Northwood House, Northwood facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Northwood House |
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Northwood House, hidden behinds its front garden
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| Location | 1 Private Road, Northwood, Municipality of Lane Cove, New South Wales, Australia |
| Built | 1878 |
| Architect | Edmund Blacket |
| Official name: Northwood House & Cottage | |
| Type | State heritage (built) |
| Designated | 2 April 1999 |
| Reference no. | 440 |
| Type | Mansion |
| Category | Residential buildings (private) |
| Builders | John and James Eaton |
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Northwood House is a beautiful old home in Northwood, Australia. It was built in 1878 and designed by a famous architect named Edmund Blacket. This house is so important that the whole suburb of Northwood was named after it!
Over the years, Northwood House has been many things. It was once a private home for important families. During World War II, it even became a school for children who needed special care. Today, it is still a residence, but it is also protected as a heritage-listed site. This means it's a special place that helps us understand the past.
Contents
The Story of Northwood House
Northwood House was built in 1878 for a woman named Mrs. Jane Davy. The famous architect Edmund Blacket designed it. Two brothers, John and James Eaton, built the house.
How Northwood Got Its Name
In 1874, Mrs. Davy bought a large piece of land, about 34 acres, near the Lane Cove River. She later added even more land. This area is now the suburb of Northwood, and it got its name from her house!
The home had its own private dock on Gore Bay. Later, a public ferry wharf was built nearby for the family and the community. Mrs. Davy also gave three acres of her land to the local council to create a park at Northwood Point.
Important People Who Lived Here
Mrs. Davy was part of the well-known Dawson family from Neutral Bay. She was very involved in the community life of Lane Cove. Her son, William, became an Alderman, which is like a local council member. Her son-in-law, Joseph James Neave, was a prominent Quaker (a member of a Christian group known for peace and social justice). Mrs. Davy even built a house next door for him called "Burdoe."
Joseph James Neave was quite famous! In 1899, he helped a group of people called the Dukhobors. They were being treated unfairly in Russia, and he worked with the author Leo Tolstoy and the Russian Tsar to help them move safely to Canada.
New Owners and Changes
After Mrs. Davy passed away in 1903, Northwood House and its land were sold. The land was divided into 48 smaller blocks. In 1905, a man named Abdul Wade bought the house. He was a naturalized British citizen, originally from Afghanistan.
Abdul Wade was a successful businessman. He was involved in camel transport, mining, salt production, and wool growing. He also owned a large farm called Wangamana Station. Abdul Wade lived in Northwood House for several years with his wife, Emily, and their six children.
There was a rumour that he lost the house in a poker game. However, records show that he actually divided the property and sold off parts of it before leaving Australia in 1923. Around 1919, the original shingle roof of the house was replaced with tiles. A new two-story verandah, made of stucco (a type of plaster) and shingles, was also added.
Many important families have owned Northwood House since then. During World War II, the owners used it as a school for children who needed special care and support.
Protecting the House
Because Northwood House is so important, steps were taken to protect it. In 1984, a temporary order was put in place to stop parts of the grounds from being sold or the stables from being knocked down. Then, in 1986, a permanent order was made to protect the house and ensure it would be looked after. On April 2, 1999, it was officially added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register.
What Northwood House Looks Like
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Northwood House is a two-story building made of strong sandstone blocks. It has a tiled roof. In the past, it also had separate buildings for a kitchen, an office, stables for horses, and a dairy for milk.
Updates Over Time
- In 1985, the Heritage Council approved plans to add a three-car garage and a cellar (an underground room).
- In 1986, they also approved plans for restoration work, changes, additions, and new landscaping around the house.
Why Northwood House is Special
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Northwood House, built in 1878, is a great example of the homes designed by Edmund Blacket, who was a very important architect in New South Wales.
This house is famous because the suburb of Northwood was named after it. For almost 100 years, it was the most important house and a center for social events in the area. Many important people lived there, including Mrs. Jane Davy, who was a member of the well-known Dawson family and played a big part in the life of Lane Cove.
Northwood House was officially listed on the New South Wales State Heritage Register on April 2, 1999. This means it's a protected site because of its historical importance.
See also
- Edmund Blacket
