I STRATHHAVEN PRELIMINARY HERITAGE ASSESSMENT OF HOUSE...

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STRATHHAVEN PRELIMINARY HERITAGE ASSESSMENT

OF HOUSE, OUTBUILDINGS, AND GROUNDS

for Darcy P Smith by Dr Robert V J Varman Archaeologist & Heritage Consultant.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The principal areas of heritage and archaeological significance were found to be:

5 March2003

1. The extent of the original construction period of the house. The guiding principle is to retain and conserve all original fabric in original locations, even the remnant walls of the original kitchen at the east end of the house. However, the guidance of an archaeologist or heritage architect qualified to assess and date building fabric will be required if a major overhaul is undertaken to the original portions of the house according to the Heritage Act ofNSW guidelines.

The circa 1960s/1970s additions to the house have no heritage value and may be removed or redeveloped as long as the works do not endanger any fabric of the original portions of the house.

2. Unknown are the locations of privy pits, ash pits, rubbish pits and wells where household rubbish was disposed of These items were probably located to the east of the house and east end of the property. If any substantial subsurface excavation is required in these areas, the areas should be monitored by a qualified archaeologist according to the guidelines of the Heritage Act ofNSW (1977).

3. Ifthe 'U'-shaped accommodation buildings to the north side ofthe house are to be demolished, they should be monitored as demolition proceeds by an archaeologist in case earlier structures have been incorporated in them. A thorough photographic record should be made of these structures before demolition.

4. A small structure, item D:l9, should be assessed in detail if the area is proposed to be redeveloped as the frame and perhaps roof appear to predate the surrounding structures.

5. A structure next to the main gate, item D:l7, should be assessed in detail, if the area is proposed to be redeveloped, to detennine if the core may contain the remains of a gatehouse.

6. All other above-ground structures were found to have little value in regard to the principal significance of the site. Reference should be made to the individual items listed in case there is a specific recommendation in regard to demolition.

7. A number of trees were found to have significance to the Warner period of the grounds.

8. Eucalyptus trees along the banks of the Wyong River were found to have high significance in regard to the riparian values of the river. Eucalyptus trees in the north-west comer of the grounds and along the north boundary were found to be remnants of the pre-settlement forests.

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Mr. Wal'ncr's cottage. "flal{one'.

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A. 1-I. Warner suggested 1n January, 1915 lh ai the Erina Shire Council provide the Shire Engineer with a n1otor car in s1(:.ld uf being dependant on travelling by trai1i, but it was not until January t 92 1 that the ounc11 ac ted in the matteL

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INTRODUCTION

The aim of this report is to provide an assessment of the house, outbuildings and grounds for the purpose of determining the degree of heritage significance and archaeological potential.

The house and grounds do not face neatly to the principle compass points. The front of the house actually faces between the north and the west. Conventional compass indications have been adopted for this report, conventional north being Boyce A venue.

SITE LOCATION

The house and grounds known as 'Strathaven', formerly 'Hakone', is located at 31 Boyce Avenue, Wyong. The property, described as Lot 42 in DP 551571, is located between Boyce Avenue and the north side of the Wyong River, in the part ofWyong east of the railway line.

OWNERSHIP

The site is in the ownership ofMr Darcy P Smith of34 Toowoon Bay Road, Long Jetty, N.S.W. 2261.

HERITAGE STATUS- STATUTORY HERITAGE CONTROLS

The site has no existing national or state heritage listing but is subject to local government ordinances.

The Heritage Act of New South Wales (1977) has provision for the protection of archaeological deposits or features ('environmental heritage') relating to the European settlement of New South Wales which are fifty years or older. Sections 139- 145 disallow the excavation or removal of relics or actions likely to endanger relics.

There are other statutory controls:

The National Parks and Wildlife Service requires the discovery or suspected discovery of Aboriginal relics should be immediately reported to the Service and to the appropriate local Aboriginal authority.

The National Trust of Australia (New South Wales) Register has no direct statutory status but the Trust may seek the use of the Heritage Act ofNew South Wales or the planning powers oflocal government authorities to ensure the protection of classified and recorded listings on its Register. The site has protection under the local government ordinances but it is a requirement for development consent that sites with known heritage potential should be referred to the Heritage Council ofNew South Wales for assessment.

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Hakone, the villa which is now part of the Strathavon complex on the northern bank of the Wyong River, is probably the finest home ever seen in the Wyong Shire.

It was built in 1912-13 as the private residence of Albert Hamlyn Warner after whom Warnervale and Warner Avenue were named.

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He made several trips to Japan and named this elegant structure after Hakone (pronounced Har-ko-nee, with the accent on the second syllable), a beautiful park that he saw there. He named a road at Warnervale after the same place.

Photo: Levitt Hunt, Turramurra.

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SITE HISTORY

The Strathavoli property was originally part of the Alison and Wyong Estates of which Albert Hamlyn Warner purchased some 12,000 acres on or by 20 November 1903.

A. H. Warner came from a well-to-do family. His grandfather owned a silk hat factory in England and his father was brought to Australia by John Hordern (Anthony Hordern's fame) as a silk expert. Warner was involved in many undertakings including, a plumbing and gas fitting business by the 1880s and, a lime burning business in St Peters by 1902. He might best be described as an investor. He was a contractor and had a block of six shops built in Oxford Street Sydney which he leased out to tenants. He also purchased a string of 21 bakeries (Shadier's). Warner had interests in land subdivisions at Bondi, Camden and later the Wyong area. He lived at several prestigious addresses around Sydney over the years such as 'Rockleigh' at Point Piper and 'Leffington' at Grosvenor Street, Woollahra. He built 'St Ithome' a mansion at Point Piper for his family residence, replete with coachhouse, servants' quarters, salt water swimming baths and a tennis court. The residence included a ballroom with three reception rooms displaying oriental works of art which Warner had collected on his travels to Japan, China and the Far East in general. His interest in the Orient had significance in the development of the Wyong property.

Warner's serious interest in the Wyong area commenced with the purchase of vast tracts ofland around Wyong and W arnervale. He spent weekends at Wyong and gradually spent more and more time in the area, at first living at 'The Camp' in Warner Avenue.

Warner decided to build himself a permanent home at Wyong, sell his Point Piper mansion and shift with his family to his newly constructed residence around 1913, a year before World War I.

The house was constructed as a private residence during the years 1912-1913 on the north side of a picturesque bend on the Wyong River. Warner, influenced by Japanese art and architecture, named his new mansion 'Hakone' after a park that greatly impressed him on one of his Japanese visits. The interplay of roof lines and the appearance of a pagoda-like central widows ' walk are reminiscent of Japanese architecture but also fall within the idiom of the (then) current Federation style of architecture.

Interestingly, the facetted cone shaped turrets of the mansion are curiously reflected in the landmark shop complex of a similar date at the comer of the Pacific Highway and Church Street, Wyong.

The house, as originally built, was orientated toward Wyong, or 'conventional' west. The main house entrance was the same main entrance as used at present.

The grounds at the time would also have reflected his interest in the Orient and remnants of his exotic planting still survive. A large fenced formal circular drive was situated outside the formal entrance, a feature employed in many of the early formal homes built in Australia. The original main drive appears to have been located in much the same position as the present one.

The orientation of the house indicates that the outbuildings would have been situated to the east side of the house. The original kitchen was at the east end of the house, remnants of walls still survive in this area and have been incorporated into the several phases of commercial kitchens. Accommodation for servants and groundsmen were probably also located to the east and/or north east of the house, as were stables and sheds.


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The family originally occupying the house consisted of Albert Hamlyn Warner (born in Britain about 1857); his wife Mary Ann (died February 29, 1939, aged 82); his son Leslie A. Warner (died Apri11951); a daughter Elsie May Hunt (died July 16, 1934) who married Francis Henry Hunt (died November 26, 1953); and another daughter Ethel Warner who never married.

A. H. Warner died on May 7, 1933 and the house and family holdings were administered by executers; Mrs M. A. Warner and a Trustee Company. Son-in-law Francis Henry Hunt was secretary to the Warner Estate. It is likely that Warner's wife had life interest in the house and property but what happened after her death in 1939 should be recorded on the title deeds of the property. If the property had not been sold it is likely that the son, Leslie A Warner would have inherited the title.

Possible significant dates for the conversion of the house and grounds into a club or resort appear to be 'as of 1939 and 1951 (deaths of Mrs Warner and son, Leslie A. Warner respectively). Remnants of outbuildings suggest that changes began in the late 1930s or 1940s. Significant changes occurred during the 1950s and later, such as the construction of the two buildings of two storeys and most of the single storey structures on the site.

Certainly by the 1950s to at least 1963, the house and property were operated as the 'Strathhaven Country Club'.

The house and land have now been in the ownership of Darcy P Smith for the past four years.


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SURVEY OF HERITAGE AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL POTENTIAL

Introduction

The house and grounds were examined in detail with the owner Darcy P Smith on February 13. The grounds were surveyed in detail on March 3 and 6, 2003, resulting in this assessment. See executive summary for the principal findings.

Methodology

The grounds were systematically examined on foot, each building examined inside and out. The principal items were recorded in writing and keyed onto a survey map dating to around the year 2000 on a scale of 1:300.

The examination of the site was done in the light of the known history of the site and the archaeologist's experience of similar sites on the east coast of Australia over a period of 25 years.

The site has been divided into areas A to J as a convenient means oflocating each item.

Conventional north was taken to be Boyce A venue.

It appears that levels were taken at many of the tree sites, these were found useful to identify individual trees, noted in the text as 'marked as'.

Guide to Significance

The Statement of Significance provides the rationale behind the use of the word 'significance' in the text. The Significance is based on the known history of the site, particularly the Warner period, 1912 to about 1939, though there are some post-Warner period features worthy of preservation.

The terms, 'high significance', 'great significance', and 'very significant' indicate that the item should be retained and conserved because they are of extraordinary heritage value.

The word or term, 'significant' and 'of significance' indicate that the item should be retained and -conserve-d because of the importance to the heritage value of the pr-operty.

The terms, 'of low significance', 'of little significance' mean that items may be removed after photographic recording and/or examination by an archaeologist during the dismantling process.

The terms, 'of dubious significance' and 'of uncertain significance' suggest that an item may be of heritage value but is a borderline case due to uncertainty or whatever reason stated. The item may be removed if a sound case may be made on re-evaluation.

The terms, 'of no significance' and 'not significant' mean that items may be removed without further heritage consideration.

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Area A

A: 1 Tennis Court. Of no significance.

A:2 Eucalyptus. Ofhigh significance, remnants of the native forest.

A:3 Camphor Laurels (Cinnamomurn camphora). Oflittle significance. These examples along the north boundary do not appear to be very old examples. The species may have been originally introduced by W amer as part of his deep interest in the Orient.

AreaB

B:1 Tennis Court. Ofno significance.

B:2 Eucalyptus. 3.13 . Ofhigh significance, remnant of the native forest?

B:3 Camphor Laurels. See 100.3 .

B:4 Old Conifers marked as 2.59 and 2.47. Of significance as relating to the character ofthe early plantings of the grounds, Conifers were often associated with the Orient. It should-be noted here that conifers are difficult to date, some species are fast growing and others are extremely slow growing. In the case that the preservation of some of the specimens becomes a major impediment, the specimens should be re-assessed for establishing a date by a conifer expert.

AreaC

C: 1 Mini putt-putt golf course. Of no significance.

C:2 North boundary hedge possibly a remnant of a once much more extensive hedge. The planting is of a mixed nature. The myrtles are probably of a later date but were also planted as a hedge plant. Of significance to the development of the landscaping of the grounds.

AreaD

D: 1 Driveway. The west side of the driveway is in roughly the same position as the original drive, as seen in a photograph dating to around the 1930s. Of significance to the original layout of the grounds.

D:2 Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum). An old maple, almost certainly part of the Warner concept for the drive. This shrub or small tree is of high significance, part of the house and garden scheme with Oriental influences envisaged by Warner. Marked as 2.55. This tree is in danger because of the young Canary Island palm (Phoenix canariensis) next to it. The palm should be removed.

D:3 Three conifers similar to B:4 and of the same approximate date. Of significance. Marked as 2.85, 2.93 and 2.98.

D:4 Cabbage palms (Livistona australis). Of high significance in that they relate to the palms to the north of the house, almost certainly part of the Warner period plantings. Old specimens,


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possibly locally collected. Marked as 3.29. Items D:8 and H:2 were planted at about the same time.

D:5 Palm resembling Phoenix dactylifera, part of the Warner period planting. Of high significance. Marked as 3 .13.

D:6 Palm resembling Phoenix dactylifera, part of the Warner period planting. Of high significance. Marked as 3.19.

D:7 As for D:5 and 6. This palm has the same blue-green leaves but a smoother bark. The fruits are semi-circular in shape and are very aromatic. Of high significance. Marked as 2.91.

D:8 Cabbage palms (Livistona australis). Of high significance, almost certainly part of the Warner period. Old specimens,_possibly locally collected). Marked as 3.05.

D:9 Eucalyptus of extraordinary size, likely to be several hundred years old, judging by specimens elsewhere that have signs of past Aboriginal activity. Of great significance to the riparian landscape of the Wyong River. Marked as 3.22.

D: 10 Series of Eucalyptus of smooth bark fronting this section of the riverside. Very significant to the riparian landscape of the Wyong River.

D: 11 Steps with winged retaining walls. Difficult to date but steps have probably been in this location since the main house was built. This and the remains of wharves and retaining walls emphasise the greater importance of water transport early in the twentieth century. The present timber decks, retaining walls and backftll date to the last couple of years. Of significance.

D: 12 Base of summer house or pavilion with paths located in the courtyard on the north side of the house. Of no significance.

D:13 Main House. Of the highest significance even though there have been insensitive rebuilding phases and additions to the east and south sides of the house, modifications to north and west sides and to parts of the roof. The house does warrant archaeological analysis if it were ever to be totally overhauled but in the meantime the guiding principle should be to retain all the original fabric, even the remnants of the old kitchen on the south end of the building.

D:14 Pavilion dating somewhere between the 1930s-1940s originally with two exterior entrances but heavily remodelled in later years. Incorporated into the south-west of the house. Has significance to the second phase of the house when it was no longer a private residence. Should be re-assessed by an archaeologist or heritage architect if the house is to be restored at any stage in the future.

D:15 Structures marked with this number are of recent date and have no value to the Warner phase or subsequent accommodation phases of the house and property. The additions to the southeast of the building relate to the construction period of accommodation units listed under E2 and G.3 (note the textured brick).

D: 16 Rambling structures which relate to the accommodation phases of the property. These structures- are generally in a poor state of preservation. The structures belong to many minor phases where additions were added as finance became available. Evidence of several overhauls. Of low significance.


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Although of no value in terms of perpetual preservation, the demolition of these structures should be preceded by a comprehensive photographic study and an archaeologist should be called in during the demolition to make sure no earlier structures have been incorporated into later work.

D: 17 Earlier structure than those surrounding it, 1930s or 1940s in appearance. Of low significance (pending further investigation). Should be monitored during demolition in case the core of the house may be earlier than is evident at present. Possibly a gatehouse. Otherwise should be treated as D: 16.

D:18 Accommodation Rooms dating to around the 1940s or early 1950s. Of low significance. Although of importance to the accommodation phases, the disjunction and poor quality of the structures of these phases do not seem to warrant perpetual preservation. Should be treated as D.16.

D: 19 A small structure, possibly a gardener's cottage which has been incorporated into the rear of the 'hotel-style accommodation' structures. Although modified by later re-cladding, it may be a structure that does relate to the Warner phase of the grounds. The cottage has been in the present location since before the construction of the structures surrounding it. The footing area should be examined for signs that the structure has been shifted in the past. Of possible significance.

D:20 Site of former circular or looped drive. Of significance but it is unlikely that any trace of the -drive survives except perhaps for post holes under the surface of the ground (mentioned here in case it is ever desired to restore the drive accurately).

D:21 Jacaranda (Jacaranda mimosaefolia). An old specimen respecting the former width of the original drive, may or may not relate to the Warner period. Of some significance as it marks the former width if the main entrance. Marked as 2.89.

D:22 Jacaranda (Jacaranda mimosaefolia). An old specimen respecting the former width of the ·original drive, may or may not relate to the Warner period. Of some significance as it marks the former width if the main entrance. Not marked.

AreaE

E1 Eucalyptus along north boundary, of a similar type as D:9. Of significance.

E 2 Old bitumen drive and entrance. The entrance may have been the original street access to the Stables and the kitchen area during the accommodation phase of the site. Of uocertain significance.

E.3 Coral Trees (Erythrina speciosa) along the former bank. These are of uncertain significance but should be permitted to remain.

E.4 Part of motel style accommodation dating to the late 1960s or 1970s relating to G:3 and large portions of the east side developments on the main building {D: 15). Note the textured brick. Of no significance.


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AreaF

F: 1 Conifer relating to the other confers listed under B:4 and D:3. Of significance as relating to the character of the early plantings of the grounds. Conifers were often associated with the Orient (relates to Warner's aesthetic tastes). Marked as 2.06. See note under B:4.

F:2 Large lobe-leafed fruit tree of a fairly advanced age, apparently a Persimmon (Diospyros kaki) very likely marking an area which once had several fruit trees. Of significance. Orchards were often situated to the back parts of properties.

F:3 Camphor Laurel (Cinnamomum camphora). Large but unlikely to be part of the original scheme of the grmmds. Of little significance.

F:4 Boundary planting of Camphor Laurels (in very bad condition), an old Coral Tree (Erythrina specie sa), and an unidentified tree which appears to predate the Camphor laurels {should be freed from the Camphor laurels). Of little significance except perhaps the coral tree and the unidentified tree.

F:5 Old tree, with ribbed fruit, sited mostly in the block ofland off the east boundary, Lot 1, DP 519069. Of significance. Part of the grounds planting before the subdivision.

F:6 Sewage inspection pit. Listed here as a landmark. Of no significance.

F:7 Site of the Stables (pers. comm. Darcy P Smith). Remnants of the footings of early and late bricks smvive and several remnants of slabs of concrete. Of uncertain significance. If the area is to be disturbed an archaeologist should be present to record and assess the remains of the structure.

F:8 Bitumen drive. The east branch of a drive of fairly recent date, serving a small car park. Of no significance.

AreaG

G.1 Camphor Laurel (Cinnamomum camphora). Large but unlikely to be part of the original scheme of the grounds. Marked 2.26. Of little significance.

G.2 Eucalyptus species of the same two species as noted along the river banks of the grounds. Very significant to the riparian landscape of the Wyong River.

G.3 Part of motel style accommodation dating to the late 1960s or early 1970s. The brickwork appears to be slightly earlier than found in the rest of the 'U' -shaped complex. The brickwork actually encases an earlier holiday accommodation structure of timber, possibly of a 1940s/1950s date. Of little significance.

G.4 Part of motel style accommodation dating to the late 1960s or 1970s. Of no significance.


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AreaH

H:l A two storey cement-rendered building constructed in two phases, named 'Tacoma'. The building was first constructed as a single story building then at a later date it was raised to two floors. Note the line at the floor level of the south balcony. The surviving detailing of the structure suggests a 1940s/1950s date. Of no significance.

H:2 Cabbage palms (Livistona australis). Old examples, judging by the tall size. These two were planted at about the same time as D:4 and D:8. Of high significance as they appear to have been planted during the Warner period. Appears to mark the outer edge of the former circular or looped drive, as do the two at D:4.

H:3 Eucalyptus species of the same two species as found along the banks of the grounds. Very significant to the riparian landscape of the Wyong River. Marked as 2.69 and 2.16.

H:4 Conifer species. This is a very early specimen, part of the scheme established during Warner's time. This species is very similar to those listed under B:4, D:3 and F:l but is not the same species. Of high significance to the Warner layout of the grounds.

H5: Jacaranda (Jacaranda mirnosaefolia). An old specimen but probably not relating to the Warner period. Of little significance.

Areal

1:1 Two Storey building of mottled red dry-press brick and roofed in green Boral cement tiles dating to around the 1950s. Of no significance.

1:2 Wading pool. Filled in or removed since the year 2000. Of no significance.

1:3 Eucalyptus species of the same two species as found along the banks of the grounds. Very significant to the riparian landscape of the Wyong River. Marked as 1.90, 2.09, 2.30, 2.38 and 2.80.

1:4 Drive. Provides street access to the two-storey building. Since there is no compelling reason to provide the structure with it's own driveway from the street it might have originated as part of a looped drive dating back to the Warner period. Of uncertain significance.

AreaJ

J: 1 Swimming pool. Of no significance.

J:2 Pump house of Besser Blocks and roofed with brown high gloss 'Modem French' Wunderlich tiles. Built around the 1970s. Of no significance. Marked as 2.78.

J :3 Large ornamental tree very likely part of the Warner inspired landscaping. The tree is badly infested by whiteants and has suffered partial structural damage. Of significance but should be assessed by an Arborist who is made aware of its Significance status. Marked as 2.84.


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J:4 Cockspur Thorn (Erythrina crista-galli). A large specimen, possibly planted at a time before the noxious possibilities of the species became apparent. Often infests waterways. Its large size and its association with the other exotic trees could suggest an early date (but like the Coral Tree the growing conditions have a major influence on the rate of growth). Of uncertain significance. Marked 2. 78.

J:5 Unidentified tree with paper bark but with leaves resembling an olive tree. Very likely a remnant planting of the Warner period. Of significance. Marked 2.73.

1:6 Camphor Laurel (Cinnamomum camphora). Two specimens close together, once part of the same tree (may have suffered wind or fire damage). Of uncertain age. Camphor Laurels were probably introduced during Warner's time but it is uncertain if any of the original trees have survived. Of dubious significance since the original trunk of the tree no longer exists. Marked as 3.33.

J :7 Eucalyptus species of the same two species as found along the banks of the river, plus a third species in the south-west comer marked 2.68. Very significant to the riparian landscape of the Wyong River. Marked as 2.19, 2.59 and 2.68.


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STATEMENT OF HERITAGE SIGNIFICANCE

Introduction

This Statement of Significance is based on documentary evidence and an analysis of aboveground . remams.

The Heritage Office and NSW Department of Urban Affairs and Planning have developed guidelines in the form ofthe NSW Heritage Manual from which the heritage significance of a site or item may be formulated (Assessing Heritage Significance (Final Approved Text. A NSW Heritage Manual Update. NSW Heritage Office, August 2000).

Heritage Significance Criteria

a An item is important in the course, or pattern, of NSW's cultural or natural history (or the cultural or natural history of the local area).

See criterion e.

b An item has strong or special association with the life or works of a person, or groups of persons, of importance in NSW's cultural or natural history (or the cultural or natural history of the local area).

The house and grounds are of high local significance because of its association with Albert Hamlyn Warner, district land and town developer and leading citizen of the Wyong area during the boom period of the first two decades of the twentieth century when the area took on it's present historic form.

c An item is important in demonstrating aesthetic characteristics and/or a high degree of creative or technical achievement in NSW (or local area).

The mansion, at least, has high local and Central Coast significance in being one of the finest domestic structures ever to have been erected in the area. The mansion shows excellence in the development and interpretation of the Federation style overlaid with Oriental influences reflecting a world-wide trend as well as the personal taste of Albert Hamlyn Warner. The use of turned woodwork; pressed metal roofing, ceiling, dado panels (by Wunderlich?); stained glass; tessellated tiles and glazed decorative tiles; marble; and cast iron combined with the asymmetric architectural forms and interplay of roofing elements, arguably place the mansion in a category of state significance.

The grounds contain a number of early decorative plantings of local significance which reflect the development oflandscape philosophy of the early twentieth century.

d An item has strong or special association with a particular community or cultural group in NSW (or the local area) for social cultural or spiritual reasons.

Not applicable.

e An item has potential to yield information that will contribute to an understanding ofNSW's cultural or natural history (or the cultural or natural history of the local area).


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The mansion has local significance in relation to the boom phase of the first two decades of the twentieth centwy development of the Wyong area.

The archaeological potential in regard to cultural material is potentially high to the east of the present kitchen and the east end of the grounds in general. This is the most likely area for a well, privy and rubbish pits. The material from such contexts could provide valuable information regarding the Warner family but also in relation to the early twentieth centwy development of the Wyong area and the Central Coast in general, for example, in terms of the local products used in relation to products transported in via Sydney.

f An item possesses uncommon, rare or endangered aspects ofNSW's cultural or natural history (or the cultural or natural history of the local area).

Not applicable

g. An item is important in demonstrating the principal characteristics of a class ofNSW's: - cultural or natural places; or - cultural or natural environments. (or a class of the local area 's - cultural or natural places; or - cultural or natural environments.

The grounds have a number of very ancient Eucalyptus trees of great significance to the natural history of the Wyong River.


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BIBLIOGRAPHY

The history of the house and grounds has been culled from the following publications:

Stinson, Edward. A Pictorial History of the Wyong Shire. Voll. Wyong Shire Council. 1979.

Swancott, Charles. Blue Gum Flat to Budgewoi. 1963.

Darcy P Smith 34 Toowoon Bay Road Long Jetty NSW 2261

Dear Darcy,

APPENDIX

17 February 2003

The following is my estimation for a preliminary heritage assessment of your property known as Strathhaven, 31 Boyce A venue, Wyong, as recently discussed with you.

Survey and liaison, 3 hours. Report writing and collation etc., 7 hours

Total of 10 hours at a rate of $71.50 GST inclusive $715.00 plus $120.00 for the initial site visit.

The estimated total being: $835.00

Yours Faithfully,

Dr Robert V J P V arman.


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A R C H AE 0 L () C1 1 S 1 & PH ON l - (02) 43882169

H E R 1 1 A C1 l C () N S U L 1 A 1 11 1 A A- (02 ) 43898450

1, M A 1 1 - varn1cUJ\alozeinail.com.au A B N - 4 .s .106 1 g4 22:)

1.J H L- bttp:/ 1\v·Nv-.J.geocities.com/ Paris ILeftBank/ 65 59 3J VvOMB/\1 STRH.:-1, BER!v~LEYVALJ: , CLN'1RALCOAS1 N . ~ .\f\1.

CURRICULUM VITAE Robert V J Varman Ph D

Archaeologist & Heritage Consultant

ICOMOS Member Heritage Council of NSW Register of Consultants

contact numbers: telephone: (02) 43 882169 facsimile: (02) 43 898450 email: rvjv@optusnet. com. au internet site: http://www.geocities.com/Paris/LeftBank/6559 address: 31 Wombat Street, Berkeleyvale, Central Coast, N.S.W. 2261. Australia.

SPECIALIZATION: Building analysis and dating. Built-environment survey and research. Construction site supervision/direction. Early sites excavation, analysis and dating of eighteenth and nineteenth century cultural material. Historic Flora and Fauna landscape analysis. D.A. related surveys and reports. Expert Witness.

ACADEMIC: BA (Hons) 1977, University of Sydney. Tutor (sole/part-time) in Historical Archaeology, 1978 to 1982, with some post-graduate duties and lectures, University of Sydney. Ph D. 1994 lJniYersity of Sydney.

PUBLICATIONS: On the Bounty Mutineer descendants of Norfolk Island (J 992); various chapters, photographs contributions; articles/booklets on building materials; article series on excavation results, terrestrial mollusca etc. Numerous publication credits mostly in relation to my artefact and building material dating systems. Present long-term project on building material and ceramic dating systems.

ARCHAEOLOGY: University of Sydney: undergraduate, postgraduate and as tutor, 1973-1982. Archaeologist & Heritage Consultant 1979-2000.

2003 COMMISSIONS --Mirvac/Transfield (Walsh Bay Finance Pty Ltd) . Archaeological Site Director: Walsh Bay Development Project Report writing, Windmiii/Pottinger Streets (full time) January-February. --Henry Kendall Retirement Village Pty Ltd . Erowal Farm. Vincentia. January. --Darcy P Smith (developer) 'Strathhaven' , Wyong. Heritage Assessment. February.

2002 COMMISSIONS --Kellaway Constructions Pty Ltd No 10 The Park, Parramatta . Excavation Director. Comprehensive excavation of the property and recording and monitoring of the house demolition as approved by the Land & Environment Court . January-April. Post-excavation work, cataloguing etc .. March-July. --Architectural Projects. Inspections/assessments of several sites January. t Columbans Seminary Bobbin Head Road . Turramurra, March-April. Sherwood Shrubs. Sherwood Road, Merrylands, June.

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--Mirvac/Transfieid (\\falsh Bay Finance Pty Ltd). Archaeological Site Director: Pottinger and Do\~1nshire Streets/Ferry Lane and Pottinger Street/ \Vindn1ill treets. \~'alsh Bay Developn1ent Project. Post excavation processing, cataloguing and report \Vritin >. June-Decen1ber.

2001 COMJ\11SSJONS --Mirvac/Transfield (\Valsh Bay Finance PtyLtd). Archaeological Site Director: Pot1inger and DoYvnshire Streets/Ferry Lane and Pottinger Street/ \Vindn1ill Streets~ \Valsh Bay Developn1ent Project. Excavations (J\1ay and August) and artefact processing throughout the year. --Architectural Projects. Prelin1inary assessment 32-42 Union Street. Torth Sydney. Ja11uary-Feb111ary. Also 'Vine Lodge, Exeter. February-ApriL --Clarendon Apar11nents. 16 Hickson Rd. The J{ocks. Archaeological di1 ector. .. ebruary-March and Jove1nber. Excavation and report.

--National Trust of Australia ( SW). Federation Fund. Excavation and monitoring of con ervation works at Old Government House~ Parratnatta. House and grounds. February-April. --Shoalhaven City Council. l-Ieritage Assesstnent. A venue of Trees~ Bridge Street~ Nov.7ra. March-April. --Henry Kendall Retiren1ent \Tillage Pty Ltd. Erowal Fann. \Tincentia. Fieritage Listing and Section 140 Application. I\1ay. August. --Darcy Smith Bateau Bay property subdivision heritage assessn1ent. May. --Kella\vay Constructions Pty Ltd. 1o 10 The Park, Parramatta. Comprehensive analysis) recording of house and grounds. April-July, Decen1ber. -- Kellaway Constructions Pty Ltd. No 10 The Park, Parratnatta. Principal Expert Witness, Land & Environment Court. August-October. Successful Court outcome. --Nettleton Tribe. The Stables Site. The Priory, Hunters Hill. Archaeological Assessment Report. Section 140 Application. Excavation. June-December.

2000 C01v1MISSIONS --Mirvac/Transfield (Walsh Bay Finance Pty Ltd). Archaeological Site Director: Pottinger and Do\vnshire Streets/Ferry Lane and Pottinger Street/ \\'indn1ill Streets; Walsh Bay Development Project. January-June (on-going). --Architectural Projects: Analysis: 'Vine Lodge', Exeter, NSW. April. --National Trust of Australia (NSW) via Geoffrey Britton (Heritage and Landscape Consultant). Federation Fund. Experiment Fann Archaeological Investigation. ApriL --Clarendon Apartn1ents. 16 Hickson Rd; The Rocks. Archaeological director. October-Nove1nber. Nove1nber Section 160 Application. --Parramatta City Council. Queen \".'harf Re erve. Sea'~ all stud and exca' ations. Sep1eJnber .. Qctobei. --Roads & Traffic Authority. Site recording and excavation supervision. Former cottage site ne&.r Renwick Street, \\1yoming.

1999 C01v1MISSIONS --Continuation of previous reports. January-February. --Henry Kendall Retirement Village Pty Ltd. Ero"'ral Farm. Vincentia. Research and Archaeological Survey. February-March and September. --National Trust of Australia (NSW). Old Governn1ent House~ Parratnatta. Fabric analysis of house. AprilJune. --Gosford City Council: Goodayang Reserve - Point Clare. Preservation/ Interpretive ~1anagement Plan. June-September. --Premier Club Constructions: RSL Club Car Park, Macquarie Street. Septen1ber. --Mirvac/Transfield with Tropman & Tropman. Archaeological Site Director: Pottinger Street area. Walsh Bay Developn1ent Project. October- Decetnber (cant). --Henry Kendall Retiren1ent Village Pty Ltd. Erowal Farm. \'incentia. Interpretation. Decen1ber. --Historic Houses Trust/Hyde Park Barracks Museun1. 'The Convicts' Exhibition. Advice and photographic assistance ( 1orfolk Island).

1998 CO 1M1SSIONS --Australian Heritage Con1n1ission: Archaeological Zoning Plan Cockpit/ Phillipsburgh Historic Site. Con1pleted January 1998. T\\'0 volun1es.


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--Australian Heritage Con1n1ission: Site Survey and Historical \la]ues: Non1inated , ites for the 1ationa) Estate. 1orfolk Island. February. --Gosford City cunei I: Cottage Site: Vlyo1ning. T S\~'. l\1arch/ April. --Clive Lucas & Partners. \'\7a1sh Bay Archaeological Report. 1ay. --Gosford City Council : Point Clair: Stone Footings: June. -- orfolk Island Government: Re-establishing the AJchaeological ~useun1 . Processing and organizing the Archaeological Collection. July-Septe1nber. -- 1orfoJk Island Restoration Program: consultation on Kingston signage and n1ortar analysis of the Bakehouse, Langridge. --Pren1ier Club Constructions: RSL Club Car Park, ~acquarie Street. October. --Geoff Bennett Pty Ltd: Antiquities consultation: Ron1e and Israel. October. --\\7hat Bushcare; Toongabbie. Archaeological Survey of 1790s convict ettlement and government farm . November-Decetnber.

l 997 COMMISSIONS Current Commissions and on-going \Vork: --Parratnatta City Council: Archaeological Report: Hatnbledon Cottage. Septen1ber . --Parramatta Park Trust: Archaeological Zoning Plan. Final draft: February. --Gosford City Council: Old Erina Wharf Report: Pat1 2. Con1pleted February. --Gosford City Council: Historic 'Wyoming' area, Pacific Highway eAiensions. Cotnpleted February. --Gosford City Council: Historic 'Wyoming' area, Pacific Highway extensions. Septen1ber and on-going. --Private: Report on very early settlement site, Rouse Hill area. Completed February. --Dennis & Dennis Investments Pty Ltd· 52 Harris Street. Pyrmont, Archaeology Report. Completed March. --Private Sector Developer: Alpha House, King Street, Newto~'n. Repoti and Expert Witness. NSW Supreme Court. May. --Historic Houses Trust: Rouse Hill House, report on ancient drainage and timber ban1 analysis. Completed June. --Historic Houses Trust: Hyde Park Barracks, Sydney: Mise: studies North Guardhouse, Deputy Superintendent. Completed July. --Architectural Projects: Great Southern Hotel, George Street; Sydney. (Development Application). Cornpleted July. --Australian Heritage Commission: Phillipsburgh Archaeological Zoning Plan~ Jorfolk Island. Current September/October. --Australian Heritage Con11n ission: Heritage notninationu. Norfolk I land. Curreni September/Octobe1 . -- orfolk Island Museums: Advice on the Archaeological Collection ( " 'hich I founded and developed fron1 1981-1989). --National Trust of Australia: Section 60 Appl., for selected test squares. To Norfolk Island September -October. --National Trust Old Government House: Parramatta, Project Team, 1995-2000.

1996 COI\11viTSSIONS --Parrarnatta City Council: major report on the Queens Wharf Reserve. --Parramatta Park Trust: General Section 60 report; Old Kings Oval report; Fencing report: major report on the Heritage Flora and Fauna of the Park; Dairy Precinct, minor vlorks throughout Park 'on call'. --Historic Houses Trust, Hyde Park Barracks; fabric analysis of the Not1h guardhouse. --Gosford City Council· Erina Wharf, report and supervision; Wyoming road extensions impact on Verge designed home and land. --Architectural Projects/City West Development Corporation· 52 Harris Street, Pynnont: supervision and excavation. Parramatta Park Trust· Archaeological Zoning Plan (with Park inventory).

PAST C01vt!\.flSSIONS 1994/1 995: Histotic Houses Trust - 1\1useum of Sydney/First Governn1ent J~ouse, Sydney--senior archaeologist. Parran1atta City Council-principal archaeologist) Dairy Precinct (1790 ), lv1urray Gardens ( 1 790s residentia1); Lun1ber Yard site ( 1790s-ca 1 818) at Parratnatta Park and 11atnb1edon Cottage ( 1824 ). Parramatta. 1ational Trust of Australia (NS\V)--Major report on the

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fabric of Old Governtnent I-1ouse (1 799-), Parra1natta~ and colour schen1e analysis of the Old Governn1ent 1-Iouse plaster dump: \ larious n1inor cotnn1issions based on the Sydney area and Norfolk Island.

l 992-1993: Long-tern1 projects at the H. 'de Park Barracks (Historic Houses 1 rust). J\1ajor site reports for Australian Construction Services (Sydney/Canberra) on Jorfolk Jsland buildings and archaeological sites.

1990-1991: Site assessn1ents and reports, Kingston, Norrolk lsland for Australian Construction Services and the Notfolk Island Ad1ninistration. ~ajar '"'ork on the ten·estrial n1ollusca of Jo1folk Island. Participation in annual global survey of endangered species (Australian Museum).

1987-1989: As for l 990-1991 and including: Australian Bicentennial Authori1y~ Canben·a) as founding director/curator of the Bicentennial Museun1s housing the Sirius and Kingston archaeological and local collections. Conservation/archaeology reports on cutTent Kingston and Arthurs \Tale Historic Area (KA \'I-lA) projects--Comn10n\vealth Governn1ent. Survey of rare indigenous plants; terrestrial n1ollusca; and vveeds. 1981-1986: Co-responsibility 'Nith Philip Cox and Partners under the Inter Departtnental Comn1ittee (IDC) Canberra for the progran1 of conservation of KA VHA buildings (1790s-l 850s) on Norfolk Island. I \Vas responsible for the building analysis. excavation, research and consequent reconunendations, detailed reports and supervision of \VOrks. (Assessed by the IDC; Australian Heritage Commission, Comtnonwealth Department of Administra1ive Services--Construction Group~ Departtnents of Territories and Finance, and the Departn1ent of Housing and Construction). Excavation highlights include the discovery of the 1788 and 1792 footings of the first government houses; identification of a late 1790s house; 180 metre trench through the 1788-1814 township with identifiable strata from 1788; discovery of fossiliferous deposits and Polynesian activity. The bulk of the period was as described above. Other commissions through the Australian Heritage Commission; Norfolk Island Government; National Trust of Australia, Victoria; Victoria Archaeological Survey~ University of Sydney; and local government authorities (Sydney) and private landowners.

1979-1981: N S W Department of Public Works; Department of Planning and Environment of NSW; J M Birmingham/Heritage Council of NSW; University of Sydney; Ryde Municipal Council etc. Excavation and fabric analysis: Hyde Park Barracks and the Old Sydney Mint, Macquarie Street, Sydney. Largely structural and fabric analysis and dating.

1977-1980: Research assistant to David Saunders/Australian HeritaQe Comn1ission. built-environment ~ ,

related research. Ditto J M Birn1inghan1~ University of Sydney. Tutor in H·istorical Archaeology~ University of Sydney (sole tutor~ patt-time~ 'in charge' duties). Postgraduate studies

1973-1977: Undergraduate Research, University of Sydney. Attended all major excavations from 1973, including: Irrawang Pottery; Hill End surveys/ excavations~ and 0 ld Sydney Burial Ground (St Andrews) .

Dr Robert V J P Vannan.

Last updated: 21 February 2003

I STRATHHAVEN PRELIMINARY HERITAGE ASSESSMENT OF HOUSE...

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