Aberglasslyn House facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Aberglasslyn House |
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Aberglasslyn House, 2009
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| Location | Aberglasslyn Road, Aberglasslyn, City of Maitland, New South Wales, Australia |
| Built | 1840–1842 |
| Architect | John Verge |
| Owner | Ken & Jill Dobler |
| Official name: Aberglasslyn; Aberglasslyn Homestead | |
| Type | state heritage (built) |
| Designated | 2 April 1999 |
| Reference no. | 195 |
| Type | House |
| Category | Residential buildings (private) |
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Aberglasslyn House is a very old and important house in Aberglasslyn, Australia. It was once a home and even a boarding school. A famous architect named John Verge designed it. The house was built between 1840 and 1842. It is also known as Aberglasslyn or Aberglasslyn Homestead. Because of its history and design, it was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on April 2, 1999. This means it is protected and recognized as a special place.
Contents
The Story of Aberglasslyn House
Early Days and First Owners
The land where Aberglasslyn House stands was first given to Henry D. Owens in 1823. He started building a cottage there in 1824. A few years later, in 1828, Sir John Jameison bought the property. During this time, the name "Aberglasslyn" started to be used for the estate.
In 1835, a man named George Hobler leased the land. He liked it so much that he bought it in 1836 for a lot of money – 5,000 pounds!
Building the Grand House
George Hobler wanted to build a grand house. He hired a famous architect, John Verge, to design it. Construction began in 1840. Hobler even wrote in his diary about laying the first stone.
However, building a big house was expensive. In the early 1840s, there was a big financial problem in the colony. Many people, including Hobler, lost their money. Because of this, Hobler had to stop building in 1842. He had only finished some parts of the house, like the entrance hall and a few rooms. The rest was left unfinished.
New Owners and Finishing Touches
Hobler stayed on the property until 1845, even though it was sold in 1843. In 1846, William Nicholson leased the estate. He later bought it in 1853. Nicholson then worked to finish the house, making the unfinished parts livable. This work was likely done by 1858.
After the house was finished, it was leased to Walter Hall and his sisters. They used it as a boarding school for students. The house stayed in the Nicholson family until 1910. Later, it passed to the McKeachie family through marriage.
Recent History and Protection
By 1966, the house was getting old and needed repairs. The McKeachie family sold it to Mr. Jackson. In 1977, the land was divided into smaller parts. Mr. and Mrs. Phillip Jones bought the house and two of the land lots. They did a lot of important work to fix up and save the house.
Since 1983, Aberglasslyn House has had a few different owners. It remains a very important historical building in New South Wales.
What Aberglasslyn House Looks Like
Aberglasslyn House is a large, two-story house. It sits on a beautiful spot overlooking the Hunter River. The house is made from a special stone called Ravensfield sandstone. Its roof is made of slate.
Design and Features
The house has a rectangular shape. Its design is similar to grand English homes from the late 1700s and early 1800s. Inside, the rooms are well-sized and arranged around a central square hall. This hall has a unique staircase that curves under a round dome.
Because of the financial problems in the 1840s, the house was not fully completed as planned. For example, some planned single-story sections at the back were never built. Also, some of the fancy decorations inside were not finished.
Later, in the 1850s, the unfinished parts were completed in a simpler style. Two-story verandahs with cast iron columns were added. These replaced the single-story colonnade that was originally planned.
Quality and Importance
The materials used to build the house, like the Ravensfield stone and cedar wood, were of the highest quality. The house still has old wallpapers and paint, showing how people lived and what they liked back then. It also has old features like bells and an early water system.
Aberglasslyn House is located very close to the Hunter River. It offers wide views of the countryside. It stands out as an important European building in the Australian landscape. When it was listed as a heritage site, it was in good condition. Experts believe there might be more historical items buried on the property.
Why Aberglasslyn House is Important
Aberglasslyn House is considered one of the best examples of the Greek Revival style of architecture in Australia. This style was popular in the 18th century.
A Look into History
The way the house was built, especially its unfinished parts, shows us a lot about the past. It tells us about the high hopes of early settlers in the 1830s. It also shows how hard the economic crash of the 1840s was. The house is also one of the earliest known examples in Australia of a home designed with an advanced water and drainage system for its time.
It is one of several important buildings from before 1850 in the Maitland area. The house and its location also show how land was settled and farmed in the Maitland region long ago.
Amazing Design and Craftsmanship
The house has some very special and unique features. These include its domed stairwell and the geometric staircase, which are considered one-of-a-kind in Australia. It is also one of only a few villas from before 1850 in Australia that was designed with a terrace wall and a central staircase, similar to famous European designs.
Many experts believe this place is one of the most culturally important sites in Australia. In its region, it is seen as a historical landmark. The house is a great example of the skills of 19th-century builders. You can see this in the quality of the stonework, brickwork, wood, and other details.
Learning from the Past
The way the stone geometric staircase was built is unique in Australia. The design of its early water system is also special. The house is one of the best examples of how Ravensfield stone was used. Because the building was left incomplete, it gives us a rare chance to study the excellent building techniques of the 19th century.
Aberglasslyn House was listed on the New South Wales State Heritage Register on April 2, 1999, because it meets several important criteria. It helps us understand the history of New South Wales, shows great artistic and technical skill, has a special meaning for the community, and can teach us more about the past.
