Tomago House facts for kids

Tomago House is a historic home in Tomago, Australia. It was built between 1838 and 1840. Many believe that Mortimer Lewis, a famous architect, designed it. Today, the National Trust of Australia (NSW) owns and cares for Tomago House. It is listed on the New South Wales State Heritage Register as an important historical site.

The Story of Tomago House

Richard Windeyer: A Visionary Owner

Tomago House was built for Richard Windeyer (1806–1847). He was a journalist, lawyer, farmer, and politician. Richard was born in London and moved to Sydney in 1835. He quickly became a successful lawyer.

Richard bought land at Tomago in 1838. He spent a lot of money improving the land. He drained swamps and built the homestead. He also started a vineyard, planting 30 acres of grapevines. He even brought a German vine-dresser to help. Richard Windeyer was one of the first successful winemakers in the Hunter region.

Richard's Political Life

Richard Windeyer was also active in politics. In 1843, he was elected to the New South Wales Legislative Council. He worked hard to give colonists more control over their land. He also focused on managing government money wisely.

Richard was very interested in education. He started a school on his own estate. He also supported allowing Aboriginal people to speak in court. This was a big step forward for their rights.

Challenges and Changes

Building Tomago House was slow because of money problems in the 1840s. The house was likely ready to live in by 1847. It became the center of a large farm and a country home for an important family.

Richard Windeyer worked too hard and faced money worries. He died in 1847, leaving his family with many debts. His wife, Maria, was a very strong woman. She used money from her family to keep part of Tomago House. She managed the property and raised their son.

Maria's Legacy

Maria Windeyer loved Tomago and stayed there. She even added a Chapel to the estate in 1860–1861. People say Maria's spirit still watches over the house. Some have reported seeing an elderly woman rocking on the verandah.

Gardens and Grounds

The gardens at Tomago House were once very large and beautiful. Early records mention a sundial in 1848. The gardens had tree-lined paths, a pleasure garden, an orchard, and a kitchen garden. They grew date palms, lemons, mulberries, and other fruits.

Today, the estate is 5 hectares (about 12 acres). It still has many old trees. These include Mediterranean stone pines, Monterey pines, and Moreton Bay figs. There are also native trees like turpentine and cabbage palms.

Tomago House Through the Years

The main stone house was built between 1842 and 1847. It originally had a slate roof. The house has lovely verandahs that look out over the land. It also has underground cellars that were ready for the 1868 harvest.

A brick caretaker's cottage was built between 1850 and 1880. It was originally two stories tall. Around 1950, it was made into a single-story cottage because the bricks were not safe.

Modern Changes

In 1944, a British company called Courtaulds bought Tomago House. They updated the house for their manager to live in. Later, in the 1970s, a Mrs. James bought it and added a swimming pool.

In 1988, Tomago Aluminium donated the house and 5 hectares of land to the National Trust. The National Trust now uses Tomago House as a place for events.

Protecting Tomago House

In 2013, a bushfire came very close to the house. But volunteers and the New South Wales Rural Fire Service saved it. In 2015, severe storms damaged many old trees. The property was closed for six months for repairs. The National Trust is now planning new plantings to restore the gardens.

Why Tomago House is Important

Tomago House is special because of its connection to the Windeyer family. They were a very important legal family in New South Wales for 150 years. The house shows the style and quality of homes built for important families in the 1840s. It is one of the best-preserved houses from that time.

The house, its trees, farmland, and wetlands still look much like they did long ago. The plants are historically important, including both old European plantings and native species.

Tomago House and Chapel were added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 2 April 1999.