Horsley complex (homestead, outbuildings, garden, farm)

Item details


Name of item:	Horsley complex (homestead, outbuildings, garden, farm)
Other name/s:	Horsley Park, King's Gift, Horsley House
Type of item:	Landscape
Group/Collection:	Farming and Grazing
Category:	Homestead Complex
Location:	Lat: -33.8419912560 Long: 150.8415155730
Primary address:	52-58 Jamieson Close, Horsley Park, NSW 2175
Parish:	Melville
County:	Cumberland
Local govt. area:	Fairfield
Local Aboriginal Land Council:	Deerubbin

Property description

Lot/Volume Code	Lot/Volume Number	Section Number	Plan/Folio Code	Plan/Folio Number
LOT	60		DP	1081261
LOT	61		DP	1081261

All addresses

Street Address	Suburb/town	LGA	Parish	County	Type
52-58 Jamieson Close	Horsley Park	Fairfield	Melville	Cumberland	Primary Address
Jamieson Close	Horsley Park	Fairfield	Melville	Cumberland	Alternate Address
(western end of) The Horsley Drive	Horsley Park	Fairfield	Melville	Cumberland	Alternate Address

Owner/s

Organisation Name	Owner Category	Date Ownership Updated
	Private

Statement of significance:


	A substantially intact core of a colonial farm estate with its original 1830s bungalow, outbuildings, plantings, layout and entry within a remnant rural landscape setting which is now rare in the Fairfield LGA and on the Cumberland Plain. Horsley is integral to the history of Fairfield and the history of New South Wales, from its initial granting to Colonel Johnston as reward for his role in suppressing the Castle Hill rebellion. It has been associated with major elements in the colony's development, particularly the pastoral and racing industries, and trade with India. Horsley makes a major contribution to the local townscape through its visual prominence, size and character, for instance its prominent Bunya pine avenue climbing the hill to the house is similar in effect to those of Bella Vista Farm, Seven Hills, and Winbourne, Mulgoa. It retains some important traditional views to features beyond the estate. The place has individual components of heritage signifcance, eg: - the homestead as a rare (perhaps unique) surviving early Australian version of an Indian Bungalow style residence; - its outbuildings both individually and as a "street" which is rare; - its early plantings such as the prominent Bunya pine (Araucaria bidwillii) entry avenue; - the garden as a substantially intact 19th century landscape, with carriage loop, garden beds and early plantings; and - for its unusual individual plants such as the Kei apple (Carissa grandiflora). The place has important associations with various notable people - Colonel George Johnston, Governor King, the Weston family), and as a celebrated influence on the major colonial revival movement in architecture in the 1920s and 1930s, through architect William Hardy Wilson (Macquarie Cottage, Pymble; Eryldene, Gordon; Purulia, Wahroonga; Tiana (old name, no longer used, Cronulla) and others . The place has considerable capacity to demonstrate development of the estate from its initial phase to the present, and is of considerable scientific interest on account of its archaeological research potential (National Trust, 2000) A colonial garden of major historic and aesthetic importance. An intact mid-19th century gardenesque style garden whose layout and planting splendidly compliment the siting of the house. It is one of the finest landscapes in NSW despite the loss of some minor planting and detail. It is a garden whose importance relies on its layout (driveway up a hill to the house, carriage loop etc) and the impact of its large scale planting (African olives, Bunya pine avenue up driveway etc). A large curtilage is essential. These (Cowpasture gardens including Horsley) were NSW's major contribution to gardening, and were the first gardens in NSW to attract the 20th century artist's and the historican's attention (National Trust (NSW), 1981) The Horsley complex is historically significant as an unusually intact example of a self contained country estate of the early nineteenth century and for its associations with the prominent early Johnston family. It has architectural significance for demonstrating many of the characteristic features of Old Colonial Regency style and the links with the architecture of British India of the same period. The garden is historically significant in its own right. (RNE, 1978) Horsley is the only Australian colonial house that can be directly related to Ango-Indian architecture. Not only the design, but also details and even certain fittings like the folding casement doors, and louvred jhilmils (of teak) came from India. Also significant is the siting of the house and its outbuildings. Horsley can claim to be the only colonial homestead in NSW to have what amounts to a village street of outbuildings in close proximity to the house. It is also significant for the influence it had on the colonial revivial school of architects in the 20th century, following the publication in 1924 of Hardy Wilson's "Old Colonial Architecture of NSW & Tasmania". Wilson named it his favourite house and its influence can be seen in his work and that of his contemporaries. Even the architect, C. Bruce Dellit, though not of the colonial revivial school, can be said to have been inspired by Horsley in his country house, Karoo at Meadow Flat, built in c.1935 (Lucas, C., 1982) Horsley is unique in that the house and outbuildings have been designed as an entity...the strong sense of style points to an architect... On this point there is no documentary evidence, but the tomb of the original owner, Colonel Johnston, who died in 1823, was designed by Francis Greenway (Roxburgh, 1978)
	Date significance updated: 07 Aug 02
	Note: The State Heritage Inventory provides information about heritage items listed by local and State government agencies. The State Heritage Inventory is continually being updated by local and State agencies as new information becomes available. Read the Department of Premier and Cabinet copyright and disclaimer.

Description


Construction years:	1805-1832
Physical description:	GROUNDS (c.4.856 hectares - 12 acres, from c1930 subdivision: Morris & Britton, 2000, 31) To the north of the outbuildings and down a slope was a vineyard, with its own wine press, and on the southern slopes to the house was an orchard. Both are gone, today. The vineyard of Horsley extended over the surrounding hillside and was tended initially by convicts and later by a German wine dresser especially brought out for the purpose as was the custom (RNE). The western property boundary is marked by a row of Bunya pines (Araucaria bidwillii). On the northern slope there are extensive remains of orchard terracing and a second drive (RNE). South of the driveway and front paddocks are an area of polythene tunnel houses growing crops, and varied farmland. Despite rural-residential subdivisions and development, most of Horsley Park's setting remains rural in character. North-west of the house was a large maze of Cape honeysuckle (Tecomaria capensis), still there, but in disarray (Morris & Britton, 2000; Stuart Read, 11/2008 visit). North of the garden fence are large specimens of honey locust tree (Gleditsia triacanthos). Behind the house is a later tennis court and remnant flower beds. Tree plantings in this area include a Kaffir plum (Harpephyllum caffrum) north-west of the house, five rare native corkwood trees (Duboisea myoporoides), a lemon-scented gum (Corymbia citriodora), more jacarandas, another Bunya pine, Chinese elm (Ulmus parvifolia), weeping Boree or myall (Acacia pendula) to the west. Further west is another large Moreton Bay fig (ibid, 2004; 11/2008). DRIVE and APPROACH The approach is by a gently curving carriage drive through a simple set of timber-posted gates and up a dramatic formal avenue of Queensland Bunya Bunya pines (Araucaria bidwillii) and relatively rare Himalayan chir pines (Pinus roxburghii). This avenue is a local landmark, visible from some distance away, and from the M7 - West Link - Orbital road and other higher points. On the crest of a hill at the western end of the avenue, the drive passes through an outer set of garden gates flanked by two huge Moreton Bay figs (Ficus macrophylla) which frame the entrance drive to the house (HK/Stuart Read, pers.comm., 2004). The drive splits immediately after the pair of Moreton Bay figs, a left fork winding south to curve around a carriage loop past the front verandah and join back in a right fork. That same right fork splits with an east-west extension of it winding past the northern verandah facade of the house and around to its rear (or west, where it turns south close to the house, then swings west into and runs along a 'street' of outbuildings (kitchen block, etc) and further on a rear drive to the south-west out to Horsley Road (ibid, 2004). GARDEN The garden provides an appropriate and evocative period setting for the house and is significant in its own right as well as being the setting for Horsley Homestead. The entrance drive inside the 'inner' (garden) gates is characterised by groupings of Cape plumbago (Plumbago capensis) and sweet bay (Laurus nobilis) effectively, temporarily blocking a direct view of the house. Other trees such as several Brazilian jacarandas (J.mimosifolia) and Illawarra flame trees (Brachychiton acerifolius), orchid trees (Bauhinia x variegata) and coral trees (Erythrina x sykesii) were planted by Helen Kerfoot since the 1950s (ibid, 2004). A towering Bunya Bunya pine is outside the garden fence to the house and carriage loop's south-east, among what now is a dense and tall evergreen shrubbery, primarily of African olive and shiny-leaved privet trees. Jacarandas and Illawarra flame tree seedlings are maturing in this outer shrubbery too, as is another emergent Bunya Bunya pine (Stuart Read, 31/5/2021). Closer to the house, the drive forks around a petal- (teardrop) shaped loop which further divides to create a smaller, circular loop. The circular loop before the house's eastern front was formerly planted in a clearly visible (c1900 photographs) quatrefoil design which today is rather overgrown shrubbery, screening the view. Contained in this loop is a number of choice plants, including a rare South African plant, the thorny and fragrant flowered hedge plant, Natal plum or Kaffir plum (Carissa grandiflora or C.spectabilis), two species of bird-of-paradise flowers (Strelitzia reginae and S.spathulifolia), oleander (Nerium oleander cv.), two large bushes of sweet box (Murraya paniculata), two tall old specimens of crepe myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica), Nile lilies (Agapanthus orientalis), Bauhinia x variegata) etc (ibid, 2004; updated 31/5/2021). Other unusual plants in the garden include Port St. John or pink trumpet creeper (Podrania ricasoliana, syn. Bignonia mackenii) from South Africa, a green large-leaved tropical Cordyline terminalis (east and south of the house, close to it); two cultivars of orchid cacti (x Disocactus ackermannii / Epiphyllum sp./ cv's: cream (southern end of garden abutting the shrubbery: and purple/red, in a border south of the house, near the kitchen block); a double red pomegranate (Punica granatum cv), various geraniums (Pelargonium hortorum / cv's (along the double borders abutting the house's eastern facade); various rose bushes (mainly along the front borders of the house's eastern facade; with a few in the carriage loop); and a narrow-leaved smaller species of Adam's needle/Spanish bayonet (Yucca sp.)(ibid, 2008; updated Stuart Read, 31/5/2021). The northern facade of the house (side wall)'s verandah has an ornamenal grape vine (Vitis coignetiae) trained above eye-level along its length, providing summer shade for the verandah (ibid, 2008; updated Stuart Read, 31/5/2021). HOUSE Horsley was a pastoral holding set up to be an entirely self-sufficient community. The substantial homestead was built on the highest of a series of wooded hills in gently undulating country, with fine views in all directions. The single storey house is a direct copy of an Indian Bungalow, built of rendered brick made by convicts, with a high, hipped, shingled (later corrugated iron) roof. The walls are of stuccoed convict brick made on the property, strengthened by simple pilasters and between them are projecting panels with an arched recess in which the windows are set. The roof is over an almost square arrangement of bedrooms opening from central drawing room, sitting room and dining room, a classic Indian bungalow design, of the type built in Bengal. Pillared verandas at front and back were included under the main roof and enclosed at either end by corner rooms. On the garden (east) front it has a recessed central front veranda, supported by three pairs of Tuscan or Roman Doric columns. Wide shallow steps with bevel treads lead up to the veranda from the garden. French doors open onto the veranda from the drawing and dining rooms. This is now the main access to the house. Rainwater from the roof drained directly into brick gutters surrounding the house and from there into an underground tank. The house was built over a series of cellars - for wine on the north-western aspect, meat to the east end of the south aspect and dairy produce to the west end. It has an extensive wine cellar underneath almost its whole size, with sloping timbers to roll wine casks down into it, and rough timber shelves. A wooden door with stout wooden bars provides ventilation. The cellar ceiling is lath and plastered and whitewashed, as are the walls. There are storage shelves in the blind arch in the wall and a pump removed the dregs from a floor drain. The shelves are carried on brick arches, and extra ventilation comes through the brick work of the arched opening which holds small shelves. (In 1931 whilst a corner of the cellar was being cleared, seven bottles of Horsley wine were found, nearly a hundred years old, and still in "excellent condition". A dairy is also located under the house on the other side, with a separate entrance. The use of folding casement doors, of sixteen panes and, having adjustable louver shutters, indicate its British India design origins. The windows throughout are similar, but while those opening onto the veranda have shutters that open in two leaves, those of the windows in the external walls have four sections so that the higher ones can remain open when the lower ones are closed. The wooden louvers are adjustable, a wooden bar connected to a simple wooden device can be moved to either side, to open and close the shutters. The rear veranda (to the west) is more recessed, and irregularly shaped, by which one room is provided with windows at both front and rear. Both this and another room at the rear, having access from the rear veranda, were convenient to the kitchen and suitable for use as a dining room. External joinery is Indian teak (termite proof), explaining the thick, sturdy glazing bars of the French doors (as teak does not lend itself to fine detail). The internal joinery is cedar and painted. It is of a high standard, featuring many pairs of four paned, double doors (i.e.: 8 panelled doors) with matching jambs, timber fireplace surrounds of simple Georgian design, and deep skirting boards. In one room is a fine marble fireplace of similar design. From the drawing room an east-west passage leads to the bedrooms on the northern side of the house, lined with cupboards, all of which have the same elegant doors. OUTBUILDINGS A street of service buildings including kitchen, office cum library, laundry and privy, stables, coach house, servants' quarters and blacksmith shop, extended westward from the back of the house in a straight line. These are grouped along the continuation of the carriage drive, forming a street, which was terminated at a larger distance in the large barn (now demolished). All the outbuildings are single storey, stuccoed brick structures with hipped rooves. Pilasters or projecting panels with arched, recessed windows as in the homestead are repeated in these buildings in a simpler way. Nearest the house is the kitchen wing, joined to the house by a covered way. Part of the kitchen wing, with a door opening into the garden, was a library cum office, ideally placed, where the master of the house could see one and all - servants, clients or his sporting friends, without disturbing his wife's domestic arrangements. Next to the west is the stables has pilasters on both sides of its central doors, to strengthen the walls. It has a hipped roof. A small cottage just beyond the range of stables is similar in style, and these buildings form the main nucleus of the establishment. Some of the humbler outbuildings, brick walls are only lime-washed also requiring re-application at regular intervals. The coach house and stables were used for horses until quite recently (1998) and remnants of additional horse stalls are still evident at the back (south-eastern) side, with a row of tumbledown brick walls to the east indicating early stable outbuildings for tackle etc. The Blacksmith's shop collapsed in a storm in 1940, but is able to be reconstructed (opinion, Lucas, 1982). Last (western) outbuilding, the bush timber framed machinery shed, is little changed from its original use, and its wooden shingles are clearly visible under the corrugated iron roof. Some other buildings remain, now in disrepair, and many more must have once stood to house servants of all kinds, stock men, blacksmiths, gardeners, house servants etc.
Physical condition and/or Archaeological potential:	1983 fire briefly engulfed some of the exposed timbers of the Blue Room the eastern counterpart of the collapsed blacksmith's shop. (1991) The garden is maintained in fair condition, although the entrance drive is now seldom used and deteriorating and the carriage loop is grassed over. The garden is in urgent need of protection by a large curtilage from unsympathetic development of the surrounding subdivided land. A conservation order has been applied only to the land under the same ownership as the house and is completely unrealistic if the garden and siting is to be protected. An inappropriate chicken shed has been sited beneath the house destroying the view from the entrance gates over the paddocks up to the house (National Trust, 1981) (1998) Original wooden shingles on roof are well preserved below later corrugated iron roofs on the homestead and outbuildings. Brick drains are clearly visible as first built around the homestead. Convict made bricks (from clay on the estate) are in evidence in all buildings, particularly where rising damp means stucco is flaking off external walls, revealing the bricks below. Some of the humbler outbuildings, brick walls are only lime-washed also requiring re-application at regular intervals. The coach house and stables were used for horses until quite recently (1998) and remnants of additional horse stalls are still evident at the back (south-eastern) side, with a row of tumbledown brick walls to the east indicating early stable outbuildings for tackle etc. Blacksmith's shop collapsed in a storm in 1940, but is able to be reconstructed (opinion, Lucas, 1982). Last (western) outbuilding, the bush timber framed machinery shed, is little changed from its original use, and its wooden shingles are clearly visible under the corrugated iron roof. Garden (1998) is somewhat overgrown, but retains evidence of much of the original design, including a carriage loop in front (east) of the house, and a small carriage drive. The Bunya pine avenue up the driveway from the east to the house/carriage loop remains, with African olives seeding underneath the Bunya pines. The huge Moreton Bay figs at the house area entry gates at the western end of the driveway avenue remain, and have grown so large they preclude vehicular entry into the carriage loop/ garden. More recent development on adjoining lots, unsympathetic to Horsley, has caused the planting of trees and shrubs to obscure them, but these plantings are exotics, in character with much of the rest of the garden. Mrs Kerfoot maintains a central bed of flowers and shrubs (eg: Yucca gloriosa) along the eastern and southern aspects of the house, which are in keeping with the historic atmosphere.
	Date condition updated:06 Aug 02
Modifications and dates:	1831 Lt. & Mrs George Weston (nee Johnston) take up 2000 acre property 1832 Homestead built together with major outbuildings (kitchen, stables, blacksmith's shop and barn) to its west. Main driveway from front gates was lined with Bunya pines (from 1890s photographs of trees they were possibly planted by 1860s/70s) terminating in two Moreton Bay figs, where it reached the crest of the hill on which the carriage loop, house and outbuildings stood. Circular carriage loop and shrubbery laid out in front (east) of house. Later a small carriage drive was laid out (along what is now the north and west site boundaries), and a planted maze. Entrance door was originally on the western side, opening into a small hall, which has now been converted to other uses. During Blanche's lifetime, there had been a number of changes to the package of land comprising Horsley and smaller adjoining grants, which had become the property of other Johnston family members or been used to negotiate exchanges with Weston land elsewhere. 1888 Upper Nepean Water Supply completed, traversing the east of Horsley (Sydney Water Supply tunnel under Cecil Hills to south, and canal north to Prospect Reservoir). 1906 Blanches' widowed daughter Alice Smart successfully applied to have all the land parcels brought together under the one certificate of title, making her the owner of 2045 acres, by then traversed to the east by a section of the Sydney Water Supply Canal to Prospect Reservoir. In 1924 the estate was subdivided into 20 & 40 acre holdings, with approximately 65 acres including the homestead remaining in the possession of Miss Julia Perry, a Weston descendant. 1930 First subdivision of site into 20 & 40 acre holdings. Miss Perry purchases homestead and major outbuildings on 65 acres. 1939 Frederic Moffitt purchases site (January), occupies in May. Barn (which was to the west of the house and at that end of the "street" of outbuildings) was demolished. A 1939 subdivision plan listed 249 blocks for sale. 1940 Western half of the Blacksmith's shop collapsed in a storm, (but is able to be reconstructed (Lucas, 1982)). 1957 Two 5 acre blocks surveyed for possible sale. 5 acres was sold in 1959. 1960 5 acres sold reducing site to 60 acres. 1966 Mrs Moffitt dies and property inherited by the three remaining daughters. Helen Kerfoot, who had been living at Horsley with her mother for some years, continued to occupy the homestead portion, now with 12 acres. 1969 Property surveyed and new subdivision laid out. 1972 Sale of new subdivisions. Site reduced to 12 acres (4.45 hectares) but still included homestead, major outbuildings, driveway and most important tree plantings. New rear access to site provided via Jamison Close, also servicing new subdivisions. Elaborating: Morris and Britton (2000, 31) note that subdivision in 1960 and 1972 reduced the homestead lot to 12 acres (4.865 ha) with loss of a pond or dam, part of the orchard site, a cottage and a barn wihch are not included in the 1980 PCO (now SHR) boundary. Losses included: - the pond, a small dam surrounded by trees immediately to the south of the front gates, and a favourite haunt of birds; - the orchard on the southern slopes below the homestead and a small vineyard, originally with its own winepress, to the north; - the cottage originally used by Mrs George Weston as a schoool for children on the property; - the site of the original barn built over by a new residence. 1975/6 National Estate Program funding $5000 to restore stables and outbuildings, by Clive Lucas, also responsible for restoration works to homestead (earlier). 1982 Site is ringed by new housing development built on the 1972 subdivisions. A poultry shed has been built adjacent to the eastern boundary. New developments insensitive in form and siting, impinge on the major views of the homestead from the east and south-east approached along the Horsley Drive. (Source: Lucas, C. 1982)
Further information:	A related place is Horsley near Dapto (Wollongong), which was a grant c1818/19 to George Weston's elder brother, William Francis Weston, known as "Mr Johnston's Meadow". William Francis Weston died in 1826 leaving a widow and five small children, and it is possible George Weston came to Australia to advise and help his sister in law, Elizabeth around this time.


Current use:	residence, grazing, wedding photography venue
Former use:	Aboriginal land, farm for horse and stock breeding, vineyards, orchards

History

Historical notes:

1805 Governor King granted Lieutenant Colonel George Johnston of Annandale farm 2000 acres of land at Prospect, for his part in putting down a convict uprising at (Vinegar Hill) Castle Hill in the previous year. Johnston called the farm "King's Gift". Johnston died in 1823.

A related place is Horsley near Dapto (Wollongong), which was a grant c1818/19 to George Weston's elder brother, William Francis Weston, known as "Mr Johnston's Meadow". William Francis Weston died in 1826 leaving a widow and five small children, and it is possible that George Weston came to Australia to advise and help his sister in law, Elizabeth around this time.

The Horsley (Fairfield) land was given by Lt.-Col. Johnston to his daughter Blanche, who, on May 21 1829, at St. James' Church, Sydney, married George Edward Nicholas Weston, a Lieutenant in the East India Company Service. Weston had a Swiss mother and his family had descendents on West Horsley Manor in Surrey in England dating back to 1066, farming large estates. It is thought Horsley (Fairfield) is named after West Horsley Manor in Surrey.

Captain & Mrs George Weston spent the following two years in India, returing to Sydney with their two children in July 1831. In that year they took up their property, living in a large Indian tent attended by Indian servants until the house was completed.

By 1832 the homestead was built, together with major outbuildings (kitchen, stables, blacksmith's shop and barn).

The well wooded land produced timber carted to sawmills for many years. The Westons' predominant interests were agriculture and raising stock, including fine bloodstock race horses. Captain Weston (from reports in the Australian between 1831 and 1841) was involved with the Cumberland Turf Club, the Australian Race Committee, fox hunting, and with contemporary political issues.

In 1839 he was one of the promoters of a public meeting to petition the continuation of transportation of convicts to maintain the supply of low cost farm labour. An 1843 Sydney Morning Herald report noted his indignation at the loss of a convict's labour by the Governor's order, his support for neighbour William Lawson (of Greystanes) in elections to the Legislative Council in 1843 and his animosity to Hannibal Macarthur in the same election. Other 1844 Sydney Morning Herald reports show his involvement in establishing the Penrith Agricultural Society and his award for the best coaching stallion.

The Westons had eight children, 4 girls and 4 boys, 1 of whom died in infancy.

1837 Captain Weston had a pack of foxhounds at Horsley, and by 1838 his pastoral activities had extended beyond the limits of location, and he held a grazing lease in South-West Yass.

An 1841 sale notice in the Australian cited land near the 'mansion and improving property' of Captain Weston, but the area was not closely settled then.

The Westons exported horses to India, a Sydney Morning Herald report of 29 August 1844 describing 80 horses loaded onto the Blondell bound for Calcutta, of which 31 belonged to Blanche's brothers Robert and David Johnston, and Captain Weston. Although East India Company agents left Calcutta in 1847, horse trading between the Australian colonies continued at a diminishing rate for several more years.

George Weston died at Horsley in 1856 at the age of 56 and was buried at St. Bartholemew's cemetery at Prospect. His widow Blanche continued to conduct the farm business, supported by her extended family, and employees and their families, who had been in her service for many years.

An 1871 story in the Town & Country Journal describes a garden, vineyard of about 15 acres which produced 2000 gallons of wine in 1870 and none due to blight in 1871, and Mr Frank (Francis, the youngest son, then managing the property)'s pride, his horse stock, many of which were successful race horses.

The main driveway from front gates was lined with Queensland Bunya pines (from photographs these were possibly planted by 1860s/70s) terminating in two Moreton Bay fig trees, where it reached the crest of the hill on which the house stood. A circular carriage loop and shrubbery were laid out in front (east) of house. Later a small carriage drive was laid out (along what is now the north and west site boundaries), and a planted maze (of Cape honeysuckle (Tecomaria capensis)).

Blanche Weston died in 1904 at the age of 98. At that time some of her employees were the third generation of those families in service and residence at Horsley. In 1904 the main activity was again grazing, with all the wine used in the house produced on the estate, fine vineyards and orchards. A report in the Cumberland Argus 3 September 1904 notes this, and that wheat had been formerly grown but abandoned due to rust attacks years ago.

During Blanche's lifetime, there had been a number of changes to the package of land comprising Horsley and smaller adjoining grants, which had become the property of other Johnston family members or been used to negotiate exchanges with Weston land elsewhere.

In 1906 Blanche's widowed daughter Alice Smart successfully applied to have them all brought together under the one certificate of title, making her the owner of 2045 acres, by then traversed to the east by a section of the Sydney Water Supply Canal to Prospect Reservoir.

In 1924 (Lucas, 1982 says 1930) the estate was subdivided into 20 & 40 acre holdings, with approximately 65 acres including the homestead remaining in the possession of Miss Julia Perry, a Weston descendant (granddaughter) of Mrs. Weston)(Lucas, 1982). This same Julia Perry (nee Antill) lived there until the late 1930s, when the estate passed out of the hands of the Johnston-Weston family.

In January 1939 the property was puchased by Frederic Moffitt, the father of the present (2002) owners, Mrs Helen Kerfoot and her sister Mrs June Wines. Moffitt occupied Horsley in May 1939. The barn (which was to the west of the house and at the end of the street of outbuildings) was demolished.

Before Frederic Moffit's death in 1951 he transferred the property to his wife. In 1957 Two 5 acre blocks were surveyed for possible sale. 5 acres were sold in 1959.

In 1960 5 acres was sold, reducing the site to 60 acres.

1966 Mrs Moffitt died and the property was inherited by the three remaining daughters. Helen Kerfoot, who had been living at Horsley with her mother for some years, continued to occupy the homestead portion, now with 12 acres.

In 1969 the property was surveyed and a new subdivision was laid out.

1972 saw the sale of new subdivisions. The site was reduced to 12 acres (4.45 hectares) but still included the homestead, major outbuildings, driveway and most important tree plantings. New rear access to site was provided via Jamison Close, also servicing new subdivisions.

Losses included:
- the pond, a small dam surrounded by trees immediately to the south of the front gates, and a favourite haunt of birds;
- the orchard on the southern slopes below the homestead and a small vineyard, originally with its own winepress, to the north;
- the cottage originally used by Mrs George Weston as a school for children on the property;
- the site of the original barn built over by a new residence.

1982 the site is now ringed by new housing development built on the 1972 subdivisions. A poultry shed has been built adjacent to the eastern boundary. New developments insensitive in form and siting, impinge on the major views of the homestead from the east and south-east approached along the Horsley Drive (Lucas, 1982).

In 1971 general external repair and restoration works were carried out to the homestead, including new corrugated iron roofing, gutters and downpipes aded, the iron on the south skillion replacing the extant Morewood & Rogers patent iron (roof) tiles. General repairs and painting were done to the homestead. The office and laundry's original joinery had severely deteriorated and was repaired/renewed to its original detail (ibid, 1982).

In 1976 external restoration work was carried out to the Stables block, with financial assistance from a Federal government National Estate grant, including repairs to the roof and guttering, walls and joinery (ibid, 1982).

In recent years, Horsley homestead has been open for inspection upon request and booking, but it remains a private property. On 27th February 2018 the owners paused this arrangement, to work through some important changes to operations and were not taking further enquiries re wedding ceremonies or receptions for some months. Enquiries for wedding photography are still available during this period (https://www.horsleyhomestead.com/).

Historic themes

Australian theme (abbrev)	New South Wales theme	Local theme
1. Environment-Tracing the evolution of a continent's special environments	Environment - naturally evolved-Activities associated with the physical surroundings that support human life and influence or shape human cultures.	Gardens-
1. Environment-Tracing the evolution of a continent's special environments	Environment - naturally evolved-Activities associated with the physical surroundings that support human life and influence or shape human cultures.	Other open space-
1. Environment-Tracing the evolution of a continent's special environments	Environment - naturally evolved-Activities associated with the physical surroundings that support human life and influence or shape human cultures.	Changing the environment-
2. Peopling-Peopling the continent	Convict-Activities relating to incarceration, transport, reform, accommodation and working during the convict period in NSW (1788-1850) - does not include activities associated with the conviction of persons in NSW that are unrelated to the imperial 'convict system': use the theme of Law & Order for such activities	Working on private assignment-
2. Peopling-Peopling the continent	Ethnic influences-Activities associated with common cultural traditions and peoples of shared descent, and with exchanges between such traditions and peoples.	English rural building practises-
2. Peopling-Peopling the continent	Ethnic influences-Activities associated with common cultural traditions and peoples of shared descent, and with exchanges between such traditions and peoples.	Indian servants-
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	Viticulture-
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	Horse breeding-
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	Orchards and viticulture-
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	Agriculture-Activities relating to the cultivation and rearing of plant and animal species, usually for commercial purposes, can include aquaculture	Clearing land for farming-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Agriculture-Activities relating to the cultivation and rearing of plant and animal species, usually for commercial purposes, can include aquaculture	Growing vines and maintaining vineyards-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Agriculture-Activities relating to the cultivation and rearing of plant and animal species, usually for commercial purposes, can include aquaculture	Growing vines and maintaining vineyards-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Agriculture-Activities relating to the cultivation and rearing of plant and animal species, usually for commercial purposes, can include aquaculture	Processing wheat and other grains-
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	Marking the transition from pastoralism to agriculture-
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	Experimenting with new crops and methods-
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	Experimenting with new breeds of animal-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Agriculture-Activities relating to the cultivation and rearing of plant and animal species, usually for commercial purposes, can include aquaculture	Farming by detainees and prisoners-
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	Agricultural Society activities - research, experimentation, acclimatisation --
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	Improving agricultural production-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Agriculture-Activities relating to the cultivation and rearing of plant and animal species, usually for commercial purposes, can include aquaculture	Farming with convict labour-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Agriculture-Activities relating to the cultivation and rearing of plant and animal species, usually for commercial purposes, can include aquaculture	Attempting to transplant European farming practices to Australian environments-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Agriculture-Activities relating to the cultivation and rearing of plant and animal species, usually for commercial purposes, can include aquaculture	Wine making-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Agriculture-Activities relating to the cultivation and rearing of plant and animal species, usually for commercial purposes, can include aquaculture	Ancillary structures fencing-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Agriculture-Activities relating to the cultivation and rearing of plant and animal species, usually for commercial purposes, can include aquaculture	Ancillary structures - sheds, crop storage-
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	Cereal production-
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	Exhibitions of produce, stock and equipment-
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 of scenic beauty-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings	Gardens demonstrating the travels and sojurns of a gardener-
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 demonstrating styles in landscape design-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings	Gardens celebrating multiculturalism-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings	Significant tree(s) providing rural amenity or character-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings	Landscapes of urban and rural interaction-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings	Landscapes and gardens of domestic accommodation-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings	Landscapes and countryside of rural charm-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings	Landscapes of food production-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings	Creating environments evocative of the 'old country'-
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	Forestry-Activities associated with identifying and managing land covered in trees for commercial purposes.	Timber getting-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Pastoralism-Activities associated with the breeding, raising, processing and distribution of livestock for human use	Horse breeding and raising-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Pastoralism-Activities associated with the breeding, raising, processing and distribution of livestock for human use	Modifying landscapes to increase productivity-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Pastoralism-Activities associated with the breeding, raising, processing and distribution of livestock for human use	Agisting and fattening stock for slaughter-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Pastoralism-Activities associated with the breeding, raising, processing and distribution of livestock for human use	Livestock structures-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Pastoralism-Activities associated with the breeding, raising, processing and distribution of livestock for human use	Experimenting with new breeds of stock-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Pastoralism-Activities associated with the breeding, raising, processing and distribution of livestock for human use	cattle-
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.	Worker's Dwellings-
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 Homes-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Accommodation-Activities associated with the provision of accommodation, and particular types of accommodation – does not include architectural styles – use the theme of Creative Endeavour for such activities.	Housing farming families-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Accommodation-Activities associated with the provision of accommodation, and particular types of accommodation – does not include architectural styles – use the theme of Creative Endeavour for such activities.	Housing public servants and officials-
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 working animals-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Accommodation-Activities associated with the provision of accommodation, and particular types of accommodation – does not include architectural styles – use the theme of Creative Endeavour for such activities.	Housing for farm and station hands-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Accommodation-Activities associated with the provision of accommodation, and particular types of accommodation – does not include architectural styles – use the theme of Creative Endeavour for such activities.	Crude huts-
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.	Farm homestead-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Accommodation-Activities associated with the provision of accommodation, and particular types of accommodation – does not include architectural styles – use the theme of Creative Endeavour for such activities.	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.	early settlement or worker's cottage-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Accommodation-Activities associated with the provision of accommodation, and particular types of accommodation – does not include architectural styles – use the theme of Creative Endeavour for such activities.	gentlemen's residences-
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.	Accommodating workers in workers' housing-
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.	Accommodating convicts-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Accommodation-Activities associated with the provision of accommodation, and particular types of accommodation – does not include architectural styles – use the theme of Creative Endeavour for such activities.	Housing famous families-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Accommodation-Activities associated with the provision of accommodation, and particular types of accommodation – does not include architectural styles – use the theme of Creative Endeavour for such activities.	Timber and iron vernacular-
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.	Living on the land-
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.	Pastoral Homestead-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Land tenure-Activities and processes for identifying forms of ownership and occupancy of land and water, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal	Early land grants-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Land tenure-Activities and processes for identifying forms of ownership and occupancy of land and water, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal	Early land grants-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Land tenure-Activities and processes for identifying forms of ownership and occupancy of land and water, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal	Naming places (toponymy)-
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	Post and rail fencing-
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	Fencing boundaries - wooden post and rail-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Land tenure-Activities and processes for identifying forms of ownership and occupancy of land and water, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal	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	Land tenure-Activities and processes for identifying forms of ownership and occupancy of land and water, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal	Changing land uses - from rural to tourist-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Land tenure-Activities and processes for identifying forms of ownership and occupancy of land and water, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal	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	avenue of trees-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Land tenure-Activities and processes for identifying forms of ownership and occupancy of land and water, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal	Early farming (Cattle grazing)-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Land tenure-Activities and processes for identifying forms of ownership and occupancy of land and water, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal	Surveying by Augustus Alt-
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 Infrastructure-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages	Shaping inland settlements-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages	living in the country-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages	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	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	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	Creating landmark structures and places in regional settings-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages	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	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	Planning manorial villages and systems-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages	Vernacular towns serving a specific industry-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages	Vernacular hamlets and settlements-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages	Developing and operating manorial villages-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages	Outlying settlements-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages	Developing the social life of a rural community-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Utilities-Activities associated with the provision of services, especially on a communal basis	Water and drainage-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Utilities-Activities associated with the provision of services, especially on a communal basis	Providing drinking water-
5. Working-Working	Labour-Activities associated with work practises and organised and unorganised labour	Private assignment-
5. Working-Working	Labour-Activities associated with work practises and organised and unorganised labour	Working in vineyards-
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 on pastoral stations-
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 orchards-
5. Working-Working	Labour-Activities associated with work practises and organised and unorganised labour	Servants quarters-
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.	Developing roles for government - providing reticulated water-
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.	Interior design styles and periods - Colonial-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities.	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.	Architectural styles and periods - colonial vernacular-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities.	Applying architectural design to utlilitarian structures-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities.	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.	Designing landscapes in an exemplary style-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities.	Creating works of art-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities.	Building in response to natural landscape features.-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities.	Landscaping - 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.	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	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.	Creating an icon-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities.	Architectural styles and periods - colonial homestead-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities.	Vernacular structures and building techniques-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities.	Building in response to climate - ventilation devices-
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.	Landscaping - colonial period-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities.	Landscaping - 20th century 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 - Victorian gardenesque style-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities.	Capturing iconic landscapes in art-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Domestic life-Activities associated with creating, maintaining, living in and working around houses and institutions.	Country estates - visiting, enjoying-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Domestic life-Activities associated with creating, maintaining, living in and working around houses and institutions.	Ways of life 1900-1950-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Domestic life-Activities associated with creating, maintaining, living in and working around houses and institutions.	Ways of life 1950-2000-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Domestic life-Activities associated with creating, maintaining, living in and working around houses and institutions.	Ways of life 1788-1850-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Domestic life-Activities associated with creating, maintaining, living in and working around houses and institutions.	Ways of life 1850-1900-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Domestic life-Activities associated with creating, maintaining, living in and working around houses and institutions.	Convict housing near workplaces-
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.	Ornamental Garden-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Domestic life-Activities associated with creating, maintaining, living in and working around houses and institutions.	Living and working at home-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Domestic life-Activities associated with creating, maintaining, living in and working around houses and institutions.	Valuing women's contributions-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Domestic life-Activities associated with creating, maintaining, living in and working around houses and institutions.	Physical evidence of creating, maintaining, living in and working around houses, through domestic artefacts scatters, ar-
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.	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 in a rural homestead-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Domestic life-Activities associated with creating, maintaining, living in and working around houses and institutions.	Living in a new house-
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.	Kitchens and servants-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Outdoor relief-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Visiting gardens-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Going to the racetrack-
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	Developing collections of items-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Playing tennis-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Horse riding-
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	Gathering at landmark places to socialise-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Going hunting and shooting-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Horse racing-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Fox hunting-
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	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	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	Fund-raising activities for community charities-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with Lt.-Col. George Johnston, soldier, farmer, rebel leader-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with Blanche Weston (nee Johnston), gentlewoman, farmer-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with Lt. George Edward Nicholas Weston, East India Co. soldier, farmer-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with Alice Smart (nee Weston), gentlewoman, farmer-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with Julia Perry (nee Antill-Weston), gentlewoman, farmer-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with Frederick Moffitt, farmer-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with Helen Kerfoot (nee Moffitt), gentlewoman, farmer-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with June Vines (nee Moffitt), gentlewoman, farmer-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with Governor (Captn.) Phillip Gidley King RN, 1800-1806-

Assessment of significance


Integrity/Intactness:	Substantially intact core of a colonial farm estatea
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:

Curtilage needs review and may need expansion. Ideally adopt a new curtilage to reinstate poultry shed area, cottage and plantings. Consider applying a covenant preventing future subdivision of estate. Ensure more detailed planning controls on adjoining areas. Where possible, remove structures on adjoining portions, or adopt existing title as minimum curtilage and apply covenant to prevent future subdivision of remaining estate. Controls on adjacent areas as open space (Morris & Britton, 2000). Needs a DCP for area to control adjacent development siting, scale and details. Buffer plantings are needed to screen inappropriate recent residential and farm development within close proximity or clear view of Horsley.

Recommendations

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

Procedures /Exemptions

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

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

Listings

Heritage Listing	Listing Number	Gazette Date	Gazette Number	Gazette Page
Heritage Act - State Heritage Register	00030	02 Apr 99	27	1546
Heritage Act - Permanent Conservation Order - former	00030	15 Feb 80	26	7147
Local Environmental Plan		06 Oct 95	122	7147
Local Environmental Plan		06 Oct 95
National Trust of Australia register	7945
Register of the National Estate		21 Mar 78

Study details

Title	Year	Number	Author	Inspected by	Guidelines used
Colonial Landscapes of the Cumberland Plain and Camden, NSW	2000	4.1	Morris, C., & Britton, G./NSW National Trust (for the Heritage Council of NSW)	Colleen Morris and Geoffrey Britton	Yes

References, internet links & images

Type	Author	Year	Title	Internet Links
Written	Aitken, Richard	2002	'India' (entry)	View detail
Written	Britton, Geoffrey and Morris, Colleen	2002	'Horsley' (entry)	View detail
Written	Britton, Geoffrey; & Morris, Colleen	2004	Detailed Curtilage Assessment of Horsley estate, Horsley Park
Written	Fahy, K Dawson, Geoff	1986	National Trust Suburban Register (classification sheet)
Written	Knight, Katherine	1998	Horsley - Keeping the Past (Major Research Assignment)
Written	Lucas, Clive (Clive Lucas P/L, Architects), 1/1982	1982	Architectural Assessment, Horsley, Horsley Park, NSW
Written	Morris, Colleen; and Britton, Geoffrey	2000	s.4.1: Horsley (section)	View detail
Written	Smith, Anne	2022	Horsley	View detail
Written	the owners	2018	Horsley Homestead (website)	View detail

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:	5045518
File number:	EF14/4611 S90/01382 & HC 32057

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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