Noraville, Hargraves House

Item details


Name of item:	Noraville, Hargraves House
Other name/s:	Hargraves House
Type of item:	Complex / Group
Group/Collection:	Residential buildings (private)
Category:	Homestead building
Location:	Lat: -33.2672907999 Long: 151.5620587710
Primary address:	3 Elizabeth Drive, Noraville, NSW 2263
Parish:	Wallarah
County:	Northumberland
Local govt. area:	Central Coast
Local Aboriginal Land Council:	Darkinjung

Property description

Lot/Volume Code	Lot/Volume Number	Section Number	Plan/Folio Code	Plan/Folio Number
LOT	72		DP	27889

All addresses

Street Address	Suburb/town	LGA	Parish	County	Type
3 Elizabeth Drive	Noraville	Central Coast	Wallarah	Northumberland	Primary Address

Owner/s

Organisation Name	Owner Category	Date Ownership Updated
	Private	19 Mar 99

Statement of significance:


	Noraville Homestead is a rare surviving residence of its period, as an early (1856-9) Australian homestead set in an imposing setting on the cliffs at Norah Head, commanding sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean. It is associated with a notable figure in Australia's colonial history, Edward Hammond Hargraves. Hargraves built Noraville from reward money received for his controversial discovery of payable gold at Ophir in 1851. The site shows a continuity of historical process and activity in relation to the occupation and functioning of the homestead for the past 146 years and in its long association with one family, the Hargraves, with farming and coastal settlement throughout this period. It is an integral part of Australia's early coastal, farming and family history. Noraville Homestead is a fine example of the Colonial Georgian style. It has not been greatly altered during the late 19th or 20th centuries and remains in good condition. Its well preserved appearance, rare cedar composition and prominent cliff-top setting, coupled with the preservation of original ocean views to the northwest-northeast, afford it considerable aesthetic significance. It should be noted that original views have been compromised by residential development to the north, west and south, however, the remaining north-west and north-east vista to the ocean is intrinsic to the significance of Noraville. Although much of the original farm has been subdivided and the early outbuildings demolished there is an opportunity to gain insights from the past from the homestead itself and potential subsurface structural and artefactual remains on this surviving portion of land. (Reference: Statement of Heritage Impact, Andrews Neil 2002; amended for Option 4 by Michael Tribe & Associates, 4/2003) Noraville is considered significant because of its potential to yield archaeological evidence of farming, coastal settlement and family life from the mid 19th century (Stedinger, 2002) The homestead has local social significance to the community of Noraville, the suburb named after it. Several streets and the adjacent beach are named after members of the family. There has been considerable community interest in the past over the partial screening of the homestead from the public view by hedging and a stand of coral trees.
	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:	Edward Hammond Hargraves
Builder/Maker:	Mr Fletcher
Construction years:	1856-1859
Physical description:	Estate & Setting Originally, an extensive landholding with gardens, orchards, vineyards and cultivation paddocks. Landscape elements (now archaeological sites) include the site of the former tennis court, c.1910, and a former duck pond, can now be seen as a depression in the grass in front (north) of the homestead adjacent to Elizabeth Drive and west of the mature stand of Moreton Bay figs, (Ficus macrophylla) respectively. The property was gradually subdivided and sold off from the 1920s onwards. The last major subdivision was in the mid 1950s (1956-7) when the remaining estate was divided between the five children of Charles Hargraves. As part of this a former market garden area west of the homestead was subdivided for housing, the only remnants of it being a broken line of mature coral trees (Erythrina sp.), one of which is in Noraville's remaining garden, south-west of the homestead near the entrance drive. The homestead sits on a vastly reduced curtilage, however the open grassed area to the north-north-west still provides a suitable foreground setting. The setting has already been compromised by the erection of two storey dwellings on the adjacent plot of land immediately to its rear (south). While views to north, south, and west have been compromised by 2 & 3 storey development, the north-west and north-east vista to the ocean is intrinsic to the significance of Noraville. The property is Lot 72 DP 27889 which has a frontage of 86.07m to Elizabeth Drive and an are of 0.582ha (c.1.5 acres)(Commissioners of Inquiry, 1980, 2). Homestead The homestead, known as 'Noraville', is situated on the cliff top at Noraville, near Norah Head, facing north-west, overlooking Hargraves Beach to the east. The western boundary of the site is bounded by Elizabeth Drive (constructed in the 1956-7 subdivision). Once situated on a much larger land holding, the homestead is now surrounded on three sides (north, west, south) by two and three storey residential housing with only the original northern boundary to the ocean remaining. The homestead is a single storey, weatherboard construction with a verandah on three sides. It was built in 1856-9. The homestead is orientated north-west with views north-west and north-east towards the cliffs and ocean. Both the homestead and associated service buildings are located to the south of the site with an open grassed area to the north. The service buildings consist of a 1969 kitchen and attached carport and a store or dormitory, constructed in 1920. Both of these structures are situated to the rear (south) of the homestead. Outbuildings While the homestead itself and its ocean views remain relatively unchanged today, most of the outbuildings were demolished at the time of the last subdivision in the 1950s. The stables had already been destroyed by fire in 1914. The existing fibro store to the rear dates from 1920, when it replaced earlier timber slab sheds. It consists of three small rooms and a bathroom and is thought to have been used for itinerant workers who worked at Noraville during the Depression. The existing kitchen building dates from 1969, and was erected on the site of the original kitchen. Major plantings A line of existing Norfolk Island pine trees (Araucaria heterophylla) runs along the north-western site boundary, planted c.1960. A group of four existing coral trees (Erythrina sp.) lie east of the homestead near the boundary of the public garden. A lone (and rather stunted) Norfolk Island pine lies north-east of the homestead near the boundary. Three existing coral trees and a line of existing shrubs (oleanders (Nerium oleander), sweet box (Murraya paniculata)) runs along the south-western boundary, and another line of oleanders behind (east) of a hedge of sweet box (both planted c.1960) run along the western boundary near Elizabeth Drive. An area of shrubs and garden, including a line of six mature Moreton Bay fig trees (Ficus macrophylla), a coral tree, palms and a tuckeroo tree (Cupaniopsis anacardiodes) are to the west of the homestead's western end, and another existing coral tree is between these an the western boundary, near the existing driveway. The fig trees were c.12m tall in 1914 photographs, making them at least date from the 1860-70s. One of them has an epiphytic seedling of a Port Jackson fig (F.rubiginosa) growing on its trunk. Self-seeded native cabbage palms (Livistona australis) are growing below the fig trees on the western side and eastern side near the homestead. An existing garden area is immediately south-east of the main homestead includes a group of Lord Howe Island palms (Kentia fosteriana), an emergent (and mature) leaning palm, (Washingtonia robusta) and lower shrubs including Hibiscus rosa-sinensis. The Washingtonia could date from c.1900 from its height, but other palms are younger, perhaps c.1980s, although 1914 photographs do show low palms (c.4-5m), ie: not much shorter than these are now. A former tennis court was north of the homestead, and former bachelor's quarters were to its south-east. Scattered shrub plantings in front (north) of the homestead include frangipani (Plumeria rubra) and oleanders. To the east of the homestead/garden is a cliff which is vegetated with both remnant and regenerating locally native coastal vegetation which includes coastal banksia (B.integrifolia), tuckeroo trees and paperbarks (Melaleuca sp.), in relatively low scrub.
Physical condition and/or Archaeological potential:	The sites of former outbuildings were all located to the east and rear of the homestead to maintain ocean views. Landscape elements such as the site of the former tennis court, circa 1910, and a former duck pond, can be seen as a depression in the grass in front of the homestead adjacent to Elizabeth Drive and west of the stand of figs, respectively. The approximate layout of former outbuildings and landscape elements is shown in the Archaeological Assessment. The new scheme proposed and endorsed by the Heritage Council will have much less impact than the other proposals for the site. Some of the more sensitive areas have been identified and a condition has been made to ensure there is no trenching in these spots. Further the two new buildings to the east of the kitchen are to be supported above the ground on piles, the location of which can be moved as required to miss any sensitive artefacts. While much of the original farm has been subject to subdivision and residential development, the present site of Noraville homestead and its surrounds are considered to have archaeological potential in areas where limited disturbance has occurred. Excavation has the potential to reveal information about the lives of the Hargraves family, their employees, and the operation of the farm in what was once a remote coastal residence. Structural and artefactual evidence may exist, particularly east of and beneath the kitchen (1969) and fibro store (1920)’. The proposed cottage and family room may disturb some remains an these areas are to be monitored during early site works. This is the site of the former Bachelor’s Quarters and Meat Store. These sites are considered to have high archaeological potential. The new garage is not located over any known relics and excavation in this area is considered to have low archaeological potential.
	Date condition updated:29 Mar 04
Modifications and dates:	1914 The stables had already been destroyed by fire. 1920 fibro store to the rear built, replacing earlier timber slab sheds. 1920s-1950s subdivisions of estate. 1950s most of the outbuildings demolished at the time of the last subdivision in this decade 1956-7 subdivision, loss of former market garden area west of the homestead. C1960 planting of Norfolk Island pines along north-western boundary, sweet box hedge and oleanders on western boundary to Elizabeth Drive (itself created in 1950s subdivisions), and oleanders and swamp oaks on southern boundary. 1969 existing kitchen building erected on the site of the original kitchen.
Further information:	2003 - IDA/s.60 - retains the original house as the main family residence on the site. The buildings at the rear are to be upgraded and a new family room is to be constructed adjacent to the existing kitchen. The former servants quarters are to be converted into accommodation. There is also to be at the rear of the property a new garage and 2 bedroom residential cottage between the house and the sea. The proposal is based on a proposal known a Option 4 which was endorsed by the Heritage Council at a meeting on 4 December 2002.


Current use:	private house
Former use:	private house, farm homestead complex

History

Historical notes:

Edward Hammond Hargraves had bought land from Robert Henderson, an ex constable, ship owner and the largest resident land holder in the district. Henderson had received a crown grant in 1854 and by 1856 held 2000 acres at Norah Head. In 1856 Hargraves bought portion 37 (27 acres) and 38 (50 acres) from Henderson.

Noraville homestead was built in 1856-7 on a grassy plateau above the sea cliffs by Hargraves using money awarded to him by the Victorian government for his discovery of payable gold. Apart from a short period from 1877 to 1892, the property has remained in the ownership of the Hargraves family ever since.

1877 Hargraves sold Norville to Dr Jarman John Tarrant, surgeon at Sydney Hospital and MLA, who held it 15 years.

1892 Tarrant declared bankrupt and the property was returned to the Hargraves family, being bought by Edward's second son, William Henry. (Edward had died in 1891 aged 75 from a fall off a horse, and was buried in Waverley Cemetery).
While William had the title, it was his older brother Edward John Hargraves who resided lifelong at Noraville. Edward John married Elizabeth Catherine Owens, who (at age 17) went to live at Noraville and remained there until her death in 1950. They reportedly had 12 children, not all of whom survived. These were educated privately by a governess and tutor. Other staff on the property included four maids, up to six stockmen, a groom, and two farmers to attend the gardens, orchards, vineyard, cultivation paddocks.

1950s Noraville was subdivided into 5 equal shares for Charles Hargraves' (son of Edward & Elizabeth) five children.

1970 Florence Hargraves transferred her share to Charles Edward Hargraves (brother), the father of the present owner, John Charles Hargraves.

1972 Christine Elizabeth Hargraves transferred her share to John Charles Hargraves and his wife Leonie (nee Mackenzie).

1978 IHO placed on property at the request of one of the owners, Edith Foley, due to the perceived threat of further subdivision

2/1981 Minister-appointed Planning and Environment Commission held an inquiry pursuant to section 41 of the Heritage Act, which found that Noraville was of state significance and ruled that a PCO be made over the property.

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.	Introduce cultural planting-
1. Environment-Tracing the evolution of a continent's special environments	Environment - naturally evolved-Activities associated with the physical surroundings that support human life and influence or shape human cultures.	Changing the environment-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Agriculture-Activities relating to the cultivation and rearing of plant and animal species, usually for commercial purposes, can include aquaculture	Ancillary structures - wells, cisterns-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Agriculture-Activities relating to the cultivation and rearing of plant and animal species, usually for commercial purposes, can include aquaculture	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	Orcharding-
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 food production-
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.	Housing farming families-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Land tenure-Activities and processes for identifying forms of ownership and occupancy of land and water, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal	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	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	Rural orchards-
5. Working-Working	Labour-Activities associated with work practises and organised and unorganised labour	Working on pastoral stations-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities.	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 - 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.	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 - Federation period-
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.	Kitchens and servants-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with Edward Hargraves, discovered payable gold at Ophir, 1851-

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	00131	02 Apr 99	27	1546
Heritage Act - Permanent Conservation Order - former	00131	13 Feb 81	30	0818
Register of the National Estate		21 Mar 78

References, internet links & images

Type	Author	Year	Title	Internet Links
Written		1980	Inquiry under section 41, Heritage Act 1977 - 'Noraville' (Hargraves House), 3 Elizabeth Drive, Noraville	View detail
Written	Andrews Neil (amended by Michael Tribe & Associates, 4/2003)	2002	Statement of Heritage Impact - Noraville (conversion to B& B)
Written	Perumal, Neill, Barbara & Partners Architects		Measured Study & Restoration of 'Noraville', 3 Elizabeth Drive, Noraville	View detail
Written	Stedinger Heritage & Archaeology	2002	Noraville Homestead, Noraville, NSW an Archaeological Assessment

Note: internet links may be to web pages, documents or images.

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Data source


The information for this entry comes from the following source:
Name:	Heritage NSW
Database number:	5045578
File number:	S90/06143 & HC 32131 Pt 2

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