The North Shore railway line terminates at Hornsby, where it connects with the Main North line going to Brooklyn, Gosford, Newcastle and eventually the North Coast and Brisbane. The Northern Line was extended from Strathfield to the Hawkesbury in 1886, passing through the present suburb of Hornsby. The station was over three point two kilometres (two miles) from the village of Hornsby (modern day Normanhurst); so in 1895, the station was called Hornsby Junction to avoid confusion. In 1900, the word Junction was dropped and the area around the station became known as Hornsby. Old Hornsby was the name adopted for the present Normanhurst.[2][1]
Mt Wilga Estate dates from an initial purchase in 1907 of 20 hectares (49 acres) at Hornsby by Georgina Clark, wife of the successful Sydney Draper and Retailer, Henry Marcus Clark. Additional purchases of 10.83 hectares (26.75 acres) acres and 18 hectares (45 acres) were made between 1907 and 1908.[1]
In 1908, Clark built a 160-metre (520ft) long suspension bridge over the deep gully which lies between Mt Wilga and Hornsby railway station to facilitate the arrival of guests to the property from Sydney.[1]
Prior to Mt. Wilga, Clark had resided in "Sefton Hall" in Marrickville Road, Dulwich Hill, which was named after a property in England.[1]
Mt. Wilga was reputedly designed by the owner and planned along similar lines to his summer home "Sefton Hall" at Mount Wilson in the northern Blue Mountains. It was intended to be Marcus Clark's winter home. The original garden as planned by Clark reflected an aesthetic of defining the property boundary and main access route as well as concealing the house from direct view and then revealing the house at journey's end. A formal area of the garden was laid out to the north of the house and open paddocks and orchard to the west of the house. To the south and south east was a service area.[1]
However, Clark died in 1913 during the construction of the large single storey Federation Queen Anne style house. It was completed in 1914 by his widow, Georgina Clark. The Clark family resided at Mt Wilga until 1919. Henry's son, Les Clark, built a very similar house "Dulcidene Homestead" in Dubbo.[1]
In 1926, Mrs Georgina M Clark sold the house and a portion of its land to Miss Jessie Hamilton Scott of Hornsby who subdivided the land creating Manor Road. In 1928, the subdivision of Mt Wilga into 67 residential allotments was initiated. The large allotment containing Mt Wilga house remained in private hands until its sale in 1952 to the Commonwealth of Australia for use as a rehabilitation hospital.[1]
In 1948, the property was owned by a Dr Smallpage. The Mt Wilga Rehabilitation Hospital operated between 1952 and 1987. During the 35-year period, the estate and house were altered to accommodate the functions and facilities of a rehabilitation hospital. Several large buildings were constructed on site.[1] During the 1950s, the hospital had a major role in the founding of the Australian Paralympic movement, led by staff members John Grant, Eileen Perrottet, and Kevin Betts.[3]
In 1985, Howard Tanner & Associates (HT&A) prepared 'Mt Wilga, Hornsby NSW: Conservation Management Plan for the Administration Building' for the Commonwealth Department of Housing and Construction. In January 1987, Howard Tanner wrote to the then Heritage & Conservation Branch advising of the impending sale of the property by the Australian Government. In March 1987, HT&A wrote to the Heritage & Conservation Branch making recommendations for a site curtilage based on historic and contemporary conditions.[1]
Mount Wilga House
Concern over the future of the site led to the placement of a Permanent Conservation Order (PCO) #535 over the house and some of the curtilage on 4 September 1987. This is understood to have taken place prior to the sale of the property.[1]
In late 1987, (post PCO listing) Alpha Pacific purchased the site for use as a private rehabilitation hospital, and in July 1988, sought to subdivide the site. The Heritage Council refused the application which sought to reduce the curtilage around Mt Wilga. A modified proposal to subdivide the site into two large allotments was subsequently approved by the Heritage Council. Consequently, Lot 2 DP 792198 was sold in 1990 to the Japan-based Buddhist sect, the Nichiren Shoshu Sokagakkai Australia and run as a Buddhist Cultural Centre.[4] The northern Lot 1 DP 792198 continued to operate as a private hospital.[1]
The original garden as planned by Marcus Clark reflected an aesthetic of defining the property boundary and main access route as well as concealing the house from direct view and then revealing the house at journey's end. The formal area of the garden which existed to the north of the house and open paddocks and orchard to the west of the house were lost during the development of the hospital. The extant grounds to the south and southeast of the house were formerly the service area of the property. In their present state, the grounds reflect the reduction of the gardens and expansion of open lawn areas, the gradual attrition and simplification of planting and the removal of the majority of the trees, associated with the institutional management of the site.[1]
In August 1991, a Conservation Management Plan was prepared by Robertson & Hindmarsh Pty Ltd for Soka Gakkai International Australia, a Buddhist group who made a number of small modifications to the house and outbuildings. These included repainting the interior and exterior of the house, carpeting, refurbishing a former minor building into a women's temple and various services were partially separated from the hospital to the north. Although the group planned further extensions to the temple facilities, they moved from the site in 1999 and these modifications were never initiated.[5][1]
The site was sold to a consortium wanting to construct a SEPP5 aged-care facility.[6][1] From 1999, the site has been vacant, or served once again as a private residence.[1][4]
In August 1999, Scott Robertson of Robertson & Hindmarsh Pty Ltd was engaged by Mirrabeema Project Management on behalf of the Mt Wilga Village Consortium to prepare "Conservation Management Plan of Mt Wilga, 2a Manor Road, Hornsby". At its meeting of 20 January 2000, the Heritage Council provided its general terms of approval to an amended integrated development application. On 9 June 2000, delegated conditional approval was granted to the subsequent section 63 application. On 6 October 2000, delegated conditional approval was granted to a further section 63 application under the Heritage Act.[1]
Since 2006, one residential allotment facing Manor Road (known as Lot 2 in DP 1181742), outside the NSW State Heritage Register curtilage boundary, has been subdivided off the property. This lot was previously occupied by a cottage on the Mount Wilga estate, which was demolished c.2000.[7][1]
The site was sold in 2008 to Austcorp Project No. 1 Pty Ltd.[8] Between 1999 and 2010, a series of unsuccessful attempts by several owners were made to adapt the site for medium-high density retirement living. During this time, many buildings with little heritage significance were demolished and many conservation works to the house were completed.[9][1] The current owners bought the homestead site in 2010. Additions to the hospital were approved in 2011. A four–lot subdivision (three small lots on the southern boundary, one large lot for the house) was withdrawn and later a two–lot subdivision was approved (for the current owners) in 2012.[1] In 2015, a major renovation and extension plan was approved for the current owners with the aim of upgrading the house and grounds to a modern family residence. Approved extensions include under-house garaging for multiple vehicles, a large verandah extension to the southern side of the house, and a swimming pool. A further three lot subdivision (two small lots on the southern boundary, one large lot for the house) was approved in 2017. As of 2023, the homestead is in the hands of the family that purchased the property in 2010.
Description
Site
Federation mansion and garden prominently sited in large grounds[10] on the apex of a long ridge with commanding views of the surrounding countryside, including across the valley to "neighbouring" mansion, Mount Errington.[1]
Garden
The original garden planned by Clark reflected an aesthetic of defining the property boundary and main access route as well as concealing the house from direct view and then revealing the house at journey's end. A formal area of the garden was laid out to the north of the house and open paddocks and orchard to the west of the house. To the south and south east was a service area. Despite subdivision and loss of land to the north and east, a generous area of garden surrounds the house to the east and south. This retains the core of the eastern garden, driveway and a good part of the former service area, including the tennis court, bowling green and site of the former chicken house. Subdivision and redevelopment of the hospital to the north and west has greatly altered much of the estate's land there and encroaches fairly close to the carriage loop and western boundary of Mt. Wilga.[1]
Period elements remaining on the site include border planting around the perimeter of the house.[1]
A grand drive sweeps south-west from Manor Road leading up to a fine circular carriage drive in front (north) of the house (formerly gravel, now bitumen) with central planting plot and dominant Canary Island date palm (Phoenix canariensis) to 14 metres (46ft) high. (This possibly dates from c.1920s as it is not evident in a 1917 photograph). The original long drive sandstone castellated gate arch structure no longer exists – it has been replaced with a modest brick pillar modern steel gates in the hospital era), but an eastern pedestrian entrance constructed of sandstone remains. This eastern entrance is covered by climbing fig (Ficus pumila var. pumila) and retains an intact wrought iron period gate.[1]
Mt Wilga's grounds include large sloping lawn areas to the house's east and south, a tennis court to its east, a bowling green to its south-east and some shrubbery (seemingly reduced in quantity).[1]
Also mature trees on site include two sweet gums (Liquidambar styraciflua), two frangipani (Plumeria rubra) flanking the front steps to the house, a rare jambos/ rose apple (Syzygium jambos) tree on the eastern boundary near the entrance drive, an ironbark tree west of the house (Eucalyptus sp., possibly E.crebra), a NZ flax bush south of the drawing room (Phormium tenax) and a large Chinese wisteria (Wisteria sinensis) on the wire mesh fence of the tennis court.[1]
A weld-mesh boundary fence is modern (dating from the hospital era)[12] and inappropriate to the style of the grounds (LEP).[1]
Residence
Federation mansion with face brick walls, complex steep pitched terracotta tiled roof, tall roughcast chimneys, shingled and half-timbered gables, sandstone verandapiers with simple scalloped timber valences. Unusual cylindrical polished granite colonettes support the timber veranda posts.[1]
The residence is a single storey with a basement and three-storey tower at the roof apex. Original casement windows include projecting bays with leadlight and sculpted sandstone sills. Original doors and other joinery remains. Much of the original interior survives. The residence is prominently sited in large grounds with a number of large trees and a stone gateway (LEP).[1]
Modifications and dates
2007-8: 88 units with basement parking: repairs and maintenance work to preserve the fabric of the building, including the:
removal of glazing to the tower reinstate the lookout at the summit o the tower;
replication of stolen items from the house (using documentary evidence) will improve the presentation of the house and allow an understanding of its decoration. This replication will restore significance that has been lessened by the theft of joinery items and lighting fixtures.
reconstruction of the stone gate will ensure its survival, restore its significance, enable an understanding of is significance as part of Marcus Clark's pedestrian link to Hornsby across the gully, enhance its appearance and ensure public safety;
relaying original tiles on a new slab will prevent subsidence and protect the tiles from substrate collapse; and
rebuilding the north-west corner of the front veranda will ensure the survival, while using the existing timber and stone elements.[6][1]
Heritage listing
As at 18 September 2014, outstanding late Federation Queen Anne style mansion. Impressive multi-level roof with highly decorated gables. Unusual verandah detailing. Generally in good condition. Many interior features of note. Owned by Marcus Clark leading Sydney retailer of the time. Grounds: Remnant garden layout surrounding notable mansion. Mature period trees dated from Federation period. Of regional significance.[1]
Hornsby is a suburb in the Northern Sydney region, or Upper North Shore of Sydney in the state of New South Wales, Australia, approximately 23 kilometres (14 mi) north-west of the Sydney central business district. It is the administrative centre of the local government area of Hornsby Shire.
Hornsby Shire is a local government area situated in Northern Sydney, as well as parts of the Hills District, in the state of New South Wales, Australia. The shire stretches from the M2 Hills Motorway in the south to the Hawkesbury River town of Wisemans Ferry, some 53 kilometres (33 mi) to the north, making it the largest local government council in the Greater Sydney Metropolitan region by total area. As of the 2016 census the shire had an estimated population of 142,667.
Wahroonga railway station is a heritage-listed railway station located on the North Shore line, serving the Sydney suburb of Wahroonga. The station is located in the Ku-ring-gai Council local government area of New South Wales, Australia. It is served by Sydney Trains T1 North Shore line services. It was built from 1890 to 1910 by E. Pritchard & Co., contractor. It is also known as Wahroonga Railway Station group and Pearce's Corner; Noonan's Platform. The property was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 2 April 1999.
Experiment Farm Cottage is a heritage-listed former farm and residence and now house museum at 9 Ruse Street, Harris Park, City of Parramatta, Sydney, Australia. It is one of Australia's oldest standing residences, being built in c.1834. It is located at the site of Experiment Farm, Australia's first European farmstead, which was itself created by Australia's first land grant. It was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 2 April 1999.
Tresco is a heritage-listed residence located at 97 Elizabeth Bay Road, Elizabeth Bay, City of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. It was designed by Thomas Rowe and built by Rowe from 1867 to 1883. The property is privately owned. It was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 2 April 1999. The property has previously functioned as a private residence, navy housing, and homestead and was originally indigenous lands. Before 2004 it was owned by the Royal Australian Navy and served as an official residence for the senior naval officers in New South Wales.
The Manse is a heritage-listed former residence and now community museum at 23 The Avenue, Mount Druitt, City of Blacktown, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. It was probably built by local notable, John Harris. It is also known as Methodist Manse. The property is owned by Blacktown City Council. It was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 2 April 1999.
Merriville House & Gardens is a heritage-listed residence at Eire Way, Kellyville Ridge, City of Blacktown, New South Wales, Australia. It was built from 1817 to 1855. It is also known as Hambledon Cottage, Hambledon and Maryville. It was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 2 April 1999.
The Priory is a heritage-listed former farm, mental health facility, convent and homestead and now building, vacant building and proposed community arts uses at Manning Road, Gladesville in the Municipality of Hunter's Hill local government area of New South Wales, Australia. The main part of The Priory was designed by William Weaver and Henry Hardie Kemp, and built from 1847 to 1874 by Thomas Stubbs, The Marist Fathers in Australia, and Thomas Salter. It is also known as Gladesville Hospital, Gladesville Asylum and The Priory and curtilage. It was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 3 December 2004.
Riverview House is a heritage-listed former orchard and now residence at 135 Marsden Road, West Ryde in the City of Ryde local government area of New South Wales, Australia. It was built from 1860 to 1878 by George Spurway. The property is privately owned. It was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 2 April 1999.
28 Mistral Avenue is a heritage-listed residence located at 28 Mistral Avenue, Mosman in the Mosman Council local government area of New South Wales, Australia. It was designed by E. Jeaffreson Jackson. It is also known as 8 Magic Grove. It was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 2 April 1999.
Babworth House is a heritage-listed former residence and school and now staff accommodation at 103 Darling Point Road, Darling Point in the Municipality of Woollahra local government area of New South Wales, Australia. It was designed in various stages by Mortimer Lewis, Edmund Blacket, and Morrow and De Putron and built from 1912 to 1915 by Messrs W. Gawne and Son. It is also known as Mount Adelaide. The property is privately owned. It was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 13 August 1999.
Site of Ficus superba var. henneana tree is a heritage-listed individual tree at 3-4 Fernleigh Gardens, Rose Bay in the Municipality of Woollahra local government area of New South Wales, Australia. It was planted during 1827. It is also known as Cedar fig, superb fig and Port Hacking fig; formerly part of Fernleigh Castle; The Ferns grounds. It was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 2 April 1999. The identification of the tree is confirmed as the White Fig, not indigenous to Sydney.
Graythwaite is a heritage-listed former private home and former hospital and now school administration building located at 20 Edward Street, North Sydney, North Sydney Council, New South Wales, Australia. It was designed by Goold and Hilling and Edmund Blacket and built from 1858 to 1885 by Aaron Loveridge. It is also known as Graythwaite Nursing Home and Shore School. The property is owned by the Sydney Church of England Grammar School. It was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 1 November 2002.
The Briars is a heritage-listed residence located at 14 Woonona Avenue, in the Sydney suburb of Wahroonga in the Ku-ring-gai Council local government area of New South Wales, Australia. It was designed by Charles H. Halstead. It was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 2 April 1999.
Davisville is a heritage-listed former YWCA women's home, residence and commune and now residence and bed and breakfast at 63-67 Falls Road, Wentworth Falls, City of Blue Mountains, New South Wales, Australia. It was built from 1888 to 1920 by David Davis, Sydney builder. It is also known as Rennie House. It was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 2 April 1999.
Wynstay Estate is a heritage-listed farm located at 68-78 The Avenue, Mount Wilson in the City of Blue Mountains local government area of New South Wales, Australia. It was designed by Richard Wynne and built from 1875 to 1893 by Joseland and Gilling; Turkish Bath house by Earnest A. Bonney. It is also known as The Turkish Bath. The property is privately owned. It was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 12 April 2002.
Broughton Hall is a heritage-listed former residence, convalescent hospital and psychiatric clinic situated in Callan Park, which has its main entrance on Balmain Road, Lilyfield, Inner West Council, New South Wales, Australia. The house, Broughton House or Broughton Hall, was built c. 1841 and variously served as a residence for prominent businessmen and public figures (1841–1914). It is situated within the Callan Park Conservation Area, in Church Street, Lilyfield, near the corner of Wharf Road. It was used as No. 13 Australian Army Hospital during World War I. Other buildings were constructed over time and the precinct was used as the Broughton Hall Psychiatric Clinic (1921–1976). It was merged into Rozelle Hospital along with the adjacent Callan Park Hospital for the Insane in 1976, during which time it became the first premises for the Rivendell Child, Adolescent and Family Unit. Broughton House fell into disuse, suffering severe damage from fire and vandalism. It was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 2 April 1999.
Denfield is a heritage-listed former farm homestead complex, residence, inn and farm and now residence located at Appin Road, St Helens Park in the City of Campbelltown local government area of New South Wales, Australia. It was built in 1837 by John Farley. It was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 2 April 1999.
Macquarie Field House is a heritage-listed former farm, private school and homestead and now residence at Quarter Sessions Road, Macquarie Fields, City of Campbelltown, New South Wales, Australia. It was designed by James Meehan, James Hume and built from 1810 to 1843 by James Meehan ; Mr Burns. It is also known as Macquarie Field House and the Meehan remains; Macquariefield, Macquarie Fields and Macquarie Field. The property is privately owned. It was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 2 April 1999.
Monteith is a heritage-listed residence at located 266 Glebe Point Road in the inner western Sydney suburb of Glebe in the City of Sydney local government area of New South Wales, Australia. It was built in 1890. It was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 2 April 1999.
Austral Archaeology P/L (2014). Historical Archaeological Assessment, Statement of Heritage Impact and Research Design - Mount Wilga and Grounds, 2A Manor Road, Hornsby, NSW.
Godden Mackay Logan; in association with Robertson Hindmarsh Architects (2006). Mount Wilga and grounds 2a Manor Road, Hornsby: conservation management plan.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
Godden Mackay Logan; in association with Robertson Hindmarsh Architects (2006). Mount Wilga and grounds, 2a Manor Road, Hornsby: Heritage Impact Statement.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
Howard Tanner & Associates (HT&A) (1984). Mt Wilga, Hornsby NSW: Conservation Management Plan for the Administration Building.
Noel Bell Ridley Smith & Partners Architects (2014). Addendum to the 2006 Conservation Management Plan for Mount Wilga.
Noel Bell Ridley Smith and Partners (2014). Statement of Heritage Impact - Mt.Wilga, 2A Manor Road, Hornsby.
Pollen, Francis; Healy, Gerald (1988). "Hornsby" section, in The Book of Sydney Suburbs.
Robertson Hindmarsh Architects P/L (1999). Conservation Management Plan of Mt.Wilga, 2a Manor Road, Hornsby.
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