Abbotsford, Picton facts for kids

Abbotsford is a very old farm and home located in Picton, a suburb in south-western Sydney, Australia. It is considered a special heritage site. The main buildings were constructed between 1822 and 1908. Today, the main house is mostly a ruin, but the land and remaining structures are protected. It was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 2 April 1999.

A Look Back: Abbotsford's History

How Picton Got Its Name

The town of Picton was named in 1841 by Major Antill. It was named after Sir Thomas Picton, a brave and important general. He was known for his courage and strong personality. Sir Thomas Picton fought alongside the Duke of Wellington in the Peninsular War. He sadly died at the Battle of Waterloo, making him the highest-ranking officer to die there. He was later buried in St. Paul's Cathedral in London.

The Story of Abbotsford Farm

The Abbotsford property covers about 160 hectares (400 acres). It was first claimed in 1822 by George Harper. He was a collector of natural history and an important government surveyor from Scotland. The main part of the house might have been built before he traveled to England in 1827.

George Harper is also believed to have planted many of the special trees here. These trees are quite rare and interesting. The rest of the house was finished before he passed away at Abbotsford in 1841.

In 1865, William Redfern Antill bought the property. He was a local judge and an important early settler. The current Abbotsford House was built around 1908.

The Antill family owned the property until 1952. For a long time, the house was seen as an amazing example of an early Australian farmhouse. It showed how people lived when Australia was first being settled.

By the late 1970s, the house was still mostly unchanged. However, it later suffered from neglect and two fires. These events caused the house to become the ruin it is today.

The Abbotsford Bridge

The original road to Abbotsford House was a straight path. It crossed Race Course Creek using a timber bridge called the Abbotsford Bridge. This bridge was built around 1908.

In 1985, new work began on the road. The old timber bridge was taken down in 1986. It was replaced with the concrete road bridge you see there today. Knowing where the old bridge was helps us understand how the house and its driveway were planned.

What Remains at Abbotsford Today

The Grounds and Gardens

The Abbotsford site has several important parts:

• The main house, which is now in ruins.
• The trees, gardens, and surrounding land.
• An old underground water storage tank.
• A cottage and a brick outhouse, also now in ruins.

Exploring the Old Driveway

The original driveway likely started near a Chinese funeral cypress tree. It followed a straight line, similar to the current drive. You can still see a slight dip in the ground where it used to be. This old path is marked by a line of European trees. These include Lombardy poplars, a hoop pine, a kurrajong, another cypress, and a Bunya pine. Other European trees show where things like a croquet lawn or orchards might have been.

Many of the special trees were probably planted by George Harper. These include rare types like the Chinese funeral cypress and the Bunya pine. There are also field elms, kurrajongs, and other cypress trees. These old trees are a landmark today. They add to the beautiful rural scenery around Picton.

The Old Bridge Site

The original timber bridge crossed Racecourse Creek. This spot is important because it helps us understand the layout of Abbotsford House. It shows how the house and its tree-lined driveway connected to the main roads.

Why the Gardens are Special

The old trees and parts of the gardens are scientifically important. They are a collection of rare plants. They also show how George Harper, a famous natural history collector, influenced the area. These plants help us understand how the farm was set up long ago. They also show how plant collecting was a big part of creating gardens in the early colony.

The Buildings at Abbotsford

The Main House (Now Ruins)

The main house was once a Colonial Georgian brick home. It had a front verandah and side sections that formed a U-shape at the back. The whole house was built on a raised terrace, which was unusual. The main part of the house had five sections under a hip roof.

The house was made of brick on a stone foundation. There were also two brick outbuildings. One was a kitchen and servants' quarters. The other was a smokehouse. Sadly, the main building is now a ruin because of two fires.

Even as ruins, the main farmhouse is important. It connects us to the early settlers like the Harper and Antill families. While its original beauty is gone, the ruins help us learn about early farming life. They are also a well-known part of the Picton landscape.

The Cottage and Brick Outhouse

The cottage was used as living quarters for servants. The brick outhouse was a smokehouse, used for preserving food. These buildings are believed to be from the mid-1800s. They help us understand how the farm worked.

The Underground Water Tank

There is a large brick water tank underground. It is about 3 meters (10 feet) wide. The inside is smooth, and it has a brick dome on top. It still holds water today!

Other Old Discoveries

Besides the water tank, there are other interesting spots for archaeologists. These include the site of an "Old Gaol" or Convict Barracks. There are also lines of stones and remains of old floor surfaces. These ruins and sites offer a chance to learn about the property's past. They can show us how people lived and worked here long ago, including the role of convicts.

Current Condition

As of 2012, the large underground brick water tank is still in good shape. It still holds water. Other areas, like the site of the "Old Gaol" and old floor surfaces, are important for archaeological study.

Changes Over Time

• 1985: The original road to Abbotsford House was extended.
• 1986: The old timber bridge from 1908 was taken down. It was replaced with a new concrete bridge.

Why Abbotsford is a Heritage Site

The Abbotsford property is very important for several reasons. It shows us how the Picton area was settled long ago. It also has strong connections to important early figures like George Harper and the Antill family.

The site is also valuable for archaeology. Digging here could uncover more clues about how this important farm worked. The cottage and brick outbuilding help us understand the farm's layout and purpose.

The ruins of the main farmhouse are significant because of their ties to the Harper and Antill families. Even though the house is no longer complete, the ruins help us imagine and study an early farm. They are also a recognizable feature in the Picton countryside.

The old trees and parts of the gardens are scientifically important. They contain rare plant species. They also show George Harper's interest in collecting natural history. These plants help us understand the farm's structure. They also show how plant collecting was a big part of garden development in the colony.

The mid-19th century cottage and brick outbuilding are important. They help us understand how the homestead group functioned.

The underground water tank is also significant. It helps us understand the whole property. It could also be a source for archaeological research. Old items often fall into wells, giving clues about past residents. Other sites, like the old gaol, are also important for understanding the property's earliest days and the role of convicts.

The location of the old Abbotsford bridge is important too. Knowing where it was helps us understand how Abbotsford House and its driveway were planned in relation to the main roads.

Abbotsford was officially listed on the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 2 April 1999.