Rose Cottage and Early Slab Hut

Item details


Name of item:	Rose Cottage and Early Slab Hut
Type of item:	Complex / Group
Group/Collection:	Residential buildings (private)
Category:	Cottage
Location:	Lat: -33.7672110025 Long: 150.7609116820
Primary address:	Water Street, Werrington, NSW 2747
Parish:	Londonderry
County:	Cumberland
Local govt. area:	Penrith
Local Aboriginal Land Council:	Deerubbin

Property description

Lot/Volume Code	Lot/Volume Number	Section Number	Plan/Folio Code	Plan/Folio Number
LOT	1		DP	827130

All addresses

Street Address	Suburb/town	LGA	Parish	County	Type
Water Street	Werrington	Penrith	Londonderry	Cumberland	Primary Address
Tennant Road	Werrington	Penrith	Londonderry	Cumberland	Alternate Address

Owner/s

Organisation Name	Owner Category	Date Ownership Updated
Department of Planning and Environment	State Government

Statement of significance:


	Rose Cottage and the slab hut are highly significant for their association with early settlement of the Werrington district and for their continuous residential use by a single family for approximately 100 years. The early two roomed slab hut, located at the rear of the house, is most likely the original house, with the more substantial house a later expansion/addition. The timber slab hut is of very high significance as one of few surviving examples of Old Colonial Rustic Vernacular Architecture in the Sydney Metropolitan Region.
	Date significance updated: 04 Jan 99
	Note: The State Heritage Inventory provides information about heritage items listed by local and State government agencies. The State Heritage Inventory is continually being updated by local and State agencies as new information becomes available. Read the Department of Premier and Cabinet copyright and disclaimer.

Description


Designer/Maker:	Not known - vernacular
Builder/Maker:	Andrews Family (?)
Construction years:	1810-1870
Physical description:	A simple late nineteenth century four roomed cottage, originally of slab construction and now clad in fibro and masonite. The house has a steeply pitched hipped corrugated iron roof, framed with round timbers - 'pole construction' - which indicates the possibility of an earlier construction date than previously thought. The return verandah to 3 sides, which has been reframed, follows the original form. There is a 1950s(?) Patio to the rear. The small windows are double hung and of 6 panes to both the upper and lower sashes, with only one original window surviving. There is a skillion addition to the rear, which houses the kitchen and bathroom. Most of the joinery has been replaced with much poorer quality joinery than the original. There is some original joinery remaining in the front room. All doors have been replaced. An early two roomed slab hut is located at the rear of the house. It is constructed of hand adzed timber slabs, scarfed at the bottoms and set into a bed log. The slabs are battened at the top to a hand hewn log. The barn has squared window openings, each containing a hinged slab 'shutter' with diagonal cross brace. Inside is an early brick cooking fireplace with chimney, indicating the early use of the building as a residence. It has had a small verandah added at a later date. This hut is most likely the original house, with the more substantial house a later expansion/additon.
Physical condition and/or Archaeological potential:	The house has suffered extensive vandalism in recent months, and needs urgent security measures.
	Date condition updated:26 Mar 99
Modifications and dates:	Reclad in Fibro and Masonite - possibly Inter War period; Skillion addition to rear - possibly Inter War period; Reroofed - Not known; Replacement Windows - Not known; Replacement Bathroom - c.1950s; Internal Joinery removed - Not known; Rear Patio with concrete slab and roof (currently corrugated green plastic) - c.1950s; Fibro Shed to north side of patio - c.1950s;
Further information:	Amendments to the Heritage Act require that the property be included on the State Heritage Register. Appropriate steps should be taken to ensure that this takes place. Stable, long term tenants, acting as care takers, are the best option for the care and protection of this property.


Current use:	Vacant
Former use:	Residence/Farm House

History


Historical notes:	Very little is known about the history of the site. The timber slab hut appears to be very early, around the turn of the 18th century, and is very likely the original house for the property. The larger, later house is believed to have been built c.1870 by the Andrews Family, who lived there for approximately 100 years. Nothing is known of the original inhabitants of the hut.

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.	River flats-
1. Environment-Tracing the evolution of a continent's special environments	Environment - naturally evolved-Activities associated with the physical surroundings that support human life and influence or shape human cultures.	Changing the environment-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Agriculture-Activities relating to the cultivation and rearing of plant and animal species, usually for commercial purposes, can include aquaculture	Private farming-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Agriculture-Activities relating to the cultivation and rearing of plant and animal species, usually for commercial purposes, can include aquaculture	Cropping-
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	Developing local, regional and national economies-National Theme 3
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings	Landscapes of food production-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Exploration-Activities associated with making places previously unknown to a cultural group known to them.	(none)-
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-
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.	(none)-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Accommodation-Activities associated with the provision of accommodation, and particular types of accommodation – does not include architectural styles – use the theme of Creative Endeavour for such activities.	Worker's Dwellings-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Accommodation-Activities associated with the provision of accommodation, and particular types of accommodation – does not include architectural styles – use the theme of Creative Endeavour for such activities.	Living on the land-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Accommodation-Activities associated with the provision of accommodation, and particular types of accommodation – does not include architectural styles – use the theme of Creative Endeavour for such activities.	Housing ordinary families-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Accommodation-Activities associated with the provision of accommodation, and particular types of accommodation – does not include architectural styles – use the theme of Creative Endeavour for such activities.	Housing for farm and station hands-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Accommodation-Activities associated with the provision of accommodation, and particular types of accommodation – does not include architectural styles – use the theme of Creative Endeavour for such activities.	Crude huts-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Accommodation-Activities associated with the provision of accommodation, and particular types of accommodation – does not include architectural styles – use the theme of Creative Endeavour for such activities.	Timber and iron vernacular-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Accommodation-Activities associated with the provision of accommodation, and particular types of accommodation – does not include architectural styles – use the theme of Creative Endeavour for such activities.	early settlement or worker's cottage-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Land tenure-Activities and processes for identifying forms of ownership and occupancy of land and water, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal	Early land grants-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Land tenure-Activities and processes for identifying forms of ownership and occupancy of land and water, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal	Closer Settlement-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Land tenure-Activities and processes for identifying forms of ownership and occupancy of land and water, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal	Early farming (cropping)-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Land tenure-Activities and processes for identifying forms of ownership and occupancy of land and water, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal	Early farming (Cattle grazing)-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Land tenure-Activities and processes for identifying forms of ownership and occupancy of land and water, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal	Granting Crown lands for private farming-
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	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	18th century town and settlement 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	Outlying settlements-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages	living in the country-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages	A quiet Rural District-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages	Shaping inland settlements-
5. Working-Working	Labour-Activities associated with work practises and organised and unorganised labour	Working independently on the land-

Assessment of significance


SHR Criteria a) [Historical significance]	Rose Cottage and the Early Slab Hut has State historical significance for its association with the exploration and settlement of Western Sydney and in particular, small village development along the Great Western Highway. The slab hut is of particular significance as a rare surviving example of an early pioneer's residence.
SHR Criteria c) [Aesthetic significance]	Rose Cottage has aesthetic significance as an example of a mid to late nineteenth century rural cottage. The Early Slab Hut has high aesthetic significance as an example of an early nineteenth century pioneer's residence.
SHR Criteria d) [Social significance]	Rose Cottage and the Early Slab Hut has high social significance for its association with the exploration of Western Sydney and the initial development of the Werrington district. They are also significant for their association with the Andrews Family who resided there for approximately 100 years. The site has State significance for its demonstration of a pattern of life which no longer exists, in particular, the lives of the early pioneers of Western Sydney.
SHR Criteria e) [Research potential]	The Early Slab Hut has exceptionally high technical/research significance for its demonstration of early nineteenth century building techniques, particularly the use of hand adzed timber slabs in construction. Rose Cottage has some technical/research significance for its demonstration of mid to late nineteenth century building techniques.
SHR Criteria f) [Rarity]	The Early Slab Hut is a rare example of its type in the Sydney Region. Rose Cottage is a somewhat altered rural cottage, relatively uncommon today.
SHR Criteria g) [Representativeness]	The Early Slab Hut is representative of Colonial Rustic Vernacular Architecture. Rose Cottage is representative of nineteenth century farm houses.
Integrity/Intactness:	The Early Slab Hut is substantially intact in its structure, although the interiors have been changed. Rose Cottage has been altered and recent extensive vandalism has reduced its intactness/integrity further.
Assessment criteria:	Items are assessed against the State Heritage Register (SHR) Criteria to determine the level of significance. Refer to the Listings below for the level of statutory protection.

Recommended management:


	The house needs urgent security measures to prevent further deterioration; a Conservation Plan needs to be prepared prior to any further works taking place.

Procedures /Exemptions

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

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

Listings

Heritage Listing	Listing Title	Listing Number	Gazette Date	Gazette Number	Gazette Page
Heritage Act - State Heritage Register		01392	02 Apr 99	27	1546
Heritage Act - s.170 NSW State agency heritage register			11 Feb 99

Study details

Title	Year	Number	Author	Inspected by	Guidelines used
Heritage Study of the City of Penrith	1986	W-3	Not Known	not known	Yes
s.170 Register DUAP	1999		Paul Davies Pty Ltd		Yes

References, internet links & images

Type	Author	Year	Title	Internet Links
Written	Mayne-Wilson and Associates	2001	Conservation management plan for Rose Cottage, Werriginton	View detail
Written	Not known	1986	Heritage Study of the City of Penrith

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

(Click on thumbnail for full size image and image details)

Data source


The information for this entry comes from the following source:
Name:	Heritage NSW
Database number:	5045751
File number:	H00/00351; H99/00055 [S170]

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