• Heritage House Plaque
  • Heritage House Plaque
  • Heritage House Plaque
  • Heritage House Plaque
  • Heritage House Plaque

Heritage House Plaque

$550.00

QUANTITY

Product Description

If you own a house or building that is heritage listed by the National Trust (NSW), you can apply for a discreet plaque to denote your home's heritage status. These hand-forged, bronze plaques act as a symbol of recognition and protection. All plaques are subject to approval for properties and sites classified by the National Trust (NSW).

To apply for a plaque for your heritage-listed home, contact our Archives Team via website: https://www.nationaltrust.org.au/services/national-trust-nsw-plaques/ 

To launch the new plaques on houses program we are showcasing the magnificent Speedwell in Kenthurst.  Speedwell (c.1884) has been lovingly restored by owners Paul and Margaret Gaudry.

About Speedwell

The land was originally 40 acres of Crown Land in the Parish of Nelson in the County of Cumberland. It was purchased in 1884 by Walter David Wrench. The land was on the ridge of the future Pitt Town Road Kenthurst. Wrench initially built stables, a barn and a slab hut and began fruit growing.

Walter built the main residence in 1907. The single storey house is constructed of brick. There are four bedrooms on either side of a central hallway. They are shaded by a three-sided front verandah. The living room and the original dining area are behind the bedrooms. The kitchen area, an open central piazza and the bath and washing area were accessed from the living room though the rear door.

Wrench sold the property in 1926. The property continued to function as an orchard and then as a country retreat. The open central piazza was in-filled and additions were built to create a larger kitchen and living area, a new bathroom and a separate laundry. The land was subdivided into acreage lots in 1976.

The National Trust of Australia (NSW) approved the listing in 1985. The Local Council concluded that the main residence was a fine residence of the Federation period with many 19th century characteristics. It had excellent intact detailing and some early outbuildings.

The main house had a major restoration in the late 1980s. The dining room was changed into a master bedroom. The swimming pool located unsympathetically in front of the house was removed. The historic outbuildings behind the main house also were restored and had additions at that time.

Extensive external and internal repair work to the main house was undertaken in 2016. The earlier rear infill and additions were demolished. An exceptional design feature of the additions and renovations was the clerestory windows that deliver sunlight into the new family room and kitchen.

Thanks to your support we can continue our mission to actively conserve and protect our natural, cultural, social and Indigenous heritage for future generations to enjoy.

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