owner when the homestead featured in "Pastoral Homes of Australia"(1931). The Reynolds family built up Australia's most renowned Hereford cattle herd in the 1930s (Stevens, 1976, 31).

An aerial view (1931) indicates that part of the oak avenue (Quercus robur) had been lost although other views show its prominence. The immediate garden surrounding the house appears to have protected it on its north-west more than the present garden does. There was extensive planting to either side of the house, the trees of the entry avenue from the north were mature and the paddocks close to the house were planted with trees.

By 1947 the oak avenue appeared more depleted. To the north between Richmond and the original grant boundary, the continuation of the entry drive had been planted with plane trees (Platanus x hybrida). The property passed out of the Reynolds family hands in 1958 and in the mid-1970s was owned by Mrs Bruce Lindsay.

More than 100 hectares of Hobartville property was subdivided in 1966, and this has now become 'Hobartville', a residential development of 1200 home sites. The present owner, Mrs B.B. Lindsey, still runs Hobartville as a horse property, but further subdivision is proposed for that part of the farm fronting Castlereagh Road (Stevens, 1976, 31).

The house is still in private ownership with the stud facilities on lease (ibid, 1990).

Suburban subdivision has since taken place between the house and Castlereagh Road. This has meant that a road bisects the original entry avenue from Castlereagh Road and although the old line of oaks and corresponding carriage drive have been maintained as open space, they were not included in the original Permanent Conservation Order curtilage. Currently there are unimpeded views of Hobartville's mansion from Kurrajong Road (to its west/north-west).

Historic themes

Australian theme (abbrev)New South Wales themeLocal theme
1. Environment-Tracing the evolution of a continent's special environments Environment - naturally evolved-Activities associated with the physical surroundings that support human life and influence or shape human cultures. Gardens-
1. Environment-Tracing the evolution of a continent's special environments Environment - naturally evolved-Activities associated with the physical surroundings that support human life and influence or shape human cultures. Other open space-
1. Environment-Tracing the evolution of a continent's special environments Environment - naturally evolved-Activities associated with the physical surroundings that support human life and influence or shape human cultures. 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. Introduce cultural planting-
1. Environment-Tracing the evolution of a continent's special environments Environment - naturally evolved-Activities associated with the physical surroundings that support human life and influence or shape human cultures. Cultural: Plains and plateaux supporting human activities-
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 Convict labour-
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 Demonstrating convicts' experiences and activities-
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 Working on private assignment-
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 Ancillary structures - wells, cisterns-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies Agriculture-Activities relating to the cultivation and rearing of plant and animal species, usually for commercial purposes, can include aquaculture Farming by convict emancipists-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies Agriculture-Activities relating to the cultivation and rearing of plant and animal species, usually for commercial purposes, can include aquaculture Attempting to transplant European farming practices to Australian environments-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings Landscapes of scenic beauty-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings Significant tree(s) providing rural amenity or character-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings Landscapes of food production-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings Landscapes and gardens of domestic accommodation-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings Landscapes and countryside of rural charm-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings Gardens and landscapes reminiscent of an 'old country'-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies Pastoralism-Activities associated with the breeding, raising, processing and distribution of livestock for human use Beef cattle breeding and raising-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities Accommodation-Activities associated with the provision of accommodation, and particular types of accommodation – does not include architectural styles – use the theme of Creative Endeavour for such activities. Housing the prosperous - mansions in town and country-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities Accommodation-Activities associated with the provision of accommodation, and particular types of accommodation – does not include architectural styles – use the theme of Creative Endeavour for such activities. Housing for farm and station hands-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities Accommodation-Activities associated with the provision of accommodation, and particular types of accommodation – does not include architectural styles – use the theme of Creative Endeavour for such activities. Gentlemens Mansions-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities Accommodation-Activities associated with the provision of accommodation, and particular types of accommodation – does not include architectural styles – use the theme of Creative Endeavour for such activities. 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 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 Sub-division of large estates-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities Land tenure-Activities and processes for identifying forms of ownership and occupancy of land and water, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Changing land uses - from rural to suburban-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities Land tenure-Activities and processes for identifying forms of ownership and occupancy of land and water, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Granting Crown lands for private farming-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities 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 regional 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 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 Role of transport in 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 Planning relationships between key structures and town plans-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages Developing towns in response to topography-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages Beautifying towns and villages-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages Planned towns serving a specific industry-
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 Indicators of early town planning and the disposition of people within the emerging settlement-
5. Working-Working Labour-Activities associated with work practises and organised and unorganised labour Working on pastoral stations-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities. Designing in an exemplary architectural style-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities. Building in response to natural landscape features.-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities. Designing landscapes in an exemplary style-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities. 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 - 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 - Victorian gardenesque style-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities. 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. Architectural styles and periods - Georgian Revival-
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. Kitchens and servants-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life Domestic life-Activities associated with creating, maintaining, living in and working around houses and institutions. Living in a rural homestead-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation Gathering at landmark places to socialise-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation Gardening-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups Associations with Percy Reynolds, thoroughbred cattle breeder-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups Associations with Edward Luttrell, surgeon-
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 Jr., farmer-
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-

Recommended management:

Expand SHR boundary area to include former drives from Castlereagh Road. Ensure (curtilage) includes the section of the early entry avenue off the Castlereagh Road that was omitted from the former permanent conservation area. Ensure (curtilage) includes the current (entry) avenue off Richmond Road and any remnant plantings along the road (Chapel Street) linking Hobartville to the St. Peter's group and the view of Bunya pines from St. Peter's. Ensure no further subdivision of the Hobartville estate and retain current zoning (Morris & Britton, 2000, 49).

Recommendations

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

Procedures /Exemptions

Section of actDescriptionTitleCommentsAction date
CMP-EndorseConservation Plan submitted for endorsementHobartville at Richmond CMP, prepared by Clive Lucas Stapleton & Partners for Historic Hobartville Stud Pty Ltd, dated July 2004 CMP received for consideration 30 July 2004  
57(2)Exemption to allow workStandard Exemptions HERITAGE ACT 1977

ORDER UNDER SECTION 57(2) TO GRANT STANDARD EXEMPTIONS FROM APPROVAL

I, Penny Sharpe, the Minister for Heritage, on the recommendation of the Heritage Council of New South Wales and under section 57(2) of the Heritage Act 1977:

revoke the order made on 2 June 2022 and published in the Government Gazette Number 262 of 17 June 2022; and

grant an exemption from section 57(1) of the Act in respect of the engaging in or carrying out the class of activities described in clause 2 Schedule A in such circumstances specified by the relevant standards in clause 2 Schedule A and General Conditions in clause 3 Schedule A.

This Order takes effect on the date it is published in the NSW Government Gazette.

Dated this 29th day of October 2025
The Hon Penny Sharpe MLC
Minister for Heritage

For more information on standard exemptions click on the link below. 		Nov 7 2025

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

Listings

Heritage ListingListing TitleListing NumberGazette DateGazette NumberGazette Page
Heritage Act - State Heritage Register 0003502 Apr 99 271546
Heritage Act - Permanent Conservation Order - formerHobartville, including outbuildings0003508 Feb 80 230613
Local Environmental Plan  18 Dec 89   
Local Environmental Plan  20 Dec 96   
Cumberland County Council list of Historic Buildings 1961-67     
National Trust of Australia register Hobartville, etc7920   
Register of the National EstateHobartville, outbuildings, grounds & trees00313321 Mar 78 0230613

Study details

TitleYearNumberAuthorInspected byGuidelines used
Colonial Landscapes of the Cumberland Plain and Camden, NSW20004.8 volume oneMorris, C., & Britton, G./NSW National Trust (for the Heritage Council of NSW)Colleen Morris, Geoffrey Britton Yes

References, internet links & images

TypeAuthorYearTitleInternet Links
WrittenAitken, Richard2002Villa Garden (entry) View detail
WrittenClive Lucas Stapleton & Partners.2004Hobartville Richmond, NSW conservation management plan
WrittenCollin C. Donges & Associates Consulting Town Planners, Surveyors, Landscape & Environmental Analysts1979Hobartville Homestead - an environmental overview of recent boundary fluctuations and planning implications1
WrittenFalson, Sarah2020Historic Dight Farm could be affected by proposed North Richmond bridge duplication project View detail
WrittenHistoric Houses Association of Australia (HHA)2020Feedback re: Richmond Bridge Duplication Route Investigation / North Richmond Northern Bypass Option View detail
WrittenJack, R. Ian1990'Clarendon and Richmond', in Exploring the Hawkesbury - a Heritage Field Guide
WrittenMorris, Colleen & Britton, Geoffrey20004.8: Hobartville' (entry) View detail
WrittenNichols, Michelle (Local Studies Librarian)2010Macquarie and the Hawkesbury District
WrittenStevens, Stan1976The Hawkesbury Scene

Note: internet links may be to web pages, documents or images.
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(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: 5045232
File number: S90/6118;HC 32176; EF14/4698

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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