Rosemount, Saratoga facts for kids
Rosemount is a special old house located in Saratoga, New South Wales, Australia. It was built in 1917 and is considered a very important historical building. Because of its history and unique style, Rosemount is protected as a heritage site on the New South Wales State Heritage Register.
Quick facts for kids Rosemount |
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| Location | 36 Village Road, Saratoga, Central Coast, New South Wales, Australia |
| Built | 1917 |
| Official name: Rosemount | |
| Type | state heritage (built) |
| Designated | 2 April 1999 |
| Reference no. | 286 |
| Type | House |
| Category | Residential buildings (private) |
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Contents
History of Rosemount
Early Settlement in Saratoga
Saratoga, like many towns near Brisbane Water, became a popular holiday spot. This happened after the railway line was built. A specific area, called the New Brighton Estate, was divided into smaller pieces of land. Some were small plots near the water. Others were larger blocks for orchards and farms.
The Bourke Family and Citrus Farming
John Bourke moved to the Saratoga area in 1863. He was one of the first people to grow citrus fruits for sale on the Central Coast. Most of the larger farm blocks in the New Brighton Estate were bought by the Bourke family. They used this land to grow even more citrus.
Building Rosemount
Rosemount was built around 1917. It was on a 16-acre (about 6.5 hectare) piece of land. This land belonged to Martin and Mary Bourke. Mary's maiden name was Callen. Her father, Peter Callen, gave the building materials for the house as a wedding gift to his daughter.
Peter Callen had left Saratoga when he was young. He moved to the Stockton area near Newcastle. There, he started a very successful business building boats. Many of the workers who built Rosemount were employees from his boat-building company.
Land Donations
Martin Bourke gave some of his land to the local council. This land was used to create a road, which is now called Steyne Road East. He also donated land for a Catholic church. This land was at the corner of High Street and Brooklyn Road.
However, the church could not be built there because there wasn't enough parking. The land was then sold. The money from the sale was used to buy a new site on Davistown Road, where the Catholic Church now stands.
Protecting Rosemount
In March 1983, Molly Broad applied for special protection for Rosemount. Molly was Peter Callen's granddaughter and the owner of the house at the time. Rosemount was at risk of being divided into smaller plots of land. This was due to its zoning and the high local rates and state land taxes.
To protect it, a "Permanent Conservation Order" was placed on the property on December 2, 1983. This order helps keep the house and land safe from major changes. Rosemount was then added to the State Heritage Register on April 2, 1999.
What Rosemount Looks Like
Rosemount is an impressive house built in a style called "late Federation." It sits on a corner block of land, about 0.5 hectares in size, in Saratoga. The house is surrounded by beautiful gardens.
It also has features of a "Californian bungalow" style. These include its wooden outer walls, single pointed roofs (called gables), and short, wide brick pillars on its porch (verandah).
Part of the garden has small walls made of sandstone blocks. These stones have an interesting history. They were originally cut by convicts to build a house for the officer in charge of the area long ago. Later, they were moved to Rosemount. Some citrus trees, like those grown by the Bourke family, still grow on the property today.
As of December 2007, the building was in good condition.
Why Rosemount is a Heritage Site
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Rosemount was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on April 2, 1999. This means it meets certain important standards. Here's why it's considered special:
Connection to Important Families
Rosemount is a historical landmark in the Saratoga area. It is strongly connected to the Callen and Bourke families. These two families were pioneers, meaning they were among the first important landowners in the Davistown and Saratoga areas. Their history is part of the history of New South Wales.
Unique Style and Beauty
Rosemount is a rare and well-preserved example of a "late Federation" style house on the Central Coast. It is located on a corner block of about 0.5 hectares. The house's landscaped gardens are a key part of its beauty. It combines features of the "Californian bungalow" style, like its wooden walls, single gables, and short brick pillars on the verandah. Rosemount is a landmark because of its unique look.
Rare Example of Architecture
Rosemount is considered rare because it is a very complete and original example of a late Federation style house on the Central Coast. This makes it an important part of New South Wales's cultural history.
