Rosemont

Item details

Name of item: Rosemont
Type of item: Complex / Group
Group/Collection: Residential buildings (private)
Category: Villa
Location: Lat: -33.8821351397 Long: 151.2400571180
Primary address: 14 Rosemont Avenue, Woollahra, NSW 2025
Parish: Alexandria
County: Cumberland
Local govt. area: Woollahra
Local Aboriginal Land Council: La Perouse
Property description
Lot/Volume CodeLot/Volume NumberSection NumberPlan/Folio CodePlan/Folio Number
LOT2 DP554201
All addresses
Street AddressSuburb/townLGAParishCountyType
14 Rosemont AvenueWoollahraWoollahraAlexandriaCumberlandPrimary Address
410 Edgecliff RoadWoollahraWoollahraAlexandriaCumberlandAlternate Address

Owner/s

Organisation NameOwner CategoryDate Ownership Updated
 Private 

Description

Designer/Maker: James Hume; Alexander Campbell; Espie Dods (1983 redesign); Gai Stanton (1983 garden redesign)
Physical description: Site and garden:
More than 3000 square meter (0.3ha) property, is one of Woollahra's largest private landholdings. In a historic neighbourhood in which the average house block is 206 square meters, (Rosemont) is regarded as close to acreage, and its rescue from redevelopment 40 years ago leaves a legacy to the grandeur of a foregone era. There is only one larger privately held estate in Woollahra, the colonial Georgian residence, Hawthornden, owned by Transfield director, philanthropist Luca Belgiorno-Nettis and his wife, Anita (Macken, 2021).

Rosemont was once 80 acres in extent with elaborate, highly structured gardens (Tanner, 1990) (mostly to the south of the house). It is now a little less than 1 acre divided approximately 60:40 between grounds and house (Heritage Office file, 1981). The garden is formal with a 3-tier fountain dominating a circular carriage drive in front of the house. The grounds include displays of roses, azaleas, large camphor laurels (Cinnamommum camphora) and fig (Ficus sp.) trees on the boundaries (Media statement, Minister for Planning & Environment, 19/3/1984).

The original entrance was from Ocean Street, but that section of garden and drive was subdivided off in the 1970s (AHC, 1991). Its most recent subdivision occurred in c.1980 when apartments (Rosemont Gardens) were built along the former drive, west of the house to Ocean Street.

The terrace (i.e. row of terrace houses) to the north (of the house) dates from about 1860 (Jervis, 1960, 60). The terrace to the north of Rosemont gates dates from about 1860. Each gate is flanked with miniature stone pillars and the Rosemont entrance of curved stone walls leads to a long, tree-shaded, avenue, one of the few relics of the past (ibid, 1949, 133).

The house and (now front, former rear, service court) entry are on one level with much of the garden, which is supported on its eastern and north-eastern sides by tall (c.3m tall) sandstone retaining wall, pierced in one place (north-east of the house) with sunken steps and path, leading to a cast iron gate and (lower level) narrow perimeter corridor with two large trees - a camphor laurel (Cinnimommum camphora) and an old white cedar (Melia azederach var.australasica) leaning up over the terrace and onto the side lawn beside the house (Stuart Read, observation 7/6/2022).

Other mature trees framing the house include a large Port Jackson fig (Ficus rubiginosa) south-east of the house, a firewheel tree (Stenocarpus sinuatus), Jamaican fiddlewood (Cithaeryxlum quadrangulare), smaller tree ferns (Cyathea australis), Lord Howe Island or kentia palms (Howea fosteriana) and curly or Belmore palms (H.belmoreana) closer to the rear of the house and service wing (Stuart Read, observation, 7/6/2022).

West of the house (dining room) is a large sweet gum (Liquidambar styraciflua), and (over the present boundary but obviously formerly part of Rosemont's garden, pre-subdivision) a large Queensland kauri (Agathis robusta in front of the Rosemont flats, three Moreton Bay figs (Ficus macrophylla) behind those flats and south-west of the house, lining the access drive to the flats, a Norfolk Island pine (Araucaria heterophylla further south)(Stuart Read, observation, 7/6/2022).

Other trees framing the northern perimeter include another Moreton Bay fig in the north-west corner, Gordonia axillaris, mature Camellia japonica cultivars (at least four - double whites, pinks, reds)(Stuart Read, observation, 7/6/2022).

The Burrells, guided initially by architect Espie Dods and landscape consultant Gai Stanton, have since then rearranged the ... garden ... with a revised (house) entry through a southern (formerly service) courtyard, which has been given formal emphasis by paterres and trellises. The main rooms' northern outlook towards the harbour, (is) now enhanced by an understated sequence: grass terrace by the house, stone steps, tennis court and swimming pool.

Old trees including an evergreen magnolia/bull bay (Magnolia grandiflora), camphor laurel (Cinnamommum camphora), banana (Ensete ventricosum) and new perimeter planting provide a sense of privacy and enclosure while lushly planted 'secret' pathways provide detail and interest (Tanner, 1990). Across the tennis court from the house is a large old shrub of 'poached egg flower', Gordonia axillaris - two specimens - one on the north of the swimming pool, another closer to the house's north-east corner. A large Magnolia liliiflora 'Nigra' is between the tennis court and the pool. A hedge separates the former and latter, for privacy (Stuart Read, from Artvisory, 2022 photos).

Aviary: (Amadio, 2019, 25) located on the house's main verandah near the front door (Stuart Read, observation, 7/6/2022).

Tennis court (ibid, 2019) added in c1983 (Macken, 2021) with artificial grass surface and retractable netting on wires.

Swimming pool (ibid, 2019) added in c1983 (Macken, 2021) edged by grass (Artvisory, 2022, photo) further north from the tennis court, i.e. further from the house (Stuart Read, observation, 7/6/2022).

House:
Rosemont is a two storey sandstone house of early Victorian character with an Edwardian character in the later additions. The external sandstone walls and chimneys are painted. The main roof is slate and the verandah roofs iron and copper. The main elevation is symmetrical with two bays projecting forward and an encircling cast iron Ionic colonnade from the Peter Nichol Russell Foundry. At the sides of the house there are balancing single storeyed verandahs supported on cast iron pilasters with frieze. The verandahs are sandstone flagged with some concrete sections. The eastern verandah has been extended to match the original (AHC, 1991).

Internally much original joinery survives, including six panelled doors and elaborate skirtings, but has been painted. Some marble fireplaces and some plasterwork survive, though substantial alterations are evident. The joinery is elaborate in the main rooms with breast panelling to the windows (National Trust, 1981). Many of the living rooms have fabric wall coverings, one being jacquard type cloth, the dining room a mustard yellow floral pattern and a living room a plain coloured fabric (Artvisory, 2022, photos).

The main staircase and present entrance hall date from the twentieth century. An upper balcony has been formed above the present colonnade with 1880 balustrading. The house has 80 squares with ten bedrooms. A servants' wing extends to the north west and there are several other brick additions. A servants wing was built joining the main house to the original kitchen wing (AHC, 1991).

The Burrells, guided initially by architect Espie Dods ... rearranged the house ... (Amadio, 2019, 25 says 'to about 16 rooms (from 45) with a revised entry through a southern (formerly service) courtyard, which has been given formal emphasis by paterres and trellises. The main rooms have a northern outlook towards the harbour (Tanner, 1990).

There are ten bedrooms (Macdonald, 2022).

Servants Quarters & Courtyard:
The house is separated from the servants' quarters and offices by a flagged sandstone courtyard. This was joined to the house in 1914 when a second storey was partially added to the rear section.
Date condition updated:26 Aug 13
Modifications and dates: The grounds of Rosemont originally included most of the land now bounded by Rosemont Avenue, Trelawney Street, Ocean Street and Albert Street. The original property of 80 acres (mostly south of the house) has been reduced to less than 1 acre. The original entrance was from Ocean Street, but that section of garden and drive was subdivided off in the 1970s (RNE, 1981).

Rosemont was once 80 acres (mostly to the south of the house) with elaborate, highly structured gardens (Source; brass plaque, All Saints Church, Ocean Street Woollahra).

Rosemont house is surrounded by other houses built after a 1912 subdivision (www.woollahra.nsw.gov.au/library/local_history_fast_fact_sheets/29; Woollahra History & Heritage Society).

c1860/60s - leasing of parts of the estate and construction of various houses. (An example is) the terrace (i.e. row of terrace houses) to the north (of the house) dates from about 1860 (Jervis, 1960, 60). The terrace to the north of Rosemont gates dates from about 1860. Each gate is flanked with miniature stone pillars and the Rosemont entrance of curved stone walls leads to a long, tree-shaded, avenue, one of the few relics of the past (ibid, 1949, 133).

20th century: various additions and alterations at rear of the house, joining the originally detached kitchen block to the house. (RNE, 1991).

1912 subdivision of the estate, creating Rosemont Avenue, Woollahra among other things.

1914: a servants wing built joining the main house to the original kitchen wing. The servants' quarters and offices were joined to the house in 1914 when a second storey was partially added to the rear section. The main stair would date from this period as would the creation of the present entrance hall from 2 rooms of the old house. The roof of the colonnade has also been changed to create a balcony (with 1880s balustrade).

Internally much original joinery survives, including six panelled doors and elaborate skirtings, but has been painted. Some marble fireplaces and some plasterwork survive, though substantial alterations are evident. The main staircase and present entrance hall date from the twentieth century. A balcony has been formed above the present colonnade (RNE, 1991).

1970s The Lloyd-Jones family sold the western section of garden with driveway to Ocean Street for townhouse development.

c1980 (1983?) most recent subdivision & apartments (Rosemont Gardens) constructed along the former drive, west of the house.

The Burrells, guided initially by architect Espie Dods and landscape consultant Gai Stanton, rearranged the house and garden (Amadio, 2019, 25 says 'to about 16 rooms (from 45) with a revised entry through a southern (formerly service) courtyard, which has been given formal emphasis by paterres and trellises.

The original facade and well-documented turning circle were turned into a rear, north-facing garden designed by Stanton, with a tennis court and swimming pool and a new entry, formalised on what was once the service yard, off Rosemont Avenue (Macken, 2021).

1/2002 approval s.60 to partially demolish the upper (c.1980) brick section of an older stone boundary wall to the west of the house bounding Rosemont Gardens.
2019: The 45-room mansion has been rearranged by the late Sir Raymond Burrell and Lady Burrell and there are now about 16 rooms with an aviary, tennis court and swimming pool (Amadio, 2019, 25).
Current use: private home
Former use: Aboriginal land, farm, private suburban estate

History

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

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

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

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

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

Rosemont:
Rosemont (house) was built around 1857 (Woollahra History & Heritage Society) for (the Hon.) Alexander Campbell (MLC), merchant banker and at one time a member of the Legislative Council of NSW and his wife Harietta, who lived there (Source; brass plaque, All Saints Church, Ocean Street Woollahra). The stone (for the house) was quarried in the grounds and Mr. Campbell was his own architect (Jervis, 1960, 60. The RNE listing (1991) says the architect was James Hume and that its cast iron came from the foundry of Peter Nicol Russell). An advertisement in 1859 refers to the 'newly-erected house of Mr.Campbell' (Jervis, 1960, 60).

The (Rosemont's) garden (which originally extended much to the south of the house) was bounded by Trelawney Street and Ocean Streets and Edgecliff Road, reaching to Merioola (Jervis, 1960, 60). It was not till many years later, when the property was subdivided, that Rosemont Avenue was created (Griffiths, 1949, 132).

With his family in the great move from Lyons Terrace (facing Hyde Park) to Rosemont came a most interesting character in Mrs Dillon. She was the widow of Chevalier Dillon, an Irish seafaring man who conducted commercial transactions in the 'Feejees' in the early 1820s. Peter John Dillon was convinced he could find the wreck of La Perouse's (ship) 'Astrolabe', so long reported 'missing'. In 1826 he was sent in the 'Research' to investigate a wreck and was able to establish proof that the 'Boussole' and 'Astrolabe' had been wrecked on the reefs of Vanikoro, an island to the north of the New Hebrides. For this service he was given the distinction of 'Chevalier' by the grateful French Government, and after his death, his widow, who could neither read nor write, took a position as laundress with the Campbells and served them faithfully for fifty years, ending her days at Rosemont, where she was in charge of the Crown Derby fine china used for dinner parties (ibid, 1949, 132).

This old home, like many others, had a large stone-flagged courtyard with numerous offices surrounding it, so that the servants' quarters were entirely separated from the house. Store rooms were stocked generously, as shops were far afield, and supplies were bought at the Victoria Markets each Friday. Visitors who called from a distance expected to stay to dinner, and there was much borrowing among neighbours in emergencies (ibid, 1949, 132-3).

The terrace (i.e. row of terrace houses) to the north (of the house) dates from about 1860 (ibid, 1960, 60).

Woollahra Municipal Council was established in 1860. As rates increased and the need for more houses arose, Campbell began to lease some of his garden to various friends. Kalingra Cottage was built by Mr Maclean, whose wife was a Campbell, Kelston by Mrs Dunsmuir, Harll by Mr Trebeck and Lillingston by Mr Caird, whose daughter married a son of Alexander Campbell. Eylstan was a big house on the corner of Trelawney Street built by Miss Cook, and was a school for girls; later the Gilchrist family lived there, and Mr Marks, who also built Trelawney. The terrace to the north of Rosemont gates dates from about 1860, and at one time Mme. (opera diva, Nellie) Melba lived in one of the houses, and all the neighbours could enjoy hearing that exquisite voice trilling scales. Each gate is flanked with miniature stone pillars and the Rosemont entrance of curved stone walls leads to a long, tree-shaded, avenue, one of the few relics of the past (ibid, 1949, 133).

The year 1879 was a great occasion for Sydney, where on 17th September the new Governor, Lord Augustus Loftus, formally opened the Great International Exhibition in the Botanic Gardens. The huge building known as the Garden Palace had a short life, as it was entirely destroyed by fire in 1882. (In 1879...) A big ball was given at Rosemont to entertain the Commissioners and various distinguished visitors. Eighteen thousand people attended the Exhibition on the opening day. Shortly before this, Mr Henry Mort had approached Mr Campbell about the land for a church which he was anxious to build. The foundation stone of All Saints, Woollahra, was laid by Bishop Barker in 1876, and the original building was paid for mostly by Mr Mort, with the balance by subscriptions by his friends. Campbell gave the lease of the land and subsequently the freehold was given by the Coopers. This beautiful church has been the central point of this suburb for over 70 years (ibid, 1949, 133-4).

Alexander Grant and Rosemont's garden:
Rosemont was once 80 acres (mostly to the south of the house) with elaborate, highly structured gardens. Its gardener c.1880s was Scot, Alexander Grant. Grant was born in 1845 at Cullen, Scotland and served an apprenticeship in the gardens of Cullen House in Banffshire. Before migrating to Australia in 1878 he followed his profession in several Scottish gardens, including the Botanic Gardens in Edinburgh. Grant arrived in the colony in 1878 and worked first at Yaralla, Concord West for the Walkers for some considerable time, then at Rosemont, Woollahra for Alexander Campbell MLC, then for Mr Tooth at the Swifts, Darling Point, which he planned and laid out. There is no record of where Grant was living while working at Yaralla and Rosemont, though from 1881 he lived at 'Willow Cottage in Point Piper Road - west side (later Ocean Street), Paddington' until he moved to quarters in the Botanic Gardens, Sydney in 1882 for work there. It is likely that the positions at Yaralla and Rosemont both included quarters for a single man and that only after he married Margaret Stevenson in January 1880 was he obliged to find alternative accommodation (Willow Cottage)(Grant, 1997).
Alexander Grant died on the 8th of November 1891 aged 80. His widow died in London on the 8th May 1904 aged 72 (Source; brass plaque, All Saints Church, Ocean Street Woollahra).

Rosemont house is surrounded by other houses built after a 1912 subdivision (www.woollahra.nsw.gov.au/library/local_history_fast_fact_sheets/29; Woollahra History & Heritage Society).

The Walker occupancy:
Subsequent owners included the Hon. J.T. Walker, Sir Charles and Lady (Marion) Mackellar*1 (also builder and owner of Dunara, Point Piper: SHR item) the parents of poet Dorothea McKellar*2, businessman Sir Samuel and Lady Cohen*3 and financier, Sir John Garvan*4 (RNE, 1981).

During Mrs J.T. Walker's regime at Rosemont all visitors came away with bunches of her lovely carnations (Dianthus caryophyllus cv's) or roses. She carried on the tradition of both the old gardens at Rosemont and Wallaroy, whose designers planted with such skill (Griffiths, 1949, 135). In 1949 Rosemont was the home of Mr and Mrs Charles Lloyd Jones (ibid, 1949, 134).

The Mackellar Occupancy:
By 1923 Sir Charles Mackellar had resigned most of his business appointments as health and memory deserted him. He died at his residence Rosemont, Woollahra on 14/7/1926 and was buried in the Anglican section of the Waverley cemetery (Mitchell, 1986, in the Australian Dictionary of Biography). Russell (1980) adds Dorothea Mackellar lived for some time at Rosemont, Woollahra and from the 1930s at Cintra, Darling Point Road, Darling Point.

Dorothea Mackellar lived for some time at Rosemont (Russell, 1980, 105).

*1 Sir Charles Kinnaird Mackellar (1844-1926) and Lady Marion (nee Buckland) Mackellar
Sir Charles Mackellar was a physician, politician and businessman. Only son of Frederick Mackellar (d.1863) physician, from Dundee, Scotland and wife Isabella, nee Robertson, widow of William McGarvie. Educated at Sydney Grammar, Charles moved with his family to the Port Macquarie district c. 1860. He spent several years on the land before proceeding to Scotland to attend the University of Glasgow (MB, Ch.M., 1871). Returning to Sydney he registered with the Medical Board of NSW on 25/3/1872. In 1873-7 he was honorary surgeon at the Sydney Infirmary and Dispensary (Sydney Hospital from 1881) where his father had been first salaried medical officer: (Sir) Henry Normand MacLaurin also joined the staff in 1873 and cemented one of the most important friendships of Mackellar's life. He was a physician at the hospital in 1882 and a director in 1884-1917. He worked 'stupendously' at general practice in early years.

In September 1881 Mackellar joined the board, led by Dr Alfred Roberts, which was appointed to control the first serious smallpox epidemic in NSW, and was gazetted as the Board of Health on 6/1/1882. In July Mackellar became Government Medical Adviser, health officer for Port Jackson, chairman of the Immigration Board, and an official visitor to the hospitals for the insane at Gladesville & Parramatta. He was also ex officio emigration officer for Port Jackson, and a member of the Board of Pharmacy and the Medical Board. In July 1883 he campaigned for a federal quarantine system and was appointed president of the Board of Health in August. Contemporaries believed that Mackellar was solely responsible for the organisation of the department but he deferred to Roberts: 'it is rather that I doggedly and persistently followed his lines than that I formulated any original scheme of my own' (the Mackellar motto was Perseverando).

Persuaded by the attorney-general William Bede (W.B.) Dalley, a private patient, Mackellar resigned his official appointments in August 1885 and was nominated to the Legislative Council to promote public health legislation he had helped to draft, but which lapsed with the resignation of the Stuart government in October. He was an ordinary member of the Board of Health until 1925. In 1886-7 as vice-president of the Executive Council and briefly secretary for Mines Mackellar represented the Jennings government in the Representative Council. He introduced the Dairies Supervision Act of 1886 which helped to reduce infant mortality. Except for October-November 1903, when he was appointed to the Commonwealth Senate, he remained in the council until 1925. In 1903-4 he chaired the Royal Commission on the decline in the birth rate, dominating its proceedings in a manner uncharacteristic of his usually careful approach to scientific enquiry.

In 1882-5 Mackellar had been a member of the State Children Relief Board. In 1902-14 he was president and identified with the Neglected Children and Juvenile Offenders Act (1905) which created children's' courts and the probationary system. He was soon at loggerheads with under-secretary Peter Board, largely over extension of the Board's activities into areas not envisaged by its Act. Criticism, muted while Mackellar was in office, became public not long after his departure.

Until at least 1912, Mackellar was convinced that environmental factors determined development of the young. Enquiries abroad leading to his report as Royal Commissioner on the Treatment of Neglected and Delinquent Children in Great Britain, Europe and America (1913) caused him to modify his views. With Professor D.A. Welsh he published an essay, Mental Deficiency (1917) advocating better training and care of the feeble minded, suggesting their sterilisation on eugenic grounds. Mackellar consistently lectured and published pamphlets to propagate social reform. He was admired for his reluctance to align himself with any political faction, and unselfish devotion to the public interest. Knighted in 1912, he was appointed KPMG in 1916.

On 9/8/1877 Mackellar married Marion (d.1933) daughter of Thomas Buckland. He acquired considerable pastoral interests and in 1896 succeeded his father-in-law as a director of the Bank of NSW, of which he was president in 1901-23 apart from absences abroad in 1904-5 and 1912-13. Mackellar was chairman of the Gloucester Estate Co. in its later years and succeeded MacLaurin as chairman of the Mutual Life & Citizens' Assurance Co. Ltd; he had been a trustee in 1911-14. He was also a director of Pitt, Son & Badgery Ltd.; the Union Trustee Co. of Australia Ltd.; United Insurance Co. Ltd.; Colonial Sugar Refining Co.; Australian Widows' Fund; and Equitable Life Assurance Co. Ltd. of which he was medical director. He was surgeon in the Volunteer Rifles from 1872; chairman of the medical section of the Royal Society of NSW in 1881; founding councillor and in 1883-4 president of the NSW branch of the British Medical Association; examiner in medicine at the University of Sydney in 1889-1901; vice-president and in 1907-14 president of the Sydney Amateur Orchestral Society; inaugural vice-president of the Royal Society for the Welfare of Mothers and Babies in 1918; and a member of the Australian and Athenaeum Clubs, Sydney.

By 1923 Mackellar had resigned most of his business appointments as health and memory deserted him. He died at his residence Rosemont, Woollahra on 14/7/1926 and was buried in the Anglican section of the Waverley cemetery. His estate, valued for probate at 39,205 pounds, was left in trust to his wife and on her death in 1933 to their surviving children Eric, Malcolm and Dorothea. His eldest son Keith Kinnaird had been killed in action in South Africa in 1900.
(Mitchell, 1986 in Australian Dictionary of Biography, 1891-1939).

*2
Isobel Marion Dorothea Mackellar (1885-1968)
Dorothea Mackellar was born at Dunara, Point Piper, Sydney, third child of native-born parents (Sir) Charles Kinnaird Mackellar and his wife Marion, daughter of Thomas Buckland. She was educated at home and travelled extensively with her parents, becoming fluent in French, Spanish, German and Italian, and also attended some lectures at the University of Sydney. Her youth was protected and highly civilised. She moved easily between the society of Sydney's intellectual and administrative elite, life on her family's country properties, and among their friends in London.

Dorothea began writing while quite young and surprised her family when magazines not only published but paid for her verses and prose pieces. On 5/9/1908 a poem, 'Core of my heart', which she had written about 1904, appeared in the London "Spectator". It reappeared several times in Australia before being included as "My Country" in her first book, "The closed door, and other verses" (Melbourne, 1911). She published "The Witchmaid, and other verses" in 1914 and two more volumes of verse (1923 & 1926), also a novel "Outlaw's luck" (London, 1913) set in Argentina. With Ruth Bedford, a childhood friend, she wrote two other novels (1912, 1914). During World War 1 and as a result of its frequent inclusion in anthologies, 'My Country' became one of the best known Australian poems, appealing to the sense of patriotism fostered by the war and post-war nationalism.

Photographs of Dorothea in her twenties show her to have been then an ideal image of the Australian girl, pretty, sensitive, and fashionable. She was said to be a strong swimmer, a keen judge of horses and dogs. Her verse shows that she was cultivated and spirited, her novels that she was hopelessly romantic. Between 1911 and 1914 she was twice engaged. The first engagement she broke because the man was over-protective; the second lapsed through misunderstanding and lack of communication after the outbreak of war. Her writing, once the product of youthful passion and enthusiasms, became increasingly souvenirs of travel or dependent on nature for inspiration. She was unable to write of her disappointment in love except in powerful translations from little-known Spanish and German poets.

Despite her 'loathing all restrictions and meetings' Dorothea Mackellar was honorary treasurer of the Bush Book Club of NSW and active in the formation in 1931 of the Sydney P.E.N Club. She became responsible for her aging parents, and apparently wrote little after her father's death in 1926. Her mother died in 1933 and Dorothea, 'a not particularly robust dormouse', was frequently in poor health, spending ten years in a Randwick nursing home. Yet she outlived her younger brothers and was able to keep both Cintra, Darling Point, and a house at Church Point on Pittwater. She was appointed O.B.E just before she died on 14/1/1968 in the Scottish Hospital, Paddington, after a fall at home. She was cremated after a service at St. Mark's Anglican Church, Darling Point and her ashes laid in the family vault in Waverley Cemetery. Her estate was valued for probate at over $1,580,000.

H.M. Green describes her as a 'lyrist of colour and light' in love with the Australian landscape. She herself 'never professed to be a poet. I have written - from the heart, from imagination, from experience 'some amount of verse'. Privileged and unusual, she was also typical of many Australian women of her generation in the contrast between the inspired vigour of her youth and the atrophy of her talent and vitality through lack of use.
(Beverley Kingston, 1986, in The Australian Dictionary of Biography, 1891-1939, p.298-9).

The Cohen Occupancy:
Sir Samuel Cohen, MP*3 acquired Rosemont as the family home. His older son George was sent to a leading English public school. His younger son, Paul would have followed but for the war. In 1920 when their father's speculations in wheat futures went awry, George was recalled, and the Cohen brothers were enrolled instead in a new Sydney school, Cranbrook (Bellevue Hill).

Cohen became a member of parliament for a country seat. The family served charities, local community organisations and hospitals during their lifetime. Dr R.J. Pierce of Maitland Hospital Committee commented that few firms in the colony were as generous to charitable causes as David Cohen & Co. In 1888 Lewis Levy's family gave to Sydney the marble fountain topped by a bronze figure near the Woolloomooloo gates of the Botanical Gardens. George, Samuel and Neville all held office in the Great Synagogue of Sydney and the family exercised influential leadership in the small Jewish communities of Maitland and Newcastle. Samuel Cohen established the German Jewish Relief Fund which became the Australian Jewish Welfare Society and raised funds, with Commonwealth government support from 1938, to select and provide for deserving refugees to migrate to Australia (Fredman, 1985).

*3: Sir Samuel Cohen
Samuel Cohen, general merchant, migrated from England in the 1830s. His first store, in Campbelltown, failed. His second, in the Hunter Valley, prospered but only after he found a way to undercut his Sydney rivals: he chartered a sailing ship to carry 300 tonnes of merchandise from England up the Hunter River, landing it at Maitland. Cohen stores then followed in Newcastle and other regional centres. Eventually the family settled in Sydney. Successive Cohens joined boards of major companies and donated generously to charity (Ashton, Chris, 'The Interview - Major General Paul Cullen - Soldier, Banker, Farmer', in High Life 8(1), 10-11/2003, 128-130).

Brothers David, Lewis and Samuel Cohen had arrived in Australia between 1831 and 1840. In 1835 Lewis and Samuel bought land in High Street, Maitland which later became the site of their warehouse. In 1836 Samuel opened a shop selling a wide variety of goods and known as Lambeth House. This was the beginning of the Cohen family company in Australia. In 1837 Lewis and Samuel established a business partnership. However, this only lasted until 1839. Samuel continued to trade in Maitland while Lewis set up business in Campbelltown and Sydney. In 1840 their first cousin, Lewis Wolfe Levy migrated to Australia. He lived briefly in Maitland before opening a successful store in Tamworth. Lewis returned to Maitland in 1854. The brother's business interests were consolidated between 1843 and 1845. Samuel Levy filed for insolvency in 1843 and his brother David took over the debts. In 1845 Lewis Levy joined the firm. David Cohen's name (the youngest brother) was given to the firm due to the quality of his reputation and the company became the largest firm in the Maitland district. (Fredman, 1985)).

Businessman, Sir Samuel Cohen acquired Rosemont as the family home. His older son George was sent to a leading English public school. His younger son, Paul would have followed but for the war. In 1920 when their father's speculations in wheat futures went awry, George was recalled, and the Cohen brothers were enrolled instead in a new Sydney school, Cranbrook (Bellevue Hill).

Sir Samuel Cohen and Lewis Levy both became members of parliament for country seats. Members of both families also served charities, local community organisations and hospitals during their lifetime. Dr R.J. Pierce of Maitland Hospital Committee commented that few firms in the colony were as generous to charitable causes as David Cohen & Co. In 1888 Lewis Levy's family gave to Sydney the marble fountain topped by a bronze figure near the Woolloomooloo gates of the Botanical Gardens. Neville and Samuel Cohen were president of Maitland and Newcastle hospitals respectively during their rebuilding. George, Samuel and Neville all held office in the Great Synagogue of Sydney and the family exercised influential leadership in the small Jewish communities of Maitland and Newcastle. The family, particularly Samuel (the elder) and George Cohen, were integral to the establishment of the Jewish Synagogue in Maitland, c. 1879, the first outside of Sydney. Samuel Cohen established the German Jewish Relief Fund which became the Australian Jewish Welfare Society and raised funds, with Commonwealth government support from 1938, to select and provide for deserving refugees to migrate to Australia. (Fredman, 1985).


The Garvan occupancy:
Sir John Joseph Garvan*4 (1873-1927) followed his father into the insurance business. In 1897 he became general manager and a director of the Citizen's Life Assurance Co. Ltd, and in 1899, managing director. He helped the Australian Widows' Fund and the Mutual Life Association of Australasia by amalgamating them with the C.L.A. to form the Mutual Life and Citizens' Assurance Co. Ltd in 1908. At a time when theoretical training in economics and allied subjects was meagre, Garvan proved a skilful, prudent and successful businessman, excelling in financial management. He kept the expenses of the M.L.C. low and strengthened policy reserves; his control helped to turn the company into one of the main insurance groups in Australia.

Garvan was a benefactor of several charities, including the St Vincent de Paul Society. Like his father, he was a keen sportsman, especially interested in tennis and polo. Sometime vice-president of the New South Wales Polo Association, in the 1900s he played a reliable game at full back and was a member of a team that twice won the Countess of Dudley Cup; he donated the J. J. Garvan Cup which is still played for. He had a string of racehorses, including Braehead and The Pied Piper, but they had little success.

Garvan died of coronary vascular disease on 18 July 1927 at his home in Darling Point (Rosemont) and was buried in the Catholic section of South Head cemetery. He was unmarried. His estate was sworn for probate at (Pounds)156,558. The prime minister, S. M. (Viscount) Bruce, described him as 'an outstanding figure in the business life of Australia, and one of its leading financial authorities' (Nairn, Bede, 1981, in The Australian Dictionary of Biography, vol.8).

At one time Dame Nellie Melba lived in one of the houses (of the terrace to the north of Rosemont)(ibid, 1960, 60).


*4: Sir John Joseph Garvan (1873-1927)
Financier Sir John Joseph Garvan followed his father into the insurance business. In 1897 he became general manager and a director of the Citizen's Life Assurance Co. Ltd, and in 1899 was appointed managing director. He helped the Australian Widows' Fund and the Mutual Life Association of Australasia by amalgamating them with the C.L.A. to form the Mutual Life and Citizens' Assurance Co. Ltd in 1908. At a time when theoretical training in economics and allied subjects was meagre, Garvan proved a skilful, prudent and successful businessman, excelling in financial management. He kept the expenses of the M.L.C. low and strengthened policy reserves; his control helped to turn the company into one of the main insurance groups in Australia.

Sir Garvan was a benefactor of several charities, including the St Vincent de Paul Society. Like his father, he was a keen sportsman, especially interested in tennis and polo. Sometime vice-president of the New South Wales Polo Association, in the 1900s he played a reliable game at full back and was a member of a team that twice won the Countess of Dudley Cup; he donated the J. J. Garvan Cup which is still played for. He had a string of racehorses, including Braehead and The Pied Piper, but they had little success.

Sir Garvan died of coronary vascular disease on 18 July 1927 at his home in Darling Point (Rosemont) and was buried in the Catholic section of South Head cemetery. He was unmarried. His estate was sworn for probate at (Pounds)156,558. The prime minister, S. M. (Viscount) Bruce, described him as 'an outstanding figure in the business life of Australia, and one of its leading financial authorities' (Nairn, Bede, 1981, in The Australian Dictionary of Biography, vol.8).


The Lloyd Jones occupancy:
After the Mackellars, the Lloyd Jones family of retail renown owned and lived at Rosemont [until 1981 (RNE, 1991)].

Charles Lloyd Jones (Sr.) married Winifred Ethelwyn Quaife, daughter of Dr Frederic and Esther Quaife on 16/11/1900. Dr Quaife was the son of the Rev. Barzillai Quaife, a very active member of firstly the Congregational Church and then the Presbyterian Church. He graduated in medicine from the Universities of Sydney and Glasgow, and became a doctor in Sydney. He was a foundation member of the NSW branch of the British Medical Board from 1894-1915. The Lloyd Jones' married at Trinity Congregational Church in Strathfield. Winifred Lloyd Jones died in 1916, childless, and Charles married again, and is (was) survived by several children. In 1902, he commenced working in the family emporium of David Jones and Co., Ltd and rose to be Chairman of Directors from 1920 to his death, at Rosemont, Woollahra, in 1958. He was knighted in 1951 (Lenehan, 1987, 50).

(Charles Sr.'s later wife,) Mrs Hannah Benyon Lloyd Jones*5 (d.1982) was the youngest of thirteen children of a Welsh steelmaker and described in her son's obituary (Sydney Morning Herald, 14/7/2010) as 'a force of nature...Lady Bracknell played by Edith Evans...'. She married Charles Lloyd Jones in Chicago in 1929, a week after his divorce from his second wife in Reno, Nevada. In 1932 they purchased Rosemont, Woollahra's grandest house, from the family of Dorothea Mackellar. It was to remain in the Lloyd Jones family for 50 years as a centre of the most august social activity in Sydney's history, outside Government House. The Lloyd Joneses also bought Summerlees at Sutton Forest in 1937, taking up residence for the summer there in 1937-38. Then they came regularly with their two young sons, David and Charles (Webb, 2013).

A veteran sailor and member of the Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron from 1903, Charles Lloyd Jones was rear-commodore in 1906-08 and commodore in 1949-55. He was a founder of the Rotary Club of Sydney in 1921 and a member of the Australian, Athenaeum and Royal Sydney Golf clubs. Knighted in 1951, he was appointed officer of the Legion d'honneur in 1954. Sir Charles died at Rosemont on 30 July 1958 and was cremated after a service at St Andrew's Cathedral when Menzies gave the funeral oration (O'Loan, 1983, in The Australian Dictionary of Biography, vol. 9).

Lady Lloyd-Jones bought Rosemont in the 1930s (Hornery, 2022, 38). From the early 1930s they lived at Rosemont, where they frequently entertained politicians and overseas visitors. The Lloyd Jones' frequently entertained politicians and overseas visitors. (Sir) Robert Menzies was a close friend (O'Loan, 1983, in The Australian Dictionary of Biography, vol. 9). Prince Phillip, (English entertainer and composer) Noel Coward, (American comedian and actor) Danny Kaye, (American cosmetics empire doyennes) Elizabeth Arden and Helena Rubenstein attended lavish parties here (ibid, 2022, 38). Other guests included Cecil Beaton, Gucci (Amadio, 2019, 25) and Noel Coward (Artvisory, 2022).


Lady Lloyd-Jones was patron of the Womens' Committee of the National Trust of Australia (NSW) and they first met formally in the Blue Room of David Jones in Elizabeth Street (Engledow, 2019, 27). This included women such as Dame Helen Blaxland and Rachel Roxburgh and was established to raise funds, source furnishings and promote Trust membership (Le Seuer, 2015, 6). In 1960 Cherry Jackaman joined. She chaired it from 1964-67 and by 1968 had raised more than $100,000, directed to repairs work at Experiment Farm Cottage, Lindesay and the St. Matthews Anglican Church at Windsor Appeal (McGuiness, 23-24/9/11).

Caroline Simpson (2007) says: Blaxland founded the Committee in 1961. The National Trust of Australia (NSW) notes it was established in 1961 (NTA (NSW) Magazine, 10-12/2020, 5). Blaxland introduced the lucrative idea of `house inspections' and initiated the exhibition 'No Time to Spare!', shown at the David Jones Art Gallery in 1962 and later throughout the state (via the) NSW division of the Arts Council of Australia. On display were photographs by (photographer, Max) Dupain of early public buildings and houses (Simpson, 2007). Blaxland's networks were crucial to acquisition of significant furniture and historic objects for Experiment Farm Cottage and later Old Government House, Parramatta, as she called on her friends to donate treasures that she knew perfectly well they had (Engledow, 2019, 27). Rosemont was the first house inspection subject, at the behest of Lady Lloyd Jones (ibid, 10-12/2020, 5).

Artist Elaine Haxton, one of the so-called Merioola group, was subject of a dainty and fantastical portrait by painter, William Dobell in 1941 (it was exhibited in the Archibald in early 1942, purchased by the Lloyd Joneses, who hung it in their dining room. Haxton won the Sulman Prize for murals of the Ballets Russes in the mid-1940s, worked lifelong as a painter, designer and illustrator and in 1956 was a member of a 5 week cultural delegation to China (Engledow, 2019, 26).

Louise Warren (1927-2013) was officer-in-charge of the National Trust of Australia (NSW) Womens' Committee House Inspections, 1978-81. She organised the auction of the Lloyd-Jones collection (sold at Rosemont between 7th and 10/4/1981 (NTA (NSW), 2013). An illustrated edition of the collection (a 4 page colour illustrated brochure by James R. Lawson P/L) exists documenting the event (http://secure-web.cisco.com/1a4V3ZvWZgK6-__xdEGRgzO9Q4IIMHg6bmhW2HKVdcw-_9rApCFn9i3-LlUeIhkF7wLrPDt3eyfJq4rgQZmccRmuLkfpvdF5UP5GoreY5SrSh7SSceKcltwhYvbWBNuPBaAiKcyfyzUUgtwtzn2o17ydY41CcaoGCPfzFdKRarPXBJeG1taAp0LeR0uLnpullTPGwzBPiBTYRhbgdlrxqYULVaNG7MvlWeJriU84PSP2uDTxzCAosbdWSZsgyt59rFhauJFR3QPwEBqPWmDGkRh5KMw8Dj9JNwzxrPkrG8NYu0YWGu6Ge5X2Fkaa7O5AC/http%3A%2F%2Ftrove.nla.gov.au%2Fwork%2F26802188%3Fq%26versionId%3D32287017).

The original property of 80 acres (mostly to the south of the house) has been reduced to less than 1 acre. The original entrance was from Ocean Street, but that section of garden and drive was subdivided off in the 1970s (RNE, 1981). Its most recent subdivision occurred in c.1980 when apartments (Rosemont Gardens) were constructed along the former drive, west of the house to Ocean Street (Tanner, 1990, 22).

*5 Charles Lloyd Jones (1878-1958)
Charles Lloyd Jones, merchant and patron of the arts, was born on 28 May 1878 at Burwood, Sydney, son of native-born parents Edward Lloyd Jones (d.1894), draper, and his wife Helen Ann, nee Jones, and grandson of David Jones. He was educated at the Manor House School, London, and Homebush Grammar School, Sydney, but showed little academic aptitude. In 1895 he attended Julian Ashton's art school and later the Slade School of Fine Art, University College, London. Failing in his ambition to exhibit at the Royal Academy of Arts, he gave up hopes of an artistic career, and qualified as a tailor and cutter in London. On 16 November 1900 when visiting Sydney he married Winifred Ethelwyn (d.1916), daughter of Dr Frederick Quaife and granddaughter of Rev. Barzillai Quaife, at Trinity Congregational Church, Strathfield; they were childless.

On his return to Sydney in 1902, he worked in David Jones' clothing factory before transferring to the advertising department. His creative flair and awareness of American trends were recognized and by 1905 he was advertising manager. When David Jones Ltd became a public company in 1906, he was appointed a director and was chairman in 1920-58. Under his guidance the firm prospered and expanded: a second store in Elizabeth Street was completed in 1927 (which benefited from the nearby St James station) and a third on the corner of Market and Castlereagh streets was opened in 1938 to mark the firm's centenary. The first interstate extension came in 1953 with the acquisition of Bon Marche in Perth.

A staunch advocate of free enterprise, Jones prided himself that David Jones was a 'store with a soul', dedicated to customer service, responsible to its shareholders (who regularly received a ten per cent dividend) and to its staff. Strict when necessary, Jones was approachable and a ready listener; his paternalistic care for staff and his quiet courtesy won him respect and loyalty.

Among other public positions Jones was treasurer of the Sydney Chamber of Commerce (1915-16), president of the Retail Traders' Association of New South Wales (1915), the Australian division of the Chartered Institute of Secretaries and of the Kindergarten Union of New South Wales, a founder and director of the board supervising the Australian National Travel Association, chairman of the Cancer Appeal Fund and member of the University Cancer Research Committee. A director of radio station 2BL, he was appointed first chairman of the Australian Broadcasting Commission in May 1932. He hoped to found a national orchestra and wanted the A.B.C. to follow 'in the footsteps of the British Broadcasting Corporation' with programmes that would be popular as well as cultural. Educational broadcasts and concerts began, but striking a balance between ideals and resources proved difficult. Conflict over content and disunity in the administration, coupled with the death of his brother and Depression business worries, led him to resign in 1934.

At Auckland, New Zealand, on 29 October 1917 Jones had married Louise Violet Multras (d.1973). He divorced her at Reno, Nevada, United States of America, on 19 July 1929 and at Chicago on 25 July he married Hannah Benyon Jones (d.1982) of Sydney.

A veteran sailor and member of the Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron from 1903, Jones was rear-commodore in 1906-08 and commodore in 1949-55. He was a founder of the Rotary Club of Sydney in 1921 and a member of the Australian, Athenaeum and Royal Sydney Golf clubs and the Royal Automobile Club, London. Knighted in 1951, he was appointed officer of the Legion d'Honneur in 1954.

Sir Charles died at Rosemont on 30 July 1958 and was cremated after a service at St Andrew's Cathedral when Robert Menzies gave the funeral oration (O'Loan, 1983, in The Australian Dictionary of Biography, vol. 9).

Lady Lloyd Jones sold Rosemont in 1981 to developer John Rutherford, who won approval to convert into 6 apartments before rates of more than 20% sent the property market into a spiral and Rosemont was auctioned in a mortgagee sale.

The Burrell occupancy:
Despite Sir (Raymond) Burrell succeeding as the 9th Baronet Raymond of Valentine House, County Essex (1774, UK) on 4/5/1985 (Artvisory, 2022), with his ancestral seat of Knepp Castle in (Shipley in) West Sussex (ibid, 2022), (the Burrells) chose it (Rosemont) as their family home. Sir Raymond's grandfather, Lord Denman (1874-1954), the 3rd Baron Denman, was, as Lord Denman, Australia's fifth Governor-General, from 1911 to 1914. During his tenure, he inaugurated the site of the future national capital on 12/3/1913 and his (Burrell's) grandmother, Lady Denman (1884-1954), formally announced it would be named Canberra (Macdonald, 2022, 16).

Lord and Lady Burrell paid $1.8m, taking possession in 1983 and commissioning Espie Dods to redesign the outside of the 10-bedroom house (5 bedrooms of which are in the servants' wing). Thanks to the redesign, the original facade and well-documented turning circle were turned into a rear north-facing garden designed by Gai Stanton with a tennis court and swimming pool and a new entry formalised on what was once the service yard off Rosemont Avenue. The Victorian cast-iron fountain that once stood at the centre of the turning circle was relocated to the public space on the corner of Oxford and Queen Streets, opposite Centennial Park, where it stands today (Macken, 2021, 20).

The revised entry through a southern (formerly service) courtyard has been given formal emphasis by parterres and trellises. The main rooms have a northern outlook towards the harbour, now enhanced by an understated sequence: grass terrace by the house, stone steps, tennis court and swimming pool. Old trees including an evergreen magnolia/bull bay (Magnolia grandiflora) and new perimeter planting provide ... privacy and enclosure while lushly planted 'secret' pathways provide detail and interest (Tanner, 1990, 22).

The 45-room mansion was rearranged and there are now about 16 rooms with an aviary (Amadio, 2019, 25).

In recent years, the home has served as a venue for many an Eastern suburbs soiree, from charity events to political fundraisers, including one for former Prime Minister (and local MP), Malcolm Turnbull (Macdonald, 2022, 16).

In 2021 Lady Burrell sold Rosemont for $45m (Sydney Morning Herald, 18-19/12/2021), a suburb record (Macdonald, 2022) to Andrew Griffin (Macken, 2022). An auction of its contents was held on 5 June 2022, with a viewing at the house on the preceding 3 days. The Burrells... had Rosemont as their family home from 1983 until 2022. Lady Burrell, now 82, is downsizing to a Rose Bay apartment. While several pieces on loan from the ancestral seat of Knepp Castle in West Sussex have been returned, a vast collection of rare antiques and artworks will go under the (auctioneer's) hammer. "For us, it was a lovely, comfortable home to grow up in. Our parties were a bit more low-key than the previous residents" said Drew Burrell (their son) (Hornery, 2022, 38).

Historic themes

Australian theme (abbrev)New South Wales themeLocal theme
1. Environment-Tracing the evolution of a continent's special environments Environment - naturally evolved-Activities associated with the physical surroundings that support human life and influence or shape human cultures. Gardens-
1. Environment-Tracing the evolution of a continent's special environments Environment - naturally evolved-Activities associated with the physical surroundings that support human life and influence or shape human cultures. Streetscape Tree or trees-
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. Special tree or trees-
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-
1. Environment-Tracing the evolution of a continent's special environments Environment - naturally evolved-Activities associated with the physical surroundings that support human life and influence or shape human cultures. Cultural: Cliffs and escarpments influencing human settlement-
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. Rare and Significant Trees-
2. Peopling-Peopling the continent Aboriginal cultures and interactions with other cultures-Activities associated with maintaining, developing, experiencing and remembering Aboriginal cultural identities and practices, past and present. Cadigal tribe - Eora nation-
2. Peopling-Peopling the continent Aboriginal cultures and interactions with other cultures-Activities associated with maintaining, developing, experiencing and remembering Aboriginal cultural identities and practices, past and present. Aboriginal Culture-
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. Scottish settlers-
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 migrants-
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 Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings Landscapes of passive recreation-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings Landscapes and gardens of domestic accommodation-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings Landscapes used for self reliant recreation-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings Landscapes 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 Significant tree(s) providing urban amenity-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies Events-Activities and processes that mark the consequences of natural and cultural occurences Providing a venue for significant events-
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 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 Modifying landscapes to increase productivity-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities Accommodation-Activities associated with the provision of accommodation, and particular types of accommodation – does not include architectural styles – use the theme of Creative Endeavour for such activities. Residential-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities Accommodation-Activities associated with the provision of accommodation, and particular types of accommodation – does not include architectural styles – use the theme of Creative Endeavour for such activities. Building settlements, towns and cities-National Theme 4
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities Accommodation-Activities associated with the provision of accommodation, and particular types of accommodation – does not include architectural styles – use the theme of Creative Endeavour for such activities. Housing for merchants and dealers-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities Accommodation-Activities associated with the provision of accommodation, and particular types of accommodation – does not include architectural styles – use the theme of Creative Endeavour for such activities. Victorian era residence-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities Accommodation-Activities associated with the provision of accommodation, and particular types of accommodation – does not include architectural styles – use the theme of Creative Endeavour for such activities. 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. housing (suburbs)-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities Accommodation-Activities associated with the provision of accommodation, and particular types of accommodation – does not include architectural styles – use the theme of Creative Endeavour for such activities. 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. Gentlemens Mansions-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities Accommodation-Activities associated with the provision of accommodation, and particular types of accommodation – does not include architectural styles – use the theme of Creative Endeavour for such activities. Housing famous families-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities Accommodation-Activities associated with the provision of accommodation, and particular types of accommodation – does not include architectural styles – use the theme of Creative Endeavour for such activities. Housing the prosperous - mansions in town and country-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities Accommodation-Activities associated with the provision of accommodation, and particular types of accommodation – does not include architectural styles – use the theme of Creative Endeavour for such activities. Owning and occupying a house-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities Land tenure-Activities and processes for identifying forms of ownership and occupancy of land and water, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal 1820s-1850s land grants-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities Land tenure-Activities and processes for identifying forms of ownership and occupancy of land and water, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal 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 Administering and alienating Crown lands-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities Land tenure-Activities and processes for identifying forms of ownership and occupancy of land and water, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Sub-division of large estates-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities Land tenure-Activities and processes for identifying forms of ownership and occupancy of land and water, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Changing land uses - from rural to suburban-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages Subdivision of urban estates-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages Subdivision of rural estates-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages 19th century suburban developments-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages 20th century Suburban Developments-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages living in the suburbs-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages Beautifying rural estates-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages Developing the social life of a rural community-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages Developing suburbia-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages Role of transport in settlement-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages Developing towns in response to topography-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages Cultural Social and religious life-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages Urban residential estates-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages Creating landmark structures and places in suburban settings-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages Shaping coastal settlement-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages A Picturesque Residential District-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages 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 Suburban Expansion-
5. Working-Working Labour-Activities associated with work practises and organised and unorganised labour Servants quarters-
5. Working-Working Labour-Activities associated with work practises and organised and unorganised labour Working with hand tools and implements-
5. Working-Working Labour-Activities associated with work practises and organised and unorganised labour Working independently on the land-
5. Working-Working Labour-Activities associated with work practises and organised and unorganised labour Working as a manager or executive officer-
5. Working-Working Labour-Activities associated with work practises and organised and unorganised labour Working with plants-
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. State government-
7. Governing-Governing Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities. Local government-
7. Governing-Governing Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities. Developing roles for government - conserving cultural and natural heritage-
7. Governing-Governing Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities. Developing roles for government - administration of land-
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. work of stonemasons-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities. Landscaping - Victorian period-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities. Landscaping - 20th century interwar-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities. Landscaping - 20th century post WW2-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities. Architectural styles and periods - Victorian (late)-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities. 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. Artists, bohemians and intellectuals squat or gathering point-
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. 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. 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. Interior design styles and periods - 20th century Inter War-
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. 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. 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. Kitchens and servants-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life Domestic life-Activities associated with creating, maintaining, living in and working around houses and institutions. 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. Ornamental Garden-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation Outdoor relief-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation Activities associated with relaxation and recreation-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation Visiting gardens-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation Gardening-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation Visiting heritage places-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation Gathering at landmark places to socialise-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups Associations with Dorothea McKellar, Poetess-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups Associations with the Hon. Sir Charles Kinnaird Mackellar, Head of NSW Board of Health, MP, philanthropist-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups Associations with Alexander Grant, Scottish-trained gardener-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups Associations with Alexander Campbell, Merchant Banker and MLC-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups Associations with James Hume, architect and businessman-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups Associations with the Hon. Sir Samuel Cohen, retailer, politician and philanthropist-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups Associations with Sir Charles Lloyd Jones, merchant and arts patron-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups Associations with Sir John Garvan, financier and philanthropist-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups Associations with Lady Hannah Lloyd Jones, society wife, patron, Womens' Committee of the National Trust-

Recommended management:

Recommendations

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

Procedures /Exemptions

Section of actDescriptionTitleCommentsAction date
57(2)Exemption to allow workStandard Exemptions HERITAGE ACT 1977

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Listings

Heritage ListingListing TitleListing NumberGazette DateGazette NumberGazette Page
Heritage Act - State Heritage Register 0029402 Apr 99 271546
Heritage Act - Permanent Conservation Order - former 0029430 Mar 84 491811
Local Environmental Plan  10 Mar 95   
National Trust of Australia register  9542   
Register of the National Estate 1461314 May 91 1150

References, internet links & images

TypeAuthorYearTitleInternet Links
WrittenAmadio, Robin2019Lunch at Rosemont
WrittenArtvistory (.com)2022The Contents of Rosemont, Woollahra, Sydney - the property of Lady Burrell and family View detail
WrittenAshton, Chris2003‘The Interview – Major General Paul Cullen – Soldier, Banker, Farmer’, in High Life 8(1), 10-11/2003, 128-130
WrittenAttenbrow, Val A pre-colonial history View detail
WrittenEngledow, Sarah2019'Petal to the Metal' (about the very civil service of Dame Helen Blaxland)
WrittenFredman, H.1985David Cohen & Co: The Family and the Firm. In Journal of Hunter Valley History Vol 1 No 1.
WrittenGrant, Jim1997The Gardener of Swifts
WrittenGriffiths, G. Nesta1949in ‘Woollahra’ (chapter VI), in Some Houses and People of New South Wales
WrittenHornery, Andrew2022'Rosemont opens its doors' View detail
WrittenJervis, James (and Kelly, Vince (ed.))1960'Wulara to Woollahra'
WrittenLenehan, M.F.1987'Northwood House, Northwood'
WrittenMacdonald, Emily2022Rosemont treasures for auction
WrittenMacken, Lucy2022Rosemont's Grand Designs View detail
WrittenMacken, Lucy2021Double Record for Woollahra's finest
WrittenMacken, Lucy2021Rich get richer: top 20 property sales
WrittenMitchell, Ann M.1986'Mackellar, Sir Charles Kinnaird (1844–1926)' View detail
WrittenNational Trust of Australia (NSW)2013'Louise Warren, 1927-2013' Obituary, in 'Trust Friends'
WrittenParker, Caroline (member of the Women's Committee).2020'Looking at Architecture'
WrittenRussell, Eric1980Woollahra - a history in pictures
WrittenTanner, Howard1990Woollahra gardens visit and lecture 30 September 1990
WrittenWebb, Chris & Charlotte2013Garden Recording - Summerlees, Sutton Forest
WrittenWoollahra History & Heritage Society Rosemont entry, from Edgecliff Walk

Note: internet links may be to web pages, documents or images.
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(Click on thumbnail for full size image and image details)

Data source

The information for this entry comes from the following source:
Name: Heritage NSW
Database number: 5045708
File number: S90/05600 & HC 32691

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

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