Roseneath, Armidale facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Roseneath |
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Location | 36 Roseneath Lane, Armidale, Armidale Regional Council, New South Wales, Australia |
Official name: Roseneath | |
Type | state heritage (built) |
Designated | 2 April 1999 |
Reference no. | 63 |
Type | House |
Category | Residential buildings (private) |
Builders | Thomas Lamb |
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Roseneath is a very old and special house located at 36 Roseneath Lane in Armidale, New South Wales, Australia. It was built by a man named Thomas Lamb. This historic home was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 2 April 1999, which means it's officially recognized as an important part of history.
Contents
The Story of Roseneath House
Who Built Roseneath?
Thomas Lamb was the very first Town Clerk of Armidale. This job was like being the main helper for the town's leaders. In May 1854, he was given a large piece of land, about 24 acres. That same year, he built a two-story house for his family on this land and named it Roseneath.
Roseneath's Owners Over Time
Thomas Lamb later sold Roseneath to John McNeill Simpson. Mr. Simpson was a surveyor, someone who measures land. In 1866, Simpson bought even more land. This made the Roseneath property much bigger, growing to 144 acres.
In 1877, a woman named Agnes Scott bought Roseneath. Her granddaughter, Marion Glas Connal, later married John Adam McDonald. He was a lawyer in Armidale. From 1879 until 1966, Roseneath was the family home for the McDonald family.
Restoring a Historic Home
In 1966, the McDonald family decided to divide the land. They kept a 20-acre block for themselves. The house, its gardens, and other small buildings were on a 4-acre block. In 1967, Mr. and Mrs. Henderson bought this 4-acre block. They began the important work of restoring Roseneath to its original beauty.
In 1978, there was a plan to build a new shop next to the old house. This shop would sell antique furniture. People worried that the new building might harm the historic look of Roseneath. To protect the house, a special order was put in place on 27 October 1978.
Later, in November 1978, the plan for the new shop was approved. It would be built at the back of Roseneath. On 20 March 1981, a permanent order was placed on Roseneath. This order made sure the house would be protected forever. Finally, on 2 April 1999, Roseneath was officially added to the State Heritage Register.
What Roseneath Looks Like
The House's Design
Roseneath is built in a style called Colonial Georgian. This means it has a balanced and classic look. The house is made of brick, covered with a smooth finish, and sits on a strong stone foundation.
The main entrance is in the middle of the house. It has heavy double doors with colorful glass around them. On the first floor, there's a balcony called a verandah. It has a light timber railing with a criss-cross pattern. Inside, the house has a beautiful cedar staircase and hallways with excellent wooden details.
Gardens and Other Buildings
The house is surrounded by a formal garden. This garden was designed around the same time the house was built. It features two special trees: Bunya Bunya pines and Sierra redwoods. There are also elm trees and wisteria vines, with tiled paths winding through the garden.
Around the main house, there are other old buildings. These include a smokehouse, an outhouse (an old-fashioned toilet building), and the stables. The stables are made of stone with a wooden roof covered in metal.
Why Roseneath is Special
Roseneath is a very important house in Armidale. It was built by Thomas Lamb in 1854. Many people believe it is the oldest large home in the Armidale area. It is also unique because there are no other houses quite like it nearby.
Roseneath is a great example of its style and time period. It still has its beautiful formal garden and other old buildings.
A Glimpse into History
Roseneath helps us understand the history of New South Wales. It shows us what homes were like in the mid-1800s. Because it's so old and well-preserved, it gives us a clear picture of life back then.
A Beautiful Example of Architecture
Roseneath is also important because of its beauty and design. It is a wonderful example of Colonial Georgian architecture. The way it was built and designed shows a high level of skill and creativity from that time.