Marika, Hunters Hill facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Marika, Hunters Hill |
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| Location | 46 Ryde Road, Hunters Hill, Municipality of Hunter's Hill, New South Wales, Australia |
| Built | 1904 |
| Architectural style(s) | Federation |
| Official name: Marika; Rye | |
| Type | State heritage (built) |
| Designated | 2 April 1999 |
| Reference no. | 300 |
| Type | House |
| Category | Residential buildings (private) |
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Marika is a special old house located at 46 Ryde Road in Hunters Hill, Australia. It is officially listed as a heritage-listed residence. This means it is an important historical place that needs to be protected. The house was built in 1904 and is also known as Rye. It was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 2 April 1999.
Contents
Discovering Marika's Past
First Peoples of Hunters Hill
Before European settlers arrived, the land around Kelly's Bush was home to the Wal Umedegal Clan. These Indigenous people spoke the Guringai language. They lived by fishing and collecting shellfish from the water. They also ate vegetables, small marsupials, birds, and grubs. The Wal Umedegal people often used fire to clear the land. This helped them access the foreshore and find animals for food. We don't know much about their social customs or spiritual beliefs.
How Hunters Hill Grew
In 1788, Captain John Hunter explored and mapped Sydney Harbour. He was the Governor of the Colony from 1795 to 1800. Hunters Hill was named after him.
Around 1855, some special houses were built in Hunters Hill. These were four prefabricated Swiss Cottages. Many early buildings in Hunters Hill were built by people of French descent. The area even had the French consul's home, called "Passy." These new houses were advertised as "splendid family residences." They each had about one acre of land with plenty of wood and water.
This group of houses was the first planned development in Hunters Hill. It helped start the area's reputation as a "garden suburb." A garden suburb is a place with lots of green spaces and gardens. Hunters Hill became Australia's oldest garden suburb.
The Story of Marika House
The land where Marika stands was first granted in 1835 to Frederick Augustus Hayne. In 1902, he sold the land to Dr. Leopold Augustus Carter, a dentist. The house was built in 1904. It was listed as being in Ryde in an old directory from that year.
In 1938, Dr. Carter sold Marika to the Caveneagh family. They owned the house until about 1981. From 1981 to 1983, Marika was carefully restored to its original beauty.
Marika was given a special protection order on 2 December 1983. This order helps keep the house safe for the future. It was officially added to the State Heritage Register on 2 April 1999.
Exploring Marika's Design
The Grounds and Gardens
Marika is located on a high spot at a bend in Ryde Road. It sits on two large blocks of land. You can still see parts of the original formal garden design. This includes old, tall trees, flower beds, and pathways.
The House Itself
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The house is a great example of the Federation style of architecture. This style was popular in Australia in the early 1900s. Marika is built from timber and has a galvanised iron roof. It shows amazing timber craftsmanship and detailed work.
Look closely and you'll see:
- Colorful glass panels in the windows and doors.
- Fancy timber details on the decorative gables (the triangular parts of the roof).
- Window hoods over the verandah at the sides and back.
- Bay windows on the northern side.
- Unique designs on the chimneys.
How Marika Looks Today
As of January 2013, the house was in excellent physical condition.
Changes Over Time
- 1981-1983: The house was restored and renovated.
- 1993: A tennis court and garage were built on the property.
Why Marika is Heritage Listed
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Marika was built in 1904 and is an outstanding example of the Federation style of architecture. It still shows amazing timber craftsmanship and detailed work. People say it was built by a skilled joiner (a person who builds with wood). This means it has a level of quality and detail that is rarely seen.
The house is in a very noticeable spot on a hill at a corner of Ryde Road. It covers two large pieces of land. You can still see parts of the original garden layout, including old trees, flower beds, and paths.
Marika was officially added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 2 April 1999. This listing helps protect this important piece of history for everyone to enjoy.
