Carisbrook

Item details


Name of item:	Carisbrook
Type of item:	Built
Group/Collection:	Residential buildings (private)
Category:	House
Location:	Lat: -33.8231650339 Long: 151.1501844890
Primary address:	334 Burns Bay Road, Lane Cove, NSW 2066
Parish:	Willoughby
County:	Cumberland
Local govt. area:	Lane Cove
Local Aboriginal Land Council:	Metropolitan

Property description

Lot/Volume Code	Lot/Volume Number	Section Number	Plan/Folio Code	Plan/Folio Number
LOT	5		DP	11636

All addresses

Street Address	Suburb/town	LGA	Parish	County	Type
334 Burns Bay Road	Lane Cove	Lane Cove	Willoughby	Cumberland	Primary Address

Owner/s

Organisation Name	Owner Category	Date Ownership Updated
Lane Cove Council	Local Government	19 Mar 99

Statement of significance:


	Carisbrook, constructed in 1884 is a visually attractive and intact example of Victorian architecture, preserving many original features and furnished for public visitation as a period house museum. It is set in beautiful landscaped gardens stretching down to Burns Bay. (Heritage Branch files)
	Date significance updated: 03 Jul 12
	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:	not known
Builder/Maker:	not known
Construction years:	1861-1884
Physical description:	Garden: Set in fine gardens with landscaped terraces down to the Lane Cove River. On the eastern side, sandstone pathways and steps lead down through tree-shaded ground to the water's edge of Burns Bay and into Linley Park (which was originally part of Carisbrook Estate)(Scobie Architects, 2019, 43). There is a large amount of ground leading down to the Lane Cove River containing many mature shrubs and trees (LEP, 2010). A good picket iron fence and stone gate piers fences the property from Burns Bay Road (LEP, 2010). There is a walled back couryard and a front garden with a lawn and with a central wall (Scobie Architects, 2019, 43) in which one can see the original well which contains eight meters of water, and can still be worked by an old pump (ibid, 1987, 42). House: 1861 stone single storey house (LEP, 2010). Italianate in style with an asymmetrical facade, faceted bay window and low-pitched roof, being motifs much favoured by Victorian architects and clients alike. It was built from locally-quaried honey-coloured sandstone with a slate roof (LCC, n.d.). A single-storey house with a bay window and corner verandah, bearing bellcast iron roof, supported on cast iron columns with lace brackets. Main hipped roof is of slate. Windows and French doors have shutters which are not original. There is an attractive rear courtyard, walled with sandstone in the 1960s, and with its original well. The verandahs feature tessellated tiles - probably Minton pattern (bought from the Sydney Arcade, which was being demolished in the 1960s). Interior has been sympathetically restored and features polished timber floors to marble fireplaces. The verandah features tessellated tiles - probably Minton pattern. New window shutters are modern profile and much of the stone walls have been pointed up with cement mortar. Most of the antiques were made in NSW from the (red) cedar which once grew in abundance along the coast, but is now almost extinct. The museum, although small, contains many relics and photographs of bygone days in Lane Cove. Exhibits range from convict-made bricks manufactured in 1793 through pottery made at Pottery Green, Lane COve, to fine silverware (ibid, 1987, 42).
Physical condition and/or Archaeological potential:	Good.
	Date condition updated:13 Apr 00
Modifications and dates:	pre-1861 - weatherboard cottage near the water, with a wharf, stables and gardens (LCC, n.d.). 1861 - cottage replaced by sandstone villa, the stone probably quarried on the Brooks' land. 1940s - Door cut between present kitchen and museum room (then breakfast room). 1960s - Garage, laundry and couryard wall built from sandstone transferred from the demolition of 'Amalfi', a Longueville mansion. Amalfi's fine picket iron fence and stone gate posts were added, here. Verandahs tiled. Shutters added. Considerable landscaping. New shutters are modern profile and much of the stone walls have been pointed up with cement mortar. 1969/70 - Further restoration and sympathetic renovation of the interior.


Current use:	House and local history museum
Former use:	Aboriginal land, rural estate, rope factory, suburban private residence

History

Historical notes:

1835 - A land grant by purchase of 20 acres was made to John Clarke, including the present Carisbrook site. Clarke, a cooper by trade, arrived in NSW in the "Wanstead" from London on 25/6/128. He obtained a liquor license for the 'Shipwright's Arms', Windmill Street, Millers Point and by 1835 had made sufficient money to purchase from the Government two blocks of land in the Hunter's Hill locality now known as Woolwich. He later purchased another adjoiing block of 15 acres, making a total of 41 acres stretching from Clarke's Point, where he made his home, westward along the waterfront to Nelson Parade. On 15/4/1835 he also purchased 20 acres on the eastern side of a track later known as Burns Bay Road, Lane Cove. He did not live on his Lane Cove land and the following year (1836), he and Susan, his wife, conveyed it to Richard Linley (Lenehan, 1987, 39).

1836 - Property purchased by Richard Linley who installed a rope-making plant and lived there manufacturing ropes for the next six years. He did not prosper and in 1842, borrowed a sum of money from Thomas Linley (possibly his father or brother), giving as collateral security his 20 acres and his rope-making equipment, consisting of seven hackles (combs for dressing flax and hemp), five jack wheels, one spinning wheel and 34 hooks. Linley, also a rope maker, had in 1834 bought 18 acres to the south of John Clarke's block, and gave his name to Linley Point. Thomas Linley (or Lindley, the 'd' seemed to be optional), lived in 'Clee Villa', Neutral Bay, which he had built in about 1832...It has other links with Lane Cove. Abramah Davy, the husband of Mrs Jane Davy, who later built Northwood House, enlarged the cottage when he lived there after Thomas Linley, and in the 1860s, Edward Peter Mann and then John Frederick Mann, brothers of Gother Mann of Greenwich House, resided there (ibid, 1987, 39; LTO papers).

In 1844 Linley defaulted on the repayment of the money owing to Thomas Linley, and the Sherriff, Adolphus William Young, sold the 20 acres to Augustus Hayward, solicitor, who promptly conveyed it to George Watson, shipwright. Watson retained the land for the next nine years, but on 15/7/1853 sold the 20 acres and the building it contained to John Arthur Dodd. Dodd had married Rachel Martha Croaker, daughter of Charles Croaker of England, at St. James' Church, Sydney on 6/3/1851. In 7/1853, Dodd also purchased from the Government three blocks of land totally 84 acres on the eastern side of Burns Bay, to the west of Tambourine Bay Road, and in the vicinity of the present day Riverview Street. Soon afterwards, he bought Thomas Linley's 18 acres on the point. He therefore, for a time, owned 122 acres of almost adjoining land, but he had disposed of the three blocks on the eastern side of Burns Bay before his death on 21/7/1855. He died intestate, and therefore all his estate was inheritage by his eldest son and heir-at-law, Arthur Dodd (ibid, 1987, 39-40).

Arthur was possibly Dodd's son by a previous marriage, as Rachel, born in 1803, was 48 ...when she married Dodd, and it was unlikely that she would have had a child. John Dodd died in financial difficulties and his wife, Rachel, who had some private means, had an agreement drawn up whereby she would pay all her husband's debts if Arthur's entitlement to his father's lands were conveyed to her. The real estate that Dodd owned at his death consisted of Linley's 18 acres, John Clarke's 20 acres, 45.5 acres at Manly Cove and 0.5 acre blocks in the country towns of Bathurst, Goulburn and South Gundagai (ibid, 1987, 39-40).

1860 - the land had several owners until Rachel Martha and Thomas Brooks moved into a weatherboard cottage on the site after their marriage in 1860 (Lenehan, Op cit, LTO Papers).

Carisbrook villa (1861):
Brooks, of Her Majesty's Customs was born in Shoreditch, London in 1798 and had been living on the North Shore since arriving in NSW. In 1852, he was one of the signatories to a petition to stump and clear the Lane Cove Road from St. Leonards to Pearce's Corner. He met and became engaged to Rachel Martha Dodd, widow, and as their wedding wasd shortly to be solemnised, on 15/5/1861 a marriage settlement was arranged whereby Thomas released all his personal estate and Rachel released all her real estate to William Hardy, solicitor, who would act as trustee for them both. The villa of Carisbrook was built soon after the marriage, supplanting the small cottage which had previously been on the property. Carisbrook became their family home for the next 22 years, and Brooks' sons by a previous marriage, Thomas Henry and CHarles Phillip Brooks, lived with them for much of that time. Charles Phillip Brooks, clerk, was married to Marion Sim at All Saints' Church, Hunters Hill on 17/12/1872, and then moved away from Carisbrook to the country for some years. Charles and Marion had a large family (ibid, 1987, 40).

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. By the 1920s, a garden attached to a large suburban house was often described as a villa garden... after WW2 the term villa was rarely used..(Aitken, 2002, 619-20).

Land acquisition and disposal (1869-74):
During the 1830s the government had reserved for itself all land along the foreshores 100 feet above the water's edge. In 1869, Thomas Brooks had the reservation rescinded, and purchased from the government 6.5 acres fronting on to Burns Bay, and in 1874 he bought 6.5 acres fronting on to the Lane Cove River on the western side of the peninsula. During the next few years, Brooks and his wife subdivided and sold about half of the 20 acres, but retained Linley's 18 acres and the land on the foreshores (ibid, 1987, 40).

As plans for the Fig-Tree Bridge moved closer to realisation in the 1880s, the Brooks applied to subdivide their land (LCC, n.d.).

Thomas Brooks died in 1883. His eldest son, Thomas Henry Brooks, then leasing 8 acres from his father adjacent to Carisbrook, certified to his death, and both sons certified to his burial in St. Thomas' cemetery, North Sydney. His will left the estate to his wife, but if she predeceased him, everything was to go to his second son, Charles Phillip Brooks, his executor. Rachel Martha only lived for three months after her husband ('s death), and her will confirmed his wishes that Charles Phillip Brooks should inherit the whole estate. Charles Phillip then took his family to live in Carisbrook for a time, and continued the subdivision begun by his father. By 1890, he only had about six acres left, which included Carisbrook and its curtilage, where he had a tenant. He himself was living in Rockcliffe, Brooks Road, Linley Point (which for a time was called Brooks Point) and he was still there in 1904 (ibid, 1987, 41-42).

Charles Phillips Brooks ... retaining a curtilage of land around the house and stretching down to Burns Bay, subdivided the remainder of the land in 1885 as the' Carisbrook Estate'. After residing in it for only a year, the house was let to a number of tenants by Brooks and by its successor owner, W. Bradley. (LCMC Rate Books).

1920 - When acquired by Estate Agent, James Warr, in 1920, the land around the house was divided into six blocks. The house was let throughout Warr's ownership and until sold to Harry Thorne, a law clerk, and his wife Lucie, in 1940. It became their family residence for seventeen years. (Elliott).

Carisbrook was let to tenants for most of its history. Some familiies who lived at Carisbrook have provided a fascinating window on life in the house and in Lane Cove in the 1920s, 1930s and 1940s by offering photographs and oral history interviews (LCC, n.d.).

1957 - It was sold to a milliner, James Kitchener McDougall, who lived in it with his companion. Appreciating its heritage potential, he upgraded and gentrified the house, and particularly the gardens.

1966 - Prior to its purchase by Lane Cove Council in 1969 it was owned by the neighbouring manufacturing firm, Tuta Products, and served as its office and staff residence.

Carisbrook passed through many hands after those of Charles Phillip Brooks and by 1969 was the second oldest surviving house in Lane Cove, being only surpassed by Greenwich House (ibid, 1987, 42). In 4/1969 Carisbrook was purchased and restored by Lane Cove Council in 1969 to mark its 75th anniversary (ibid, 1987, 42). Longueville mansion 'Amalfi' was demolished in the 1950s and some of the (its) stone was used to build the courtyard, garage and laundry at Carisbrook (Lenehan, 1987, 57-58).

The house was furnished by the Lane Cove Historical Society (with genuine antiques of the 1860s, when it (Carisbrook) was built)(ibid, 1987, 42). Carisbrook opened for public inspection on 14/2/1970 (ibid, 1987, 42) and has operated as a house and local history museum until the present.

In 1980 Lane Cove Council sought a Permanent Conservation Order for Carisbrook. In view of its heritage significance a Permanent Conservation Order was gazetted on 26 June 1981.

Carisbrook is open for individual visitors and organised groups, with tours available every weekend between 11am and 4pm. Larger groups need prior bookings. The house is furnished as it would have been when the Brooks family moved into their new house. The exhibition room has introductory videos telling the story of the family and the estate. Here the Lane Cove Historical Society display some of their extensive Carisbrook collection, covering the broader history of Lane Cove life. Throughout the year, Carisbrook hosts events put on by the Society and Council (Scobie Architects, 2019, 43).

Historic themes

Australian theme (abbrev)	New South Wales theme	Local theme
1. Environment-Tracing the evolution of a continent's special environments	Environment - naturally evolved-Activities associated with the physical surroundings that support human life and influence or shape human cultures.	Gardens-
1. Environment-Tracing the evolution of a continent's special environments	Environment - naturally evolved-Activities associated with the physical surroundings that support human life and influence or shape human cultures.	Other open space-
1. Environment-Tracing the evolution of a continent's special environments	Environment - naturally evolved-Activities associated with the physical surroundings that support human life and influence or shape human cultures.	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.	Cultural - Coasts and coastal features supporting human activities-
1. Environment-Tracing the evolution of a continent's special environments	Environment - naturally evolved-Activities associated with the physical surroundings that support human life and influence or shape human cultures.	Modification of terrain-
1. Environment-Tracing the evolution of a continent's special environments	Environment - naturally evolved-Activities associated with the physical surroundings that support human life and influence or shape human cultures.	Introduce cultural planting-
1. Environment-Tracing the evolution of a continent's special environments	Environment - naturally evolved-Activities associated with the physical surroundings that support human life and influence or shape human cultures.	Changing the environment-
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 parklands of distinctive styles-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings	Landscapes 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 of passive 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	Industry-Activities associated with the manufacture, production and distribution of goods	Manufacturing textiles-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Accommodation-Activities associated with the provision of accommodation, and particular types of accommodation – does not include architectural styles – use the theme of Creative Endeavour for such activities.	Residential-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Accommodation-Activities associated with the provision of accommodation, and particular types of accommodation – does not include architectural styles – use the theme of Creative Endeavour for such activities.	Building settlements, towns and cities-National Theme 4
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Accommodation-Activities associated with the provision of accommodation, and particular types of accommodation – does not include architectural styles – use the theme of Creative Endeavour for such activities.	Marine villa-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Accommodation-Activities associated with the provision of accommodation, and particular types of accommodation – does not include architectural styles – use the theme of Creative Endeavour for such activities.	A Picturesque Residential Suburb-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Accommodation-Activities associated with the provision of accommodation, and particular types of accommodation – does not include architectural styles – use the theme of Creative Endeavour for such activities.	Country Villa-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Accommodation-Activities associated with the provision of accommodation, and particular types of accommodation – does not include architectural styles – use the theme of Creative Endeavour for such activities.	Adapted heritage building or structure-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Accommodation-Activities associated with the provision of accommodation, and particular types of accommodation – does not include architectural styles – use the theme of Creative Endeavour for such activities.	Architectural design-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Accommodation-Activities associated with the provision of accommodation, and particular types of accommodation – does not include architectural styles – use the theme of Creative Endeavour for such activities.	Federation era residence-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Accommodation-Activities associated with the provision of accommodation, and particular types of accommodation – does not include architectural styles – use the theme of Creative Endeavour for such activities.	Housing ordinary families-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Accommodation-Activities associated with the provision of accommodation, and particular types of accommodation – does not include architectural styles – use the theme of Creative Endeavour for such activities.	housing (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.	Gentlemens Villas-
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	Sub-division of large estates-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Land tenure-Activities and processes for identifying forms of ownership and occupancy of land and water, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal	Expressing lines of early grant allotments-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Land tenure-Activities and processes for identifying forms of ownership and occupancy of land and water, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal	Resuming private lands for public purposes-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Land tenure-Activities and processes for identifying forms of ownership and occupancy of land and water, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal	Changing land uses - from rural to suburban-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Land tenure-Activities and processes for identifying forms of ownership and occupancy of land and water, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal	Granting Crown lands for private farming-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Land tenure-Activities and processes for identifying forms of ownership and occupancy of land and water, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal	Administering and alienating Crown lands-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages	19th century suburban developments-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages	20th century Suburban Developments-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages	Subdivision of rural estates-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages	Beautifying rural estates-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages	Developing the social life of a rural community-
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	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	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	Garden suburbs-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages	Suburban Consolidation-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages	Rural Estates-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages	A quiet Rural District-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages	Suburban Expansion-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages	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	Shaping coastal settlement-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages	Cultural Social and religious life-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages	Shaping riverine settlement-
5. Working-Working	Labour-Activities associated with work practises and organised and unorganised labour	Working in local government-
5. Working-Working	Labour-Activities associated with work practises and organised and unorganised labour	Working in places of public entertainment-
5. Working-Working	Labour-Activities associated with work practises and organised and unorganised labour	Working complex machinery and technologies-
5. Working-Working	Labour-Activities associated with work practises and organised and unorganised labour	Working independently on the land-
6. Educating-Educating	Education-Activities associated with teaching and learning by children and adults, formally and informally.	Adult Education-
6. Educating-Educating	Education-Activities associated with teaching and learning by children and adults, formally and informally.	Community education - adults, school excursions-
7. Governing-Governing	Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities.	State government-
7. Governing-Governing	Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities.	Local government-
7. Governing-Governing	Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities.	Developing roles for government - administration of land-
7. Governing-Governing	Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities.	Developing roles for government - public land administration-
7. Governing-Governing	Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities.	Developing roles for government - providing museums-
7. Governing-Governing	Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities.	Developing roles for government - conserving cultural and natural heritage-
7. Governing-Governing	Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities.	Developing roles for government - providing community facilities-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities.	Interior design styles and periods - Victorian-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities.	work of stonemasons-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities.	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 - 20th century interwar-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities.	Architectural styles and periods - Victorian Italianate-
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.	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 - Victorian (late)-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities.	Landscaping - Federation period-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities.	Adaptation of overseas design for local use-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Domestic life-Activities associated with creating, maintaining, living in and working around houses and institutions.	Country estates - visiting, enjoying-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Domestic life-Activities associated with creating, maintaining, living in and working around houses and institutions.	Ways of life 1900-1950-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Domestic life-Activities associated with creating, maintaining, living in and working around houses and institutions.	Ways of life 1950-2000-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Domestic life-Activities associated with creating, maintaining, living in and working around houses and institutions.	Ways of life 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 a bushland setting-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Domestic life-Activities associated with creating, maintaining, living in and working around houses and institutions.	Living in, adapting and renovating homes for changing conditions-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Domestic life-Activities associated with creating, maintaining, living in and working around houses and institutions.	Living 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.	Living on the urban fringe-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Domestic life-Activities associated with creating, maintaining, living in and working around houses and institutions.	Ornamental Garden-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Outdoor relief-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Tourism-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Developing collections of items-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Visiting gardens-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Gardening-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Visiting heritage places-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Going to a museum-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	house museum-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Going to talks and lectures-
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	Enjoying public parks and gardens-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Going bushwalking-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Going swimming-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Going boating and sailing-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Leisure-Includes tourism, resorts.
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Social institutions-Activities and organisational arrangements for the provision of social activities	Community volunteering-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Social institutions-Activities and organisational arrangements for the provision of social activities	Fund-raising activities for community charities-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Social institutions-Activities and organisational arrangements for the provision of social activities	Joining together to study and appreciate philosophy-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Social institutions-Activities and organisational arrangements for the provision of social activities	Belonging to an institution for self improvement-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Social institutions-Activities and organisational arrangements for the provision of social activities	Developing and maintaining a local museum-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Social institutions-Activities and organisational arrangements for the provision of social activities	Developing local clubs and meeting places-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Social institutions-Activities and organisational arrangements for the provision of social activities	Places of informal community gatherings-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Social institutions-Activities and organisational arrangements for the provision of social activities	Belonging to an historical society or heritage organisation-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Social institutions-Activities and organisational arrangements for the provision of social activities	Community organisations-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with the Hon. William Bradley MLA, prominent farmer, grazier and entrepreneur-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with John Clarke, landowner-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with Richard Linley, rope maker-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with Thomas and Rachel Martha Brooks, landowners-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with Charles Phillips Brooks, landowner-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with James Warr, real estate agent-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with Harry Thorne, law clerk and wife Lucy-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with James Kitchener McDougall, milliner-

Assessment of significance


SHR Criteria a) [Historical significance]	It is the earliest remaining house in the Linley Point area, being built in 1884. It is representative of the impact of transport on subdivision and development, being built, and the land south of it being subdivided, just as the Fig Tree Bridge is being constructed nearby.
SHR Criteria c) [Aesthetic significance]	It is set in a beautifully landscaped garden stretching down to Burns Bay. Constructed of sandstone, it is visually and architecturally very worthwhile, and preserves the majority of its original features.
SHR Criteria d) [Social significance]	As a house museum it reflects changes in social life and household technology since 1884. Hosting many community functions, and visits from individuals and groups of all ages, and serving as Lane Cove's only historical museum, open regularly to the public, it is an important focus of community life.
SHR Criteria e) [Research potential]	Because it is a fine example of Victorian architecture (the only Victorian house museum open to the public in Sydney), preserving many of its original features, it holds a unique position as a case study for visits by researchers and students of Victorian architecture and interiors. It is an ideal setting for on-site courses.
SHR Criteria f) [Rarity]	It is the oldest surviving home on Linley Point, and we have been informed is the only Victorian house museum in Sydney, open to the public.
SHR Criteria g) [Representativeness]	It is representative of a middle-class Victorian family home, and through its period interpretation, depicts aspects of Victorian family life.
Integrity/Intactness:	Its physical fabric is intact and largely original. Planned authentic restoration of its interior finishes and furnishings, based on a study, will enhance its integrity.
Assessment criteria:	Items are assessed against the State Heritage Register (SHR) Criteria to determine the level of significance. Refer to the Listings below for the level of statutory protection.

Recommended management:

Recommendations

Management Category	Description	Date Updated
Recommended Management	Produce a Conservation Management Plan (CMP)
Recommended Management	Prepare a maintenance schedule or guidelines
Recommended Management	Carry out interpretation, promotion and/or education

Procedures /Exemptions

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

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

Listings

Heritage Listing	Listing Title	Listing Number	Gazette Date	Gazette Number	Gazette Page
Heritage Act - State Heritage Register		00112	02 Apr 99	27	1546
Heritage Act - Permanent Conservation Order - former		00112	26 Jun 81	91	3456
Local Environmental Plan	Carisbrook	I157	19 Feb 10

Study details

Title	Year	Number	Author	Inspected by	Guidelines used
Lane Cove Heritage Study	1987		Robert Moore, Penelope Pike and Lester Tropman & Associates		No

References, internet links & images

Type	Author	Year	Title	Internet Links
Written	Aitken, Richard	2002	Villa Garden (entry)	View detail
Written	Lane Cove (and formerly Willoughby) Councils	1995	Rate and Valuation Books 1872-1995
Tourism	Lane Cove Council	2007	Carisbrook	View detail
Written	Lane Cove Council		Carisbrook, Lane Cove: 334 Burns Bay Road, Lane Cove (brochure)
Written	Lenehan, M.F. (Marjorie)	1987	'The Genesis of Carisbrook' and 'Longueville'
Tourism	Linley Point Community Network		Carisbrook	View detail
Oral History	Louise Elliot	1998	Oral History Interview by J Washington
Oral History	McGill	1998	Oral History Interview by Susan McClean
Written	Robert Moore/Penelope Pike		Lane Cove Heritage Study
Written	Scobie Architects	2019	Lydham Hall, 18 Lydham Avenue, Rockdale - Conservation Management Plan
Written	Susan McClean	1998	Carisbrook Education Kit - Background Notes
Written	Susan McClean	1997	Lane Cove Historical Society Newsletter No 133

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:	5045385
File number:	EF14/4833, S90/05705, HC 32579

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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