Glenmore, Mulgoa facts for kids

Glenmore is a very old and important property in Mulgoa, a suburb in western Sydney, Australia. It started as a farm and vineyard. Over the years, it was also a private school and a country home. Today, it is a golf club and a place for events.

The property is located at 754-760 Mulgoa Road. It was built between 1809 and 1868. It is also known as Glenmore Heritage Valley Golf and Country Club. This historic site is privately owned. It was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 2 April 1999. This means it is protected because of its special history.

History of Glenmore

Early Land Grants and the Cox Family

The story of Glenmore began in 1809. The Luttrell family received land in the Mulgoa Valley. They sold this land to their neighbor, William Cox, in 1815-1816. William Cox also received another 160 hectares (400 acres) of land in 1809. He used this land for farming, growing fruit, and vineyards.

The Cox family had a strong connection to Glenmore for many years. William Cox owned Glenmore until 1817. He then gave it to his fourth son, George. Later, George's brother, Henry Cox, bought the land in 1823. Henry Cox is the person most linked to the property. By 1825, Henry had a large estate with good land near Mulgoa Creek and the Nepean River.

Building the Homestead and Farm Life

The main house at Glenmore was likely built in 1824-1825. It became the main home for Henry Cox and his family. It was also the central point for his large farming lands. Convicts were used to clear the land. Glenmore was a busy place for many years. It had grapevines, wheat, corn, and food for horses and cattle. Sheep also roamed the property. It was used as a holding farm for animals coming from west of the Blue Mountains. These animals were on their way to markets in Sydney.

In 1850, Henry Cox moved his sheep to another property. His family moved there in 1851. In 1852, Glenmore was sold to his half-brother, Alfred Cox. Alfred then sold it to a merchant named Thomas Sutcliffe Mort in 1853.

The Riley Family and Changes in Farming

In 1854, Thomas Mort sold Glenmore to James Riley. James Riley later became the first Mayor of Penrith in 1871. He made Glenmore his private home.

In the 1860s, farming in the area changed. People started growing more fruit and dairying. This was because the railway arrived in Penrith in 1863. This made it easier to send products to city markets. Around 1868, James Riley added an eastern wing to the house. Glenmore was known for its successful crops and vineyards. James Riley died in 1882. His wife and four daughters continued to live at Glenmore.

From School to Golf Club

In 1891, the estate was put up for sale or rent. It was described as both a home and a working farm. It had 800 hectares (2000 acres), including 200 hectares (500 acres) of forest. It also had good dams and a spring. Around 1904, James Riley's wife, Christina, died. His daughters then started a special girls' school in the house.

In the 1920s, parts of the estate were sold off. By 1929, Glenmore was reduced to its current size. The idea of using it as a golf club came up in 1926. The golf course opened in 1927 with nine holes. In the 1930s, Glenmore also operated as a guest house. It offered activities like tennis, horse riding, swimming, and fishing. The Mulgoa Valley became known for its beautiful scenery and history.

In 1937, the Glenmore Country Club bought the property. They added another nine holes to the golf course in 1938. In 1947, Mary Woodland bought Glenmore and the golf course. She leased it to different people who ran the golf club. In 1959, Glenmore Golf & Country Club bought the business. Mrs. Woodland still owned the land.

Recent History and Changes

In 1975, the National Trust of Australia (NSW) recognized Glenmore as important. In 1978, some changes were made inside the main house. These included adding a new bar and repainting.

Warren Anderson, a property developer, bought Glenmore in 1981. He also bought other large properties. From 1982, a study was done on the Mulgoa Valley. This study focused on protecting its heritage and natural beauty. In 1986, a putting green was built.

In 1993, the current owners, Askhour P/L, bought the property. They made many updates. They re-roofed and repainted the main house. They also changed the old barn into a golf pro shop. A new water pipeline was built from the Nepean River. New entry gates, a driveway, and parking areas were added.

Description of Glenmore

Glenmore is located between Mulgoa Road and Mulgoa Creek. The land gently slopes up from Mulgoa Road to a ridge. The main house is near the center of the property, close to this ridge. Views of the house from the road are partly hidden by trees and the old stone barn.

A driveway from Mulgoa Road leads to the house and barn. Some of the original trees and hedges still remain. The main house is U-shaped. The front part has two stories and faces northeast. One side wing has a wine cellar underneath. The other side wing has one story.

• Early Features: In 1809, it was a 160-hectare (400-acre) rural land grant. The homestead was built around 1824.
• Later Additions: In 1868, an addition was built. There was a large underground wine cellar and a stone barn. From around 1904, it was a school. After the 1920s, parts were sold off. It became a golf club from 1929 and later a function center.
• Original Layout: The original property had orchards, orange groves, vegetable gardens, and flower gardens. It also had three dams and a spring. A double hawthorn hedge lined the gravel entrance drive.

Notable Trees

Glenmore has many old and important trees. These include the Bunya Bunya pine and Chinese elm. In the 1920s, Glenmore was known for its mature trees and "English atmosphere." Other old trees include kurrajong, Queensland kauri, pear, and various conifers.

The surrounding areas have native forests. These include grey box and ironbark trees. Rough-barked apple gums are also found here.

Condition and Changes Over Time

As of 2007, there were still signs of old structures. These included the ruins of a kitchen courtyard from around 1825. There were also parts of old garden walls and evidence of other buildings.

• 1824/5: Glenmore house was built.
• 1845-5: Extensions were made, making the building L-shaped.
• Around 1868: The eastern wing was added for James Riley.
• Around 1904: A girls' school was started in the house.
• Around 1920s: Land was bought and sold, reducing the property to its current size by 1929.
• 1927: The golf course opened with 9 holes.
• 1938: Another 9 holes were added. In the 1930s, it was a golf course and guest house.
• 1978: Internal changes were made to the main house. A new bar was installed, and the patio was enlarged.
• 1986: A putting green was built in front of the house.
• 1993: The main house was re-roofed and repainted. An old side verandah was removed. The barn was changed into a golf pro shop. A new water pipeline, electrical system, and entry gates were built. New parking areas and other buildings were also added.

Why Glenmore is Important (Heritage Listing)

Glenmore is a very important historical site. It is part of a rural landscape that shows how farming developed in Australia. This area was first settled by the pioneering Cox family in the early 1800s.

Historical Importance

• Early Farming History: Glenmore shows how farms developed in Australia, especially in the Mulgoa Valley.
• Surviving Early Property: It is one of the few remaining houses from the very first period of development in the Mulgoa Valley.
• Family Connections: It is closely linked to the Cox family, who played a big part in the early days of the colony. It is also connected to the Riley family, who were important in the history of the Penrith area.
• Tourism: In the early 1900s, Glenmore helped make the Mulgoa Valley a popular place for tourists. This was because of its history and beauty.

Architectural and Landscape Importance

• Old Country Home: The house and garden parts that remain are a rare example of an early 19th-century country home. It has been changed over time for different uses.
• Archaeological Value: There might be hidden evidence of other old buildings and structures on the site. This is important because there isn't much written information about the old homestead.
• Beautiful Views: Glenmore has great views and is a landmark on Mulgoa Road. The house, barn, and large trees can be seen from many places.

Special Features

Some parts of Glenmore are especially important:

• Underground Areas: This includes cellars and spaces under the floor built before 1920.
• Main House and Barn Rooms: All rooms in the main house and barn built before 1920.
• Old Structures: This includes old masonry (stone and brick) walls, fireplaces, and verandah steps built before 1920.
• Old Trees and Gardens: Trees and shrubs planted before 1920, and old paths and driveways.

Views that are especially important include:

• Views of the house, gardens, and other buildings from Mulgoa Road.
• Views from the main house towards the creek.
• Views between the main house and the barn.
• The approach to the main house along the original driveway.

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

See also

• List of heritage houses in Sydney