Edinglassie (New South Wales) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Edinglassie |
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Heritage boundaries
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| Location | 710 Denman Road, Muswellbrook, Muswellbrook Shire, New South Wales, Australia |
| Built | 1880–1895 |
| Architect | John Horbury Hunt |
| Architectural style(s) | Italianate |
| Official name: Edinglassie | |
| Type | State heritage (landscape) |
| Designated | 2 April 1999 |
| Reference no. | 170 |
| Type | Homestead Complex |
| Category | Farming and Grazing |
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Edinglassie is a special old farm and homestead (main house) located in Muswellbrook, Australia. It's considered important because of its history and unique design. The main house was built between 1880 and 1895. It was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 2 April 1999, which means it's protected for future generations.
The Story of Edinglassie
Early Land Ownership
The land where Edinglassie stands was originally a huge area called Portion 4. This land was officially given to a man named George Forbes on August 1, 1839. It was a very large piece of land, about 1280 acres (518 hectares). Even before it was officially granted, people had been living and working on this land for many years.
Building the Homestead
The main house at Edinglassie is a two-storey building made of sandstone. It has a hipped iron roof, which means the roof slopes down on all sides. The house was built in a style called Italianate, which was popular at the time.
It was built in two main stages:
- Around 1880
- Around 1895
The house was built for James White, who was an important person in the area. A famous Australian architect named John Horbury Hunt designed this beautiful home.
What Edinglassie Looks Like
The Main House and Grounds
To reach the Edinglassie house, you pass through old iron gates. The grounds around the house are very well-kept and have many large, old trees. Some of these trees are from Queensland, brought from other properties owned by the White family.
The homestead is set back from the road, hidden behind a long line of trees. This careful placement of the house in the landscape is a very important part of its design.
The two-storey sandstone house has a hipped iron roof. Each side of the house is not perfectly balanced, with a large bay (a part of the house that sticks out) on each side. There's a continuous veranda (a covered porch) on the ground floor. This veranda was once two storeys high on the east and south sides. It is supported by cast iron columns.
Inside the Homestead
The main house has fourteen important rooms. These rooms feature different types of pressed metal ceilings, which are decorative metal panels. You'll also find beautiful fireplaces made of marble and timber. All the fine woodwork, called joinery, is made of cedar and has been carefully restored.
Other Buildings on the Property
A timber bridge connects the main house to a two-storey service wing. This wing has the original kitchen. Close to the house are the stables, which are buildings for horses. These stables were also designed by John Horbury Hunt and built in the 1880s. They are made of timber and look very impressive together.
Other buildings on the property include:
- A meat house
- A killing shed
- A dovecote (a building for doves or pigeons)
Changes Over Time
Like many old properties, Edinglassie has seen some changes. For example, in 2004, a power line was installed across the front of the property. This meant three trees had to be removed:
- One yellow box tree (Eucalyptus melliodora), about 40-45 years old and 12 meters tall.
- Two Lombardy poplar trees (Populus nigra Italica), which are native to Italy, about 10-14 years old and 5 meters tall.
Why Edinglassie is Important
Edinglassie is a very special place for many reasons, as recognized by its heritage listing.
Historical Connections
The Edinglassie property, including the main house and other buildings like Rous Lench cottage, is strongly linked to the very first European settlers in the area. It shows how the land was settled and developed in the early days of the Hunter Valley.
Showing Human Activities
The property helps us understand different activities that took place there over time, such as:
- Settling and clearing the land
- Managing water supplies
- Raising sheep and cattle
- Developing special cattle breeding
- Recreation
- Growing grapes (viticulture)
- Breeding horses
Architectural Significance
The Edinglassie homestead and its other buildings are excellent examples of their architectural style. They show how buildings were designed and built during that period.
Design and Landscape
The way Edinglassie is designed and placed in the landscape is very special. It shows an "Arcadian design approach," which means structures and elements are arranged to create a beautiful, peaceful, and natural-looking scene. This type of design is rare in the region.
Important People
Edinglassie is connected to several important people:
- George Forbes: The first person to officially own the land. He was one of the "gentry" (wealthy and important people) who settled the area early on.
- The White Family: A very important family in the region's history. They were leaders in farming and helped develop the area. Edinglassie shows the rich and grand lifestyles of these leading families.
- John Horbury Hunt: A significant Australian architect who designed the homestead.
Community Landmark
Edinglassie is a well-known landmark in the area. It has been a central point for the community for many generations, since the late 1800s. The property also has old evidence hidden in the ground that can help us learn more about how people lived in the past.
The way the homestead is placed in the landscape is a key part of its importance.
Edinglassie was officially listed on the New South Wales State Heritage Register on April 2, 1999.
