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29 Batemans Road, Gladesville NSW
For Sale: $2,000,000 |
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The property dates from the mid 1800’s and was originally known as “Batemans Cottage” as it was built by John Bateman who owned all the land either side of Batemans Road. The property consisted of a dairy farm, vineyard and grazing areas. Bateman built the cottage from stone quarried near where Batemans Road crosses Pilkington’s Bridge and the stone was hauled up the hill on sleds pulled by horses. Much of the timber used in the construction was also cut locally and squared-off timber saplings were found in the roof area when the roof was replaced in 1982. The original cottage was substantially built of 12 inch thick dressed sandstone blocks with a Casurina Oak shake roof. The original roof was covered over with corrugated iron early last century and the iron and shakes were removed when the new slate roof was constructed in 1982. Originally, the cottage comprised of:
Across the road was a sandstone hut known as “Bateman’s Hut” and this was extended to double the façade in the early 1900’s. This is No 16A Batemans Road today and it can be clearly seen where the old and the more recent have been joined. This property was is now part of Batemans Village townhouse development but the land where the townhouses are now sited was a small dairy farm until the early 1960’s. The property is listed by the Hunters Hill Trust and the National Trust and all renovations, improvements and additions were carried out according to the guidelines and requirements of the trusts as well as Hunters Hill Council. In 1978, the Truscott’s decided to build an extension to the cottage and to renovate the building extensively. Carl Romandi, an architect in Hunters Hill was asked to develop plans for the extension and the Truscott’s set about finding a large quantity of sandstone for the building work. The stone was secured and it has a history in itself as it was originally the Asylum at Parramatta Jail and the stone was quarried, dressed and the building was substantially completed by convict labour. The blocks were 20 inches thick and each course was 12 inches high. Over the next two years, as construction progressed, about 2,000 blocks were split and dressed to make blocks of 12 inches by 12 inches and the ends were dressed to random lengths. The slab was laid and building work commenced in 1978. Much of the work was undertaken by the owners with casual labour and occasionally a stonemason to provide experience for making windowsills, erecting lintels and other specialised tasks. The stonemasons provided a source of learning for Peter and soon he was making windowsills and cutting stone to fit around the octagonal and round window etc. By 1980 the basic stone work was complete and the blocks were sandblasted prior to pointing which took thousands of hours. Finally, the stone was sealed with silicon to make it resistant to moisture. Meanwhile, work began on the roof with complex joinery and cathedral ceilings etc. Only the best of materials were used such as copper for all flashing, valleys, gutters and downpipes etc. Concurrently, the roof to the original cottage was removed and a new support structure was built. Period Roofing was contracted to complete the roof at the same time they were restoring the roof to the Queen Victoria Building. They were old style tradesmen and took great pride in their workmanship as is evidenced by the copper work. From marks on the stone, the original front verandah profile was copied and fitted with rolled corrugated copper. The barge boards were also sheathed in copper so that they will never need to be painted! Quality joinery was employed for all of the cedar doors and windows and leadlight and etched glass panels were fitted. The glass was etched by renowned artist Brendan O’Dowd. Chinese Jade Slate floors were laid throughout the extension and new wooden floors were laid in the new family room and what was once the original kitchen. The internal bedroom, bathroom and laundry doors came from the old YMCA building in Castlereagh Street. Australian Cedar was used in the old part of the house to replicate the original construction. The fireplaces were reconstructed with new stone hearths. Sawn sandstone flagging and a new doorstep and path completed the front of the house. The back verandah was paved with recycled stone from a demolition in Harris Street. The flagging was discovered beneath the floor of an old shop and on removing it, several Georgian bottles were found, suggesting that the flagging was originally the floor of a very early building. By 1984 the house was complete with some beautiful Australian Cedar joinery for the wardrobes in the master bedroom and display cabinets and a window seat in the family room. The kitchen was completed with Jarrah bench tops and a marble insert. The sandstone off-cuts were used to construct gardens and with paving the courtyards and garden area were transformed from what looked like a stone quarry to the current pleasant outdoor living areas. The carport was added along with the driveway and electric gates. The combination of courtyards and the back verandah provide the ideal outdoor entertaining or relaxing area in any weather conditions. The Lilly-Pilly tree in the back garden has a history. It was planted by a Digger in 1915 on the morning he left for France. He returned but died in WW2. His sister visited the tree in the early 80’s and told the story. It will soon be 100 years old. In 1990/91 “The Barn” was built in stone and brick providing a self contained apartment and a huge garage/workshop below. The original balcony was recently replaced using recycled Ironbark and it provides extensive views over surrounding suburbs and even a glimpse of the Parramatta River. In the mid 90’s the rear courtyard was constructed by building a wall using convict bricks collected by the owner over many years. Sandstone paving completes this area providing a separate outdoor entertaining area for the Barn occupants. The property is low maintenance with all external timber finished with Sikkens. The copper work ensures that gutters etc will never need to be replaced or painted etc. Features such as the fountain/fish pond in the main courtyard, stained glass windows and the established garden make this a home that always provides a pleasing aspect. The sandstone and timber provide a warm glow in the evening that can never be found with modern building materials. This is a home which could never be replicated. The cost of building with these materials today would be prohibitive. This home is part of history and it is hoped that the new owners will love it the way the Truscott family has for the last 30 odd years! 
Bree Parker: |
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No Warranty Given. You should seek your own independent advice as to the accuracy of the information supplied. |
 
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