Nugal Hall

Item details

Name of item: Nugal Hall
Type of item: Complex / Group
Group/Collection: Residential buildings (private)
Category: Mansion
Location: Lat: -33.9151869736 Long: 151.2431778560
Primary address: 16-18 Milford Street, Randwick, NSW 2031
Parish: Alexandria
County: Cumberland
Local govt. area: Randwick
Local Aboriginal Land Council: La Perouse
Property description
Lot/Volume CodeLot/Volume NumberSection NumberPlan/Folio CodePlan/Folio Number
LOT4 DP530998
All addresses
Street AddressSuburb/townLGAParishCountyType
16-18 Milford StreetRandwickRandwickAlexandriaCumberlandPrimary Address

Statement of significance:

Nugal Hall is of State significance as an example of an impressive two storey mansion constructed of stone in the Gothic Revival style. Designed by the Colonial Architect Mortimer Lewis it was constructed in 1853. The land was a grant to Alexander Arthur, in 1851 by Governor Fitzroy, of 200 acres. Although not of the very high quality of a few Sydney Gothic Revival houses and despite some 1920s and '30s decorative additions Nugal Hall is nevertheless impressive. It is associate with a number of significant people. It is significant in Coogee/Randwick where increasing high rise development has deprived the area of much of its architectural history. The house sits well in its grounds and is visually important locally. (Heritage Branch files)
Date significance updated: 30 Jul 14
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: Mortimer Lewis (east section); Oswald H. Lewis (west section)
Construction years: 1853-1853
Physical description: Grounds, setting and views:
The house sits well in its grounds and is visually important locally. (AHC, 1997). Although its grounds have been subdivided from their original 200 acres, resulting in the house's entry being now from its original rear side, the house's original front address facing the ocean and wide views remain nonetheless.

1827 square meter (0.1827ha) block, but the entry is no less grand (Macken, 2018, 4). Progressive subdivision of the original estate has seen its boundaries redefined and original setting compromised. Increasingly dense residential development has been built up to the eastern boundary, obstructing a large component of the original ground floor terrace and garden views to the east. Development to the east also poses a significant obstruction of views to Nugal Hall, most significantly from the eastern approach to the building on Milford Street. Regardless, views to Nugal Hall are still achieved and the building retains expansive district, ocean and iconic views from most east facing internal and external living areas (Randwick City Council, ordinary meeting, 26/6/12, report on 22 Milford Street D.A.).

In the existing situation, Nugal Hall achieves iconic views to Wedding Cake Island and the Coogee land-sea interface, from a ground floor terrace and gardens, ancillary to the east-facing ballroom (RCC, ibid).

Close up views towards Nugal Hall from the opposite side of Milford Street are largely screened by its elevation above
the street, the generous front setback, the heavily planted front garden, and by the adjacent three storey building. "Nugal Hall" also has some visibility from the surrounding area, (particularly with night time floodlights) for example from
St. Brigid's Church in Brook Street, Coogee and from the Carrington Road/Coogee Bay Road corner, but is not prominent from these distant locations. Any earlier landmark status of the building has been considerably diminished by the volume and scale of surrounding development, including the Sacred Heart Church and the residential flat building at no.12 Milford Street.

Garden:
Nugal Hall has an established garden surrounds the house which includes palms such as a line of Canary Island date palm (Phoenix canariensis) along the Milford Street frontage, a Californian desert fan palm (Washingtonia robusta) as well as pollarded plane tree (Platanus x acerifolia), sandstone retaining walls and shrubberiesincluding Hydrangea macrophylla (Stuart Read, 20/1/12, updated 22/6/12).

Coach House:
The original coach house was sold on a 99 year leasehold by previous owners and has another 50 years to run (Macken, 2018, 4).

House (16-18 Milford Street):
Locally-quarried sandstone. Seven bedrooms, four bathrooms, four car parking spaces (The Agency.com, advert, 22/5/2019).

The house has 12 original principal rooms, maids' quarters, hidden stairways that were an integral inclusion at the time of its construction. It has a landmark circular turret, imposing sandstone facades, a grand staircase with stained glass skylight domed ceiling. It has marble columns and fireplaces in the formal rooms, a circular annexe card room, a ballroom, mosaic-tiled foyer, six large original bedrooms upstairs and rounded Juliet balcony with district views to the ocean. The slate roof is new (Macken, 2018, 4).

On either side of Nugal Hall's original main entrance are a ball room and a dining room. An entrance porch and terrace is accessed by french doors from the ball room. The dining room to the north of the entrance has views across the Coogee basin and Coogee Bay, partially obscured by a tree on a neighbouring property. Earlier views of the southern headland of Coogee Bay have been reduced by construction of the three storey building at no.20 Milford Street. The ball room and terrace to the south of the entrance has views across the Coogee basin and Wedding Cake Island.

Very fine impressive example (Randwick Heritage Study (RHSI), inventory sheet) of Picturesque Gothic Revival sandstone, two storey mansion completed in 1853. Has some outstanding decoration and its magnificent upper floor rounded Juliet balcony has views to Coogee Basin and out to sea (RHSI).

Despite some 1920s and 1930s decorative additions, the twelve principal rooms retain their original forms. Of special interest is a stairwell/staircase of balanced proportion, above which is an exceptional stained glass skylight. Stonework, joinery, copper turrets and domes in good repair (AHC, 1997, NTA).

Elegantly shaped windows, fireplaces and interior columns of marble. (Pollen, 1996). Ceiling rose, fireplaces, continental ceramic tileware imaculate (NTA).

Although not of the very high quality of a few Sydney Gothic Revival houses, Nugal Hall is nevertheless impressive. It is of particular importance in Coogee/Randwick where increasing high rise development has deprived the area of much of its architectural history (AHC, 1997).

- Grand entry hall, staircase w/ stained glass skylight dome;
- Majestic ballroom, formal dining w/ adjoining sitting room;
- Kitchen w/ adjoining breakfast room, formal drawing room;
- Modernised self-contained section w/ conservatory living;
- 7 bedrooms; 4 bathrooms; 4 garage parking spaces (The Agency, 2017, online advertisement, at https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-randwick-128236854).

On the western side of Nugal Hall is a single storey skillion-roofed addition with brick walls. The western side additions have been cited as dating to the 1920s and 1930s. The physical evidence indicates that the rooms on the southern side of this addition are earlier than the covered northern section of the addition. This addition has no architectural merit aand does not contribute to the architectural character of the house (Daniell, 2013, 11).

Carriage or Coach House (14 Milford Street - adjacent to, all included in same Lot & DP):
Other buildings on site include the former (plastered) carriage house located on Milford Street adjacent to the entrance. The coach house building at the front was originally a lodge for horse-drawn vehicles. The interiors have been adapted to a residence.
('Restored or rebuilt in such a way that it (sic: does not) resemble...a building of the same period as Nugal Hall...in a 'mock feudal' style seen in England and Europe, except on a small scale' (State Planning Authority, Inspection 1/10/1974, in file minute, 2/10/1974).

Garage:
There is a 20th century garage with a pitched roof north of the former carriage house (Daniell, 2013, 12).
Date condition updated:31 Jul 14
Modifications and dates: Original estate 200 acres. Subdivided (resulting in the entry now being from the house's original rear: its front door faces the sea, with attendent wide views / outlook.

1890s Waterboard Maps indicate the grounds of Nugal Hall extending to the
east as far as Judge Street including what is now Milford Street within the grounds of Nugal Hall" It appears that the main entrance to Nugal Hall was relocated from the east to the south, when Milford Avenue was constructed.

1920s and 1930s decorative additions, but the twelve principal rooms retain their original forms (AHC, 1997).

c.1980 - when the Campions bought Nugal Hall it was converted into five flats. They have returned it to a single dwelling (Branch Manager's Report, 126/81, 23/4/1981).

Until no.20 Milford Street was constructed between 1955 and 1961, no.22 Milford Street was the closest
dwelling to the east of Nugal Hall (Randwick City Council, ordinary meeting 26/6/2012, report - 22 Milford Street D.A.)

C.1960 stables block demolished (on Our Lady of the Sacred Heart school site, subdivided off)

1994 house and roof severley damaged by hailstorm. Stonework is in good condition. (AHC, 1997).

8/2006 completion of repair and adaptive reuse works for the Coach House (14 Milford St.) converting it into accommodation (additional bedrooms, kitchen, bathroom upgrades (Davison, Cristine, pers.comm., 12/2017).
Current use: Residence
Former use: Aboriginal land, farm residence, embassy, convalescent hospital

History

Historical notes: Aboriginal Sydney:
When Captain Arthur Phillip and the First Fleet landed, first in Botany Bay and then in Port Jackson (Sydney Harbour), in January 1788, he was met by people who had lived on this land for many thousands of years. At least 1,500 people lived in the area between Botany Bay and Broken Bay and the intermediate coast (Attenbrow, n.d.)

There were two main languages spoken in the Sydney region - Darug and Tharawal. The Darug language had two main dialects - one spoken along the coast and the other in the hinterland (west of present-day Parramatta). Tharawal was spoken to the south of Botany Bay and as far west as the Georges River and possibly Camden (ibid, n.d.)

People belonged to small groups (territorial clans) through which they were spiritually related to specific tracts of land - these clans included the Gadigal, Wanngal, Gamaragal, Wallumedegal and Boromedegal. The suffix 'gal' denotes 'people of', thus, for example, the Gadigal were the people of Gadi (also spelled Cadigal and Cadi respectively) (ibid, n.d.).

The 'district of Gadi' was reported to have stretched from South Head west to 'the cove adjoining this settlement' (Darling Harbour) - an area that would have included Centennial, Moore and Queens Parks. Watkin Tench referred to the Gadigal as 'those who reside in the bay of Cadi'. The 'bay of Cadi' is probably Kutti, the Aboriginal place name recorded for present-day Watsons Bay, and the present name of a small beach in the bay (ibid, n.d.).

The Centennial Parklands Conservation Management Plan contains the following report that provides in depth detail of the pre-colonial history of the lands that are present day Centennial Parklands, which is where the text on this page comes from: Pre-colonial Aboriginal land and resource use in Centennial, Moore and Queens Parks - assessment of historical and archaeological evidence for Centennial Parklands Conservation Management Plan (ibid, n.d.).

Randwick:
pre-1780s - local Aboriginal people in the area used the site for fishing and cultural activities - rock engravings, grinding grooves and middens remain in evidence.
1789 - Governor Philip referred to 'a long bay', which became known as Long Bay.
Aboriginal people are believed to have inhabited the Sydney region for at least 20,000 years (Turbet, 2001). The population of Aboriginal people between Palm Beach and Botany Bay in 1788 has been estimated to have been 1500. Those living south of Port Jackson to Botany Bay were the Cadigal people who spoke Dharug (Randwick Library webpage, 2003), while the local clan name of Maroubra people was "Muru-ora-dial" (City of Sydney webpage, 2003). By the mid nineteenth century the traditional owners of this land had typically either moved inland in search of food and shelter, or had died as the result of European disease or confrontation with British colonisers (Randwick Library webpage, 2003).

Colonial history:
One of the earliest land grants in the Randwick area was made in 1824 to Captain Francis Marsh, who received 12 acres bounded by the present Botany & High Streets, Alison & Belmore Roads. In 1839 William Newcombe acquired the land north-west of the present town hall in Avoca Street.

Randwick takes its name from the town of Randwick, Gloucestershire, England. The name was suggested by Simeon Pearce (1821-86) and his brother James. Simeon was born in the English Randwick and the brothers were responsible for the early development of both Randwick and its neighbour, Coogee. Simeon had come to the colony in 1841as a 21 year old surveyor. He built his Blenheim House on the 4 acres he bought from Marsh, and called his property "Randwick". The brothers bought and sold land profitably in the area and elsewhere. Simeon campaigned for construction of a road from the city to Coogee (achieved in 1853) and promoted the incorporation of the suburb. Pearce sought construction of a church modelled on the church of St. John in his birthplace. In 1857 the first St Jude's stood on the site of the present post office, at the corner of the present Alison Road and Avoca Street (Pollen, 1988, 217-8).

Randwick was...slow to progress. The village was isolated from Sydney by swamps and sandhills, and although a horse-bus was operated by a man named Grice from the late 1850s, the journey was more a test of nerves than a pleasure jaunt. Wind blew sand over the track, and the bus sometimes became bogged, so that passengers had to get out and push it free. From its early days Randwick had a divided society. The wealthy lived elegantly in large houses built when Pearce promoted Randwick and Coogee as a fashionable area. But the market gardens, orchards and piggeries that continued alongside the large estates were the lot of the working class. Even on the later estates that became racing empires, many jockeys and stablehands lived in huts or even under canvas. An even poorer group were the immigrants who existed on the periphery of Randwick in a place called Irishtown, in the area now known as The Spot, around the junction of St.Paul's Street and Perouse Road. Here families lived in makeshift houses, taking on the most menial tasks in their struggle to survive.

In 1858 when the NSW Government passed the Municipalities Act, enabling formation of municipal districts empowered to collect rates and borrow money to improve their suburb, Randwick was the first suburb to apply for the status of a municipality. It was approved in Februrary 1859, and its first Council was elected in March 1859.

Randwick had been the venue for sporting events, as well as duels and illegal sports, from the early days in the colony's history. Its first racecourse, the Sandy Racecourse or Old Sand Track, had been a hazardous track over hills and gullies since 1860. When a move was made in 1863 by John Tait, to establish Randwick Racecourse, Simeon Pearce was furious, expecially when he heard that Tait also intended to move into Byron Lodge. Tait's venture prospered, however and he became the first person in Australia to organise racing as a commercial sport. The racecourse made a big difference to the progress of Randwick. The horse-bus gave way to trams that linked the suburb to Sydney and civilisation. Randwick soon became a prosperous and lively place, and it still retains a busy residential, professional and commercial life.

Today, some of the houses have been replaced by home units. Many European migrants have made their homes in the areaa, along with students and workers at the nearby University of NSW and the Prince of Wales Hospital. (ibid, 218-9).

Nugal Hall:
The land on which Nugal Hall was built was originally part of a land grant to (Lynch & Larcombe, 1959, 36 say 'purchased by') politician and businessman (Macken, 2018, 4) Alexander McArthur, in 1851 by Governor Fitzroy, of 207 acres (NSW PEC). The land granted McArthur extended from Judge Street to Belmore Road, from Alison Road to Mear's Avenue. Milford Street was not in existence until the 1850s. The driveway to Nugal Hall swept back from Avoca Street (then called Frenchman's Road) around the north side (now the back of Nugal Hall) to the coach house and stables (in what is now Milford Street). The east end of Nugal Hall was the original front entrance (NTA).

Nugal Hall was designed by the Colonial Architect, Mortimer Lewis who came to Australia and worked from 1830 to 1861. This would have been one of his last buildings. Earlier Lewis was responsible for surveying in 1833 (Lynch & Larcombe, 1959, 36) and designing Randwick Racecourse, Darlinghurst Court House and Bronte House. Ticket of leave men were most probably employed in the building of the house, the stone being quarried on the spot (NTA).

The southern portion of the house was completed in 1853 to Lewis' design in (mainly) the late Gothic Revival style, for McArthur (NSWPEC). When it was built, its grand entry foyer was set on the eastern side and opened up to views of Wedding Cake Island and its surrounding 80 acres of pasture land (Macken, 2018, 4).

It is believed construction of the southern portion of Nugal Hall was commenced around 1854 by Judge Thomas Callaghan (NTA). By 1855 McArthur had become extremely wealthy from success as an importer and established a huge warehouse in York Street, Sydney (Lynch & Larcombe, 1959, 36).

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).

McArthur had arrived in Sydney in 1840 (Lynch & Larcombe, 1959, 36 say 1841) from Londonderry, with his brother Sir William McArthur KCMG (NTA). He was a businessman (a merchant and shipping magnate: NTA) in Pitt Street (Lynch & Larcombe, 1959, 36) and a Member of the Legislative Assembly of New South Wales during three Parliaments(before he was finally elected to the Legislative Council during his short but highly successful stay in NSW (Lynch & Larcombe, 1959, 36) and Magistrate of the Territory until he returned to England in 1863 (NSW PEC).

McArthur's son, J.B. McArthur, born in Randwick, was also prominent in public life. McArthur Sr. left both Randwick and the colony in 1861, but resided there in the formative years of the '50s before and after (Council) incorporation. On his return to England he was prominent again in public life as a member of the London School Board in 1870, and from 1874, as the Liberal member for Leicester. He was also a JP for Surrey and Deputy Lieutenant for the City of London. His brother, William McArthur, whom he had introduced to the English end of the flourishing Sydney business became Lord Mayor of London and entertained Simeon Pearce in that capacity on his (Pearce's) second trip home to England in 1881 (Lynch & Larcombe, 1959, 36-37).

Famous residents of Nugal Hall include barrister, Cobargo farmer and parliamentarian Sir John Peden MLC, KCMG, who was born there. His father, Magnus J. Peden was Randwick Mayor in 1869 and resided there from 1865 to 1872 (NTA).

Sir John Beverley Peden (1871-1946), barrister, professor of law and parliamentarian, was born on 26 April 1871, second son and sixth child of Magnus Jackson Peden, merchant and farmer, and mayor of Randwick and of Bega, and his wife Elizabeth Neathway, nee Brown. In 1902 John Peden was appointed part-time Challis lecturer in the law of property at Sydney University. He practised law until he succeeded Pitt Cobbett as Challis Professor of law and Dean of the Faculty in 1910. Under Peden the law school grew steadily in reputation and influence. He was President of the Sydney University Law Society, examiner for the Barristers' Admission Board and ex officio chairman of the Solicitors' Admission Board. Although Peden, who took silk in December 1922, would have made a distinguished judge, he always declined offers. An executive-member of the Universal Service League in 1915-16, he favoured conscription for military service overseas. In May 1917 he was nominated to the Legislative Council (Ward, 1988, in ADB online).

A painstaking legislator and an authority on parliamentary forms, Sir John Peden showed lively interest in such subjects as living wages, industrial arbitration, matrimonial relations, capital punishment and workers' compensation. He eventually considered that his most important contributions as a legislator had been his defence of free speech that led to the sedition bill being dropped during World War I and his modification of the (ne temere) Marriage Amendment Act of 1924. In 1921-31 Peden served as sole royal commissioner on law reform in New South Wales. In 1930 he was appointed K.C.M.G. (Ward, 1988, in ADB online).

The northern section of the house was built between 1880 and 1903, and most likely in the 1880s. The design elements from this phase include the curved bay window with balcony over and conical roof, facing the ocean. While responding to the Gothic Picturesque style of the southern section of the house, and built of similar sandstone, this section incorporated stylistic elements of the Arts & Crafts and Federation eras. These include the circular tower on the eastern end with the candle-snoff roof, the timber balcony detailing, shingled balcony skirt and rounded form of the bay window (Daniell, 2013, 8).

A sketch of Nugal Hall by William & Catherine Kirchner, who lived here in 1881 and 1882 appears to show the house's western end (Davison, Cristine, pers.comm., 12/2017).

The northern section was completed by Dr Fred Tidswell, the owner of the Coogee Bay Hotel, whose family occupied the house from about 1883 until 1903. The architect is thought to have been Oswald H. Lewis, who carried out work for the Callaghan family in Randwick and who practised as an architect with his father, former Colonial Architect, Mortimer Lewis.

Film entrepreneur Cousins (Cosens: Macken, 2018, 4) Spencer, the first person to show films in the Lyceum Theatre lived there in 1911. Two Mayors of Randwick and two diplomatic consuls were also residents of Nugal Hall (NTA).

In 1918, Nugal Hall became a Red Cross (hospital/) convalescent home for Australian military personnel returning from World War I (NTA). The house returned to private ownership in 1921. A postcard of the house donated by Miss Kiss but dating from c.1918-21, shows nurses and patients standing on its front wall and around the gates, included Red Cross girls Mss Ann Kiss, Mrs and Miss Ruby Story.

Additions to the house are cited as occurring in the 1920s and 1930s. These include the additions to its western side under a sloping skillion roof. Documentary evidence indicates the additions were built prior to the aerial photograph of 1943. These additions include that made on the western side of the house (Daniell, 2013, 6).

The property was eventually purchased in 1952 (1953 say the Randwick Historical Society, 26/9/1981) by Mr J R Pillars, the owner of a successful engineering firm. In 1957, his wife Mrs Nell Pillars founded the Randwick Historical Society in 1957 while living at Nugal Hall and as such it became the Society's first headquarters during her lifetime. Nugal Hall was opened for public inspection the last sunday of each month by Mrs Pillars, for the Randwick Historical Society (Davison, Cristine, pers.comm., 12/2017).

A sketch of the rooflines of Nugal Hall, drawn by Milton Moore, son-in-law of owner Nell Pillars, dated February 1954, shows 'The Chateau' and its various complicated roof shapes and materials, including chimney styles, flat iron roof section in the middle and the gables over dining room, top bedroom and other roofed spaces between them. At this time, the main roof had terracotta tiles on it (ibid, 12/2017).

Newspaper photographs (possibly from The Daily Telegraph, in the 1960s) show the house's main staircase and Mrs Pillars in the round room. A sketch of the south elevation of the house, a photo of the main staircase and of owner Mrs Pillars featured in architect Morton Herman's book of 1956 'Architecture of Victorian Sydney' (ibid, 12/2017).

Plans of architect Morton Herman dated August 1963 are for the repair of a cracked, stone balcony on the front of the house over the front door, with new concrete slab, needed because of faulty plumbing (ibid, 12/2017).

Mr. F.J (Dr John: Macken, 2018, 4)and Mrs (Ellen) Campion acquired Nugal Hall in 1978 (Macken, 2018, 4 says 'in a company name, in 1977). 'When we first moved in it was a series of flats', Mr (Patrick) Campion said. 'The Malaysian Embassy was even based in one of the rooms at one point. We started extensive renovations right away, ripping out kitchens and bathrooms and restoring the mansion to its former glory'. There was eight full years of renovations (Bliss, 2017).

In 1981 an application for a Permanent Conservation Order over Nugal Hall was made by the owner. When Mr Campion purchased Nugal Hall it was divided into 5 flats and he subsequently returned it to a single dwelling. To offset restoration costs rating and taxation concessions were sought under the Heritage Act (Randwick and District Historical Society), Heritage Branch files).

In 1994 house, balcony, shutters, windows and roof were severely damaged by a heavy hailstorm.
Beautiful leadlight features were also damaged. The battle to have the insurer cover the costs was the first of many fights Mrs Campion would take on in the name of Nugal Hall over four decades (Bliss, 2017).

Nugal Hall was transferred to the State Heritage Register on 2 April 1999 (Randwick and District Historical Society), Heritage Branch files).

Further damage to the property was done by heavy rain and more hail in November-December 2001.

In August 2006 various works were undertaken to repair and adaptively reuse the coach house as accommodation, including additional bedrooms, a kitchen and bathroom upgrades (Davison, Cristine, pers.comm., 12/2017).

The current grounds of Nugal Hall have been subdivided from their original 200 acres. As a result of the reduction of the curtilage the entry is now from the rear side (Milford Street) rather than from the original front entry. The original front entry faces the ocean and is located on the eastern end of the house (Daniell, 2013).

Experts have warned that a proposed development of six units to four stories, with underground car parking at 5 Llanfoyst Street, Randwick directly behind Nugal Hall could cause considerable damage to plaster ceilings and the chimney of the historic home, even perhaps causing its collapse (Seiler, 2017). The application was approved in January 2018 (Kehagias, 2018).

The Campions made 2016 additions to the rear to create a self-contained wing with an observatory style living area that remained Ellen Campion's home until she died in 2017 (Macken, 2018, 4). Mrs Ellen Maria (aka Edith) Campion died on 12 October 2017 (Sydney Morning Herald, 17/10/2017 death notice).

Nugal Hall was listed (on the real estate market) in 2018 and has sold in 2020 (Nicholls, 2020, 25).

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. 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 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 of institutions - productive and ornamental-
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 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 urban amenity-
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 Health-Activities associated with preparing and providing medical assistance and/or promoting or maintaining the well being of humans Converting Premises for Rest and Recreation purposes-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies Health-Activities associated with preparing and providing medical assistance and/or promoting or maintaining the well being of humans Operating private and religious hospitals-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies Health-Activities associated with preparing and providing medical assistance and/or promoting or maintaining the well being of humans Caring for the sick in hospitals-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies Health-Activities associated with preparing and providing medical assistance and/or promoting or maintaining the well being of humans Operating convalescent and rehabilitation hospitals-
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. 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. Housing professional people-
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 politicians-
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. Victorian era residence-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities Accommodation-Activities associated with the provision of accommodation, and particular types of accommodation – does not include architectural styles – use the theme of Creative Endeavour for such activities. housing (suburbs)-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities Accommodation-Activities associated with the provision of accommodation, and particular types of accommodation – does not include architectural styles – use the theme of Creative Endeavour for such activities. 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. Gentlemens Mansions-
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 Housing-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities Land tenure-Activities and processes for identifying forms of ownership and occupancy of land and water, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Changing land uses - from rural to suburban-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities 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 Sub-division of large estates-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages Subdivision of rural estates-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages 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 Subdivision of urban estates-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages Creating landmark structures and places in suburban settings-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages A Picturesque Residential District-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages 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 Country Villa-
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 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 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 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-
5. Working-Working Labour-Activities associated with work practises and organised and unorganised labour Working with hand tools and implements-
5. Working-Working Labour-Activities associated with work practises and organised and unorganised labour Working independently on the land-
5. Working-Working Labour-Activities associated with work practises and organised and unorganised labour Working in health care-
5. Working-Working Labour-Activities associated with work practises and organised and unorganised labour Servants quarters-
5. Working-Working Labour-Activities associated with work practises and organised and unorganised labour Working with plants-
7. Governing-Governing Defence-Activities associated with defending places from hostile takeover and occupation Rehabilitating and housing wounded soldiers-
7. Governing-Governing Defence-Activities associated with defending places from hostile takeover and occupation Defence medical staff and treatment-
7. Governing-Governing Defence-Activities associated with defending places from hostile takeover and occupation Involvement with the First (Great) World War-
7. Governing-Governing Defence-Activities associated with defending places from hostile takeover and occupation Defending the nation.-
7. Governing-Governing Defence-Activities associated with defending places from hostile takeover and occupation State links in a national network-
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. Providing foreign government embassies-
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 - town and country planning-
7. Governing-Governing Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities. Developing roles for government - conserving cultural and natural heritage-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities. Adaptation of overseas design for local use-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities. 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. 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. Architectural styles and periods - Federation Arts and Crafts-
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. 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. 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. Interior design styles and periods - Edwardian-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities. Architectural styles and periods - Victorian (mid)-
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. Landscaping - 20th century post WW2-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities. Architectural styles and periods - Victorian picturesque Gothic-
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 Gothic Revival-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities. Interior design styles and periods - 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. Interior design styles and periods - 20th century Inter War-
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 - Gothic 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. 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. Ways of life 1900-1950-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life Domestic life-Activities associated with creating, maintaining, living in and working around houses and institutions. Ways of life 1950-2000-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life Domestic life-Activities associated with creating, maintaining, living in and working around houses and institutions. Living in 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 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, adapting and renovating homes for changing conditions-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation Outdoor relief-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation Gathering at landmark places to socialise-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation Activities associated with relaxation and recreation-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation 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 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 Providing charity-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life Social institutions-Activities and organisational arrangements for the provision of social activities Red Cross activities-
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-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups Associations with Governor Sir Charles Augustus FitzRoy, 1846-1865-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups Associations with Mortimer Lewis, Colonial Architect, 1796-1879-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups Associations with Morton Herman, architect, historian and author-
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. Alexander McArthur MLA, politician and businessman-
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. Sir John Peden MLC, KCMG, barrister and Cobargo farmer-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups Associations with Oswald H. Lewis, architect-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups Associations with Magnus Peden, Mayor of Randwick 1869 and grazier-
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. Sir John Beverley Peden, MLC, KCMG, barrister, politician and Cobargo farmer-

Recommended management:

Recommendations

Management CategoryDescriptionDate Updated
Statutory InstrumentNominate for State Heritage Register (SHR)02 Nov 16
Recommended ManagementProduce a Conservation Management Plan (CMP) 
Recommended ManagementPrepare a maintenance schedule or guidelines 
Recommended ManagementCarry out interpretation, promotion and/or education 

Procedures /Exemptions

Section of actDescriptionTitleCommentsAction date
57(2)Exemption to allow 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 0017302 Apr 99 271546
Heritage Act - Permanent Conservation Order - former 0017327 Nov 81 1786053
Local Environmental PlanRandwick Local Environmental Plan 1998 - Sch333526 Jun 98   
National Trust of Australia register Nugal Hall913901 Nov 74   
Register of the National EstateNugal Hall175621 Mar 78   

References, internet links & images

TypeAuthorYearTitleInternet Links
WrittenAitken, Richard2002Villa Garden (entry) View detail
WrittenAttenbrow, Val A pre-colonial history View detail
WrittenBliss, Raelene2017'Nugal Hall, Ranwick's own 'Downton Abbey', has lost its fearless defender and may now go up for sale'
WrittenDaniell, Ruth, February 20132013Heritage Impact Statement - Nugal Hall,16-18 Milford Street Randwick
WrittenHERMAN, Morton ARCHITECTURE OF VICTORIAN SYDNEY
WrittenKehagias, Melissa2018'Gothic Revival mansion known as 'Downton Abbery' hit market'
WrittenLEARY, F. & J.1968COLONIAL HERITAGE in
WrittenLynch, W.B. and Larcombe, F.A.1959Randwick 1859-1959
WrittenMacken, Lucy2018'History never repeats if landmark site is in sight'
WrittenN.S.W. Planning and Environment Commission Randwick Municipality Historic Buildings Survey
WrittenPollon, Frances & Healy, Gerald1988Randwick entry, in 'The Book of Sydney Suburb'
WrittenRandwick & District Historical Society1981Letter (supporting Permanent Conservation Order)
WrittenRandwick City Council2012Randwick City Council, ordinary meeting, 26/6/12, report on 22 Milford Street D.A.). View detail
WrittenSeiler, Melissa2017'Experts say historic Randwick home Nugal Hall in danger of collapse if neighbouring development goes up'
WrittenThe Agency201716-18 Milford Street, Randwick View detail
WrittenUniversity of N.S.W.1970HISTORIC BUILDING STUDY
WrittenWard, John M.1988'Peden, Sir John Beverley (1871-1946)' View detail

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: 5045442
File number: 14/5228; 11/22057; S90/6217

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

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