Wynstay Estate facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Wynstay Estate |
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Heritage boundaries
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| Location | 68-78 The Avenue, Mount Wilson, City of Blue Mountains, New South Wales, Australia |
| Built | 1875–1893 |
| Architect | Richard Wynne |
| Official name: Wynstay Estate; The Turkish Bath | |
| Type | state heritage (landscape) |
| Designated | 12 April 2002 |
| Reference no. | 1520 |
| Type | Garden Residential |
| Category | Parks, Gardens and Trees |
| Builders | Joseland and Gilling; Turkish Bath house by Earnest A Bonney |
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Wynstay Estate is a special old farm in Mount Wilson, Australia. It's known for its beautiful gardens and historic buildings. The estate was designed by Richard Wynne and built between 1875 and 1893. It's also called The Turkish Bath because of a unique building on the property. Wynstay Estate is privately owned and is listed on the New South Wales State Heritage Register as a place of important history.
A Look Back: Wynstay's History
Mount Wilson was first explored in 1833. It was described as having rich soil and thick plants. In 1868, the area was surveyed, and plots of land were marked out.
How Wynstay Began
Richard Wynne, a successful businessman, bought six plots of land in Mount Wilson between 1875 and 1876. He had just finished his time as Mayor of Burwood. In 1875, he built a small cottage on his new property. Later, between 1876 and 1878, he built a second, larger house called Yarrawa. Sadly, Yarrawa burned down in 1906.
During these early years, Wynne hired a stonemason named John Rowland. They built the stables, a gate lodge, and many stone walls with a special "crenellated" (castle-like) top.
The Turkish Bath House
One of the most interesting buildings at Wynstay is the Turkish Bath House. It was likely built in the mid-1880s. Richard Wynne's wife, Mary Anne, was not well, and her doctors suggested Turkish baths. This building was made for her. Mary Anne passed away in 1889.
The Turkish Bath House is very rare in Australia. There are only a few private ones left. The bricks for this building were even made by Wynne himself!
Family Changes and New Buildings
Richard Wynne died in 1895. His son, Henry John Wynne, inherited the estate. Henry passed away a few years later in 1898, leaving his young children, Richard Owen and Dulcie.
In 1913, Richard Owen Wynne, Richard Wynne's grandson, became the new owner. He returned to Australia around 1920 with his wife. That same year, they started building the main house you see today. It was designed by Joseland and Gilling Architects. The old Turkish Bath House was even used as living quarters for the stonemasons building the new home!
Mount Wilson as a Summer Escape
In the late 1800s, Mount Wilson became a popular "hill station." This meant it was a cool, beautiful place where people from hot cities like Sydney could escape in the summer. Many wealthy families built homes there.
One visitor, James Inglis, wrote about Mount Wilson in 1880. He described the amazing tree ferns and how the area was becoming a favorite summer spot for Sydney's important people.
After World War I, some property owners, including Richard Owen Wynne of Wynstay, decided to live in Mount Wilson all year round. They started farming the rich soil. The area also saw tearooms and guesthouses open up, attracting more visitors who loved its beauty.
Wynstay Today
After Colonel R.O. Wynne passed away in 1968, his family continued to own the estate. Today, Wynstay is owned by the Smart family, who are direct descendants of Richard Wynne. Around the 1980s, new nursery buildings were added to the estate where an old tennis court used to be.
Wynstay is the largest property in Mount Wilson. Richard Wynne wanted to create a park-like estate, similar to English country estates. He chose a high spot on a hill, making Wynstay a very noticeable landmark.
Exploring Wynstay Estate
Wynstay Estate sits on top of a hill in Mount Wilson. You can see it from different directions as you drive around. It has open spaces, many old and unusual trees, and interesting buildings like the Turkish Bath House and a hexagonal stone gatehouse.
Pathways and Gardens
The estate has several drives and roads. Some lead to the main house, passing by the Turkish Bath. Others wind around the hilltop, past the stables, the old Wynstay cottage, and the Gate House. These paths are lined with stone walls.
The gardens are designed to look like a beautiful painting, showing off Wynne's wealth and good taste. There are grazing fields, different garden "rooms," paved areas, and paths connecting the buildings. There's also a newer area for growing plants.
Special Trees and Plants
The estate has many unique trees and plants, including:
- Caucasian fir (Abies normanniana)
- Himalayan spruce (Picea smithiana)
- Lawson's false cypress (Chamaecyparis lawsoniana)
- New Zealand trees like lemonwood (Pittosporum eugenioides) and cabbage tree (Cordyline australis)
- Bhutan pine (Pinus griffithii)
- Himalayan cedar (Cedrus deodara)
- Redwood (Sequoiadendron giganteum)
- Many types of magnolias, cherries, azaleas, and rhododendrons.
There's also a special "Mimi's Garden" or "Italian Garden" which is a walled garden south of the main house. It has ivy-covered walls, iron gates from Florence, Italy, and a statue in the center.
Buildings on the Estate
Wynstay has several historic buildings, each with its own style:
- The Original Cottage
This was the first house Richard Wynne built in 1875. It's a simple weatherboard house that still looks much like it did back then.
- Yarrawa (now Old Wynstay)
Built around 1890, this was Richard Wynne's second, larger cottage. It's a U-shaped weatherboard building.
- The Stables
These stables are a great example of Federation Gothic style with Norman influences. They are made of basalt and sandstone and have crenellated (castle-like) walls.
- The Turkish Bath
This building has a Federation Free Classical style with Italian influences. It was built before 1890-93. It's very rare to find a private Turkish Bath House like this in Australia.
- The Lodge or Gatehouse
This is a hexagonal (six-sided) sandstone building near the main gates. It was designed to let in lots of natural light.
- The Wynstay Residence
This is the main house built around 1920. It's a two-story sandstone building designed in the Inter-War Georgian Revival style. It's still in excellent condition.
Why Wynstay Estate is Important
Wynstay Estate is listed on the New South Wales State Heritage Register because it's a very special place.
A Unique "Hill Station"
It's one of the best examples of an early "Hill Station" estate in New South Wales. These were large country properties where wealthy families could escape the city heat. Wynstay is rare because it has stayed in the same family for a very long time since it was started in 1870.
Beautiful Design and Architecture
Wynstay is important for its beauty. The way it's planned, the quality of its buildings, and its landscaping show off wealth and luxury. The different architectural styles, the materials used, and the amazing collection of plants make it look like an ideal, romantic English country estate.
The Turkish Bath House is especially rare and important. It's a beautiful example of late Victorian architecture with colorful brickwork.
A Link to Important People
The estate is also important because of its connection to Richard Wynne. He was a successful merchant and a well-known person in Sydney. He was also the founder of the Wynne Prize for Landscape Painting and Sculpture at the Art Gallery of New South Wales. Wynstay shows his personal vision for a perfect landscape.
