Camelot, Kirkham facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Camelot |
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Camelot, c. 1900.
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| Alternative names | Kirkham |
| General information | |
| Status | Complete |
| Type | Mansion |
| Architectural style | Late Victorian |
| Location | Kirkham Lane, Narellan, New South Wales |
| Country | Australia |
| Coordinates | 34°02′15″S 150°42′25″E / 34.0375802393°S 150.7068807110°E |
| Named for | Camelot |
| Construction started | 1881 |
| Completed | 1888 |
| Client | James White |
| Design and construction | |
| Architect | John Horbury Hunt |
| Official name | Camelot, Camelot Gardeners Lodge, Camelot Stables |
| Type | Historic |
| Designated | 21 March 1978 |
| Reference no. | 3236, 3237, 3238 |
| Official name | Camelot; Kirkham |
| Type | State heritage (complex / group) |
| Criteria | a., b., c. |
| Designated | 2 April 1999 |
| Reference no. | 385 |
| Type | Mansion |
| Category | Residential buildings (private) |
Camelot is a beautiful, historic large home located in Narellan, a suburb of Sydney, Australia. It was once a residence and a place where racehorses were bred. This amazing building was designed by a famous architect named John Horbury Hunt and was built between 1881 and 1888. It is also known by its original name, Kirkham. Camelot is so special that it is listed on the heritage list in New South Wales, meaning it's protected because of its historical importance.
This grand house was finished in 1888. Its style is called Late Victorian, which was popular during the time of Queen Victoria. You might have even seen Camelot before, as it has been used as a filming location for TV shows and movies!
Contents
Discovering Camelot's Past
Early Land and Owners
Long ago, the land where Camelot stands was home to the Muringong people, who are part of the Darug Aboriginal group. In 1805, a man named John Macarthur started a sheep farm nearby. Later, in 1810, an explorer named John Oxley was given land. He named his property Kirkham, after his hometown in England.
Oxley built a homestead and stables in 1816. The stables are still there today, but the original house was taken down in 1882.
James White and the Horse Racing Connection
The Camelot mansion you see today was designed by John Horbury Hunt for James White. James White was an important politician in New South Wales. The house was finished in 1888, built partly on the foundations of Oxley's old mill.
There's a cool story that says the money to build Camelot came from one of James White's racehorses. The horse, named Chester, won the famous Melbourne Cup race in 1877!
James White bought the property in the 1870s. It became his main place for breeding racehorses. He was very successful, and his horses won many important races between 1877 and 1890. White's love for horse racing was shared by his wife, Emily Elizabeth.
The Faithfull-Anderson Family and the Name Change
Around 1900, the Faithfull-Anderson family bought the property. It was originally called Kirkham. However, a new owner, Frances Faithfull-Anderson, changed its name to Camelot.
She was inspired by lines from a poem called The Lady of Shalott by Tennyson. The poem mentions a magical place called Camelot, and the house reminded her of it.
Frances Faithfull-Anderson lived at Camelot for most of her life. She was known for being very involved in her community. She helped many local causes, like the Red Cross. Before the Great Depression, she hosted big parties. During World War II, she even offered money to the government to buy aircraft for Australia's defense.
Modern Times at Camelot
In 1999, Camelot was bought by its current owners, Brendan and Rachel Powers.
You might have seen Camelot on screen! It was used a lot in the TV series A Place to Call Home, where it was called Ash Park. It also appeared in the 2008 movie Australia, starring Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman.
Exploring Camelot's Design
The Beautiful Garden
Camelot is surrounded by a large garden. It was designed in the late 1800s and changed a bit in the early 1900s. The garden has shrubberies, flower beds, and a vegetable patch. It's all enclosed by a big hedge made of olive trees.
A curving driveway leads from the entrance gates to the house. These gates actually came from another historic property! The front of the house looks out over a grassy lawn and pretty flower beds. Beyond the house, you can still see hints of old orchards and vegetable gardens.
The Unique Buildings
Camelot was one of the last buildings designed by John Horbury Hunt using his favorite material: red brick. The main house is very distinctive. It has many interesting features like bay windows, tall chimneys, balconies, and pointed roof sections called gables. It even has small towers called turrets!
The property also includes other unique buildings:
- An old stable from 1816 (built by John Oxley).
- A cottage built in 1881.
- Newer stables and a smokehouse from around 1881.
- The main mansion, built in 1888.
The stables are the largest ever designed by Hunt. They have a grand, church-like roof and a special timber floor for easy cleaning. There's also a beehive-shaped smokehouse nearby. The gardener's lodge is another important building on the property.
Inside the main house, a small entry area opens into a large hall. This hall leads to the dining room and a drawing room, both with verandahs. The morning room has a unique bay window. At the back of the ground floor, there's a ballroom with a special alcove for musicians.
One of the most unusual features is the main staircase. Its landing sticks out from the wall and forms the base of a round tower. This tower has a cone-shaped roof, like a candle snuffer, with a decorative top piece called a finial.
Condition and Changes
As of 2015, the garden around Camelot is very overgrown. Only the lawns and flower beds right near the house are well-kept.
Over the years, some parts of Camelot have been updated:
- The original stables were built in 1816.
- The cottage and new stables were added around 1881.
- The main mansion was completed in 1888.
- The Faithfull-Anderson family bought the property around 1900.
- The servants' quarters have been recently fixed up and restored.
Why Camelot is Special
Heritage Significance
Camelot is considered one of the best country houses designed by architect John Horbury Hunt. It is still in excellent condition and looks much like it did when it was built. The large garden, with its old trees and original design, also adds to its importance.
Camelot is listed on the New South Wales State Heritage Register. This means it's recognized for its historical and cultural value.
A Place of Horse Racing History
Camelot is very important because of its connection to horse racing. James White used it as his main stud farm. He bred many champion racehorses here, including famous Derby winners like Nordenfeldt and Chester.
James White greatly helped improve horse racing in Australia. He was even the chairman of the Australian Jockey Club for many years. His horses won many major races. The Anderson Faithfull family also had an interest in horse racing and might have continued to use Camelot as a stud farm.
A Masterpiece of Design
Camelot is a truly unique and beautiful house. It has been called a "fairy castle" because of its complex roof with gables and turrets. The inside of the house also has special features, like the main staircase and stained glass windows. Even the stables are very fancy for their purpose, yet they were designed to be very practical.
The Camelot mansion, along with its gardener's lodge, stables, and gardens, is also listed by the Camden Council as a heritage site. It was also listed on the former Register of the National Estate in 1978.
Gallery
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Camelot
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The stables of the original Kirkham property
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