106-526: Wahroonga is a suburb in the Upper North Shore of Sydney , in the state of New South Wales , Australia , 18 kilometres north-west of the Sydney central business district , in the local government areas of Ku-ring-gai Council and Hornsby Shire . North Wahroonga is an adjacent separate suburb of the same postcode. Wahroonga is an Aboriginal word meaning our home , likely originating from
212-438: A 68 per cent rise in the number of occupied dwellings, the proportion of brick to weatherboard being 5:1. The same sort of increase occurred from 1933 to 1947 when a further 43 per cent of people moved into the district bringing the total population to 39,874 and adding 3,564 houses. Even greater restriction on the use of timber and fibro occurred in this period so that 3,182 of these were brick. Clearly, Ku-ring-gai suffered less in
318-926: A Sydney or local level, however, landmarks are more plentiful and include: The Lane Cove Azalea Beds, Blues Point Tower, Eden Gardens, the Balmoral Rotunda , the Stanton Library in North Sydney, Lane Cove Plaza, Zenith Towers at Chatswood, Northpoint Tower in North Sydney, Cammeray suspension bridge at Cammeray, Echo Point Park in Roseville Chase , the Royal North Shore Hospital, the Hornsby Water Clock , and 'The Forum' in St Leonards. The region
424-479: A Victorian chiffonier. The pig pot is from Papua New Guinea, where the Fullers lived in the early 1980s. Formal Sitting Rom: The furniture is mainly early Victorian mahogany. The small chiffonier is c. 1840 . Many of the china pieces and family heirlooms. Note the tea caddy has its original crystal bowl. The small (Chinese) Cabinet is Victorian and has been in the family for over 100 years. Study: The ceiling
530-597: A bat reserve leading to Middle Harbour. The "Upper North Shore" usually refers to all suburbs within the local government area of Ku-ring-gai , and a small area of Hornsby Shire , situated between Lane Cove National Park and Ku-ring-gai National Park, or suburbs between Boundary Street, Roseville and the M1 Motorway in Wahroonga . It is located to the north-west of the Sydney CBD . It roughly corresponds with
636-413: A coach service pliedthat route from 1881 to 1887. By 1885 it was also possible to travel to Sydney via the five bridges road crossing the water at Fig Tree, Gladesville , Iron Cove , Glebe Island and Pyrmont . The single-track North Shore railway line that went from Hornsby to St Leonards in 1890 finally reached Milsons Point in 1893 where passenger and vehicular ferries completed the journey to
742-595: A further 4.5% of respondents elected not to disclose their religion. 33°43′06″S 151°07′07″E / 33.7183°S 151.1187°E / -33.7183; 151.1187 North Shore (Sydney)#Upper North Shore The North Shore is a region within Northern Sydney , in New South Wales , Australia, generally referring to suburbs located on the northern side of Sydney Harbour up to Wahroonga , and suburbs between Middle Harbour and
848-444: A large tree fern ( Dicksonia antarctica ) lead down to the large back garden which is divided into several "garden rooms" varying from quite formal areas to very natural spaces. The area directly off the back porch (to the west) & outdoor living space features old brick paving and steps down to an area of lawn surrounded in part with contrasting twin hedges of box (Buxus sp.) and silver germander (Teucrium sp.) or with box only (in
954-569: A month and features over 40 events including live music/entertainment, exhibitions, cultural celebrations, business events and many more community activities. The highlight is the annual Willoughby Street Fair where the Chatswood CBD is taken over by market stalls, performers, dancers and musicians. The StreetFair features the Willoughby Street Parade which included over 1,000 participants in 2007. The local newspapers are
1060-420: A more formal "compartmentalised" manner of garden "rooms" and one which seeks to screen by hedging adjacent development which has encroached on the property on all sides. The c. 1968 house on its former tennis court at the front facing Woonona Avenue was demolished in 2009 and, after refusal in a NSW Land & Environment Court appeal, a modified application for a two-storey residential flat building
1166-418: A more recently planted lily pilly hedge line the southern boundary and an old jacaranda (J.mimosifolia) spreads in the south eastern corner of the property. The house is faced with verandahs across the front (east) and down part of both sides (north/south). On the north eastern corner of this verandah an old rose - "Pierre de Ronsard" weaves amongst the old trellis panels. The sloping block is terraced level at
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#17327732160941272-517: A mortgage from William Henry Hargraves, Deputy Registrar in Equity (Balcombe's employer). Halstead was a young architect born and trained in England who migrated with his family to Australia. He practiced as an architect and a nurseryman from 1893 to 1912 and then again solely as an architect from 1912 until he ceased practice in about 1935. Balcombe's uncle had formerly been Governor of St Helena –
1378-456: A number of speciality stores and cafés. Chatswood is one of the largest retail precincts in Sydney, and has a large amount of high density residential buildings. It is home to large shopping centres such as Westfield Chatswood and Chatswood Chase . Adjacent to Lane Cove National Park, Macquarie Park is home to one of Sydney's largest shopping centres, Macquarie Centre . Macquarie Park also has
1484-461: A small park on what was previously the Briars' tennis court) is flanked with hedges, leading to the front door and around to the garage on the south side. The house is faced with verandahs across the front (east) and down part of both sides (north/south). The sloping block is terraced level at the front and on both sides. On the north side an old cast iron fountain in a pond makes a focal point in
1590-462: A small public park, thus restoring part of the "front" setting (and curtilage) of The Briars to Woonona Avenue, allowing it to be seen from there again. The Fullers have opened their home to the National Trust of Australia (NSW) and their garden through Australia's Open Garden Scheme (now Open Gardens Australia). The property is now on the real estate market. A large garden surrounds
1696-651: A substantial amount of high density residential buildings and office space. St Leonards is another large commercial area featuring mostly office space and apartments. The Lower North Shore has many unique landmarks such as: The Sydney Harbour Bridge, Taronga Zoo in Mosman, Admiralty House (Sydney residence of the Governor-General of Australia ), Kirribilli House (Sydney residence of the Prime Minister of Australia ), Luna Park , and Balmoral Beach . At
1802-532: A volcanic island in the Southern Atlantic Ocean; it is believed that the house that he lived in on St Helena was also called The Briars and that this house was built to the same plan. Napoleon Bonaparte reputedly had lived in the Governor's house on St. Helena for some time after his exile to the island in 1815, while a permanent residence was being built for him. William Alexander Balcombe
1908-518: Is a good example of a transitional late Victorian/early Federation architectural style house. It is a prime example of the style of development prevalent in the local area at the turn of the 20th century. Historically it is significant as it represents the first period of residential expansion in Wahroonga which followed the opening of the railway in 1890. The Briars is associated with: William Alexander Balcombe, who built The Briars in Wahroonga,
2014-623: Is a mystery. The Colonial cedar bookcase and the Victorian Mahogany desk feature. Family Sitting Room: Over a c. 1820 pine dresser is a story board from the Sepik River area in Papua New Guinea. Morning room: Note the prints of paintings by Thomas Balcombe and a recent photo of The Briars on St Helena. The early photos of The Briars date from c. 1915 . The Verandah: Has some of its original posts and
2120-530: Is a small sporting oval, formerly a historic logging area. Sir Robert Menzies Park is a small park located within Fox Valley. Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park is located north of Wahroonga. It is the second oldest national park in Australia and is very popular, offering many walking tracks, picnic spots and Aboriginal sites with rock carvings. The park has a large proportion of the known Aboriginal sites in
2226-796: Is a timber house designed by John Horbury Hunt and built in 1891 for Alfred Hordern. Hunt was a Canadian architect who used the Arts and Crafts style and the Shingle Style popular in North America. Highlands is listed on the New South Wales State Heritage Register and was listed on the (now defunct) Register of the National Estate . Architect William Hardy Wilson designed and built his own home, Purulia , on Fox Valley Road. Built in 1913,
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#17327732160942332-677: Is also a commercial area at the intersection of Fox Valley Road and The Comenarra Parkway which contains the Sydney Adventist Hospital , Globalstar 's Australian office, and the offices of the South Pacific Division of Seventh-day Adventists . Sporting representation in Wahroonga often differs between the Ku-ring-gai Council and Hornsby Shire . Wahroonga is home to Knox Grammar School a traditional Rugby Union . In Rugby League Wahroonga
2438-472: Is also a house at Mornington , Victoria that was built by Thomas's brother, Alexander Beatson Balcombe called The Briars. The similarity in design of the 1860 additions to the house in Mornington to that of The Briars at Wahroonga and the pavilion on St Helena are obvious. The Briars was listed on the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 2 April 1999. [REDACTED] This Misplaced Pages article
2544-877: Is bounded in the west by the Lane Cove River/National Park, in the north west by the M1 motorway to Newcastle, in the southeast by Middle Harbour, and in the northeast by Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park . East and north of this boundary are the Northern Beaches region and to the west is the general Northern Sydney region. Local government areas within the North Shore include City of Willoughby , Municipality of Lane Cove , North Sydney Council , Municipality of Mosman , Ku-ring-gai Council , Municipality of Hunter's Hill , and some suburbs of City of Ryde and Hornsby Shire . In this conception,
2650-554: Is home to hundreds of parks and reserves, including Sydney Harbour National Park and the Lane Cove National Park . Major local sports grounds include North Sydney Oval , the region's largest in capacity, and Chatswood Oval . The North Shore holds a number of festivals/events throughout the year, including: Tartan Day at Lane Cove, the Guringgai Festival honouring northern Sydney's Aboriginal people,
2756-742: Is in Browns Road, Browns Field and Browns Waterhole on the Lane Cove River . The last member of the Brown family was Gertrude Mary Appleton, who died in 2008 at the age of ninety-three. She is buried in the cemetery of St John the Baptist Church, Gordon . After the North Shore railway line was opened in 1890 it became a popular place for wealthy businessmen to build out-of-town residences with large gardens. Wahroonga Post Office opened on 15 October 1896. Much of this development occurred in
2862-543: Is late Victorian and is a family piece. Library: Again, notice the original cast iron rose and the tongue and grooved ceiling. The mahogany revolving drum table is Victorian. the French walnut bookcase, c. 1880 , is an early example of prefabricated furniture. the Victorian ebonized walnut card table is a family piece. Third bedroom: The wardrobe is Australian cedar, c. 1880 . The distinguished gentleman in
2968-670: Is listed on the New South Wales State Heritage Register. 'The Briars' is connected to Napoleon Bonaparte ; the house having been built for a grandson of the East India Company Agent who hosted Napoleon at the start of his exile. The house possesses some architectural similarities, and shares its name, with the building on St Helena . The Rose Seidler House , in Clissold Road, built by Harry Seidler between 1948 and 1950,
3074-724: Is located in the district of the North Sydney Bears , officially the North Sydney District Rugby League Football Club. Despite exiting from the NRL after the 1999 season , North Sydney remains the only Rugby League team without NRL Representation to have a junior rugby league district, in which clubs compete in a joint district competition with clubs in the Manly Warringah District , and teams in Wahroonga are
3180-484: Is located to the north of the Sydney Harbour Bridge , between Lane Cove River and Middle Harbour and as far north as Boundary Street, Roseville , or all suburbs within the local government areas of Mosman Council , City of Willoughby , Municipality of Lane Cove , North Sydney Council , Municipality of Hunter's Hill and some suburbs of City of Ryde . The Lower North Shore roughly corresponds with
3286-404: Is now known as no.s 12 and 14 Woonona Avenue and was the same as the original Lot 16 minus the two access driveways excised in 1959 to give access to Lots B and C which were the remnants of the original back paddocks of The Briars. Howes owned The Briars until 1968 when it was sold to Ian and Judith Heydon of Wahroonga. As part of the process of selling The Briars, it appears that Howes subdivided
Wahroonga, New South Wales - Misplaced Pages Continue
3392-434: Is now the garage and the boundary fence. The creeping fig (Ficus pumila var.pumila) that covered the portico in 1915 was removed for a period and restored to the portico in the 1960s. An 8' high chain wire fence along the eastern boundary was erected in the 1960s (probably c. 1968 ). A c. 1915 photograph shows the house open to the tennis court, but with two flanking wire mesh fences (starting roughly at
3498-1219: The Central Coast Bears , in Perth , or as simply “Bears”. In Rugby union , the area is represented in the Shute Shield by the Northern Suburbs Rugby Club , and the Gordon Rugby Football Club Throughout history and on all three levels of politics (federal, state and local), the North Shore has been a stronghold for the Liberal Party , the main centre-right , liberal conservative party in Australia. However, in recent years, teal independents ( centrist or centre-left independents who are economically liberal , but environmentally and socially progressive , most of whom are women, whose campaigns are mostly funded by Climate 200 , an organisation founded and headed by businessman Simon Holmes à Court that advocates for climate action) have won gained support in
3604-577: The Kuringgai language group. Early British colonists of New South Wales utilized the area for its tall trees. Wahroonga was first colonised by the British in 1822 by Thomas Hyndes, a convict who later became a wealthy landowner. Hyndes's land was later acquired by John Brown, a merchant and timber-getter. After Brown had cleared the land of timber, he planted orchards. Later, Ada, Lucinda and Roland Avenues were named after three of his children. His name
3710-694: The Lane Cove River . The term "North Shore", used to describe this region of Sydney is customary, not legal or administrative, and is often subjective. The region now referred to as the North Shore was home to a number a clans of the Eora . These included the Cammeraygal people whose traditional lands were located within what are now the Lower North Shore local government areas of North Sydney , Willoughby , Mosman , Manly and Warringah local government areas . The Cammeraygal people lived in
3816-616: The Pacific Highway (then known as Lane Cove Road ) north across the North Shore Railway, lay west of Woonona Avenue and encompassed the properties on both sides of Bundarra Avenue. Jessie Edith Balcombe, wife of public servant William Alexander Balcombe (1855–1939) purchased lots 5, 6 and 16 of the Bundarra Estate on 14 April 1895 and built The Briars on Lot 16 in 1895, facing Woonona Avenue. The Briars
3922-571: The Parish of Willoughby , a cadastral unit used for land title purposes. In 2016, the NSW government proposed merging three of the four lower north shore councils (Mosman, Willoughby, and North Sydney councils). In July 2017, the Berejiklian government decided to abandon the forced merger of the North Sydney, Willoughby and Mosman local government areas. The other lower north shore council, Lane Cove,
4028-429: The Parish of Willoughby , a cadastral unit used for land titles that was created in the early years of European settlement. "North Sydney" was formerly known as St. Leonards . The "North Shore" is a term used to describe a region of Northern Sydney . It is a customary term, not administrative or legal, and its boundaries are not definitive. Generally, the "North Shore" includes the peninsula north of Sydney Harbour and
4134-621: The Sydney Observer , Hornsby and Upper North Shore Advocate , The North Shore Times , The Mosman Daily , Northern District Times and the North Shores' local lifestyle publication Northside . The North Shore is represented by Rugby League club, the North Sydney Bears , some residents (Particularly younger generations) in this area also subscribe their loyalty to the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles (Based on
4240-526: The 1920s and 1930s. Today, Wahroonga exists primarily as a garden suburb. Its tree-lined streets retain much of its state-heritage historic houses in styles of residential architecture . Wahroonga is known for its tree-lined, shady streets and well maintained gardens. Notable streets include Water Street, Burns Road, Iloura Avenue and Billyard Avenue. Wahroonga has a number of heritage-listed sites, including: Highlands , in Highlands Avenue,
4346-455: The 1930s depression than other municipalities where development was much slower. Its people also encountered less unemployment - only slightly behind Vaucluse with 16 per cent unemployed, Ku-ring-gai and Mosman registered 18 per cent unemployed in 1933 - although the proportion of owner occupation did fall to 68 per cent. The Briars was built on land first granted to John Terry Hughes on 18 August 1842. Hughes' grant comprised 2,000 acres and
Wahroonga, New South Wales - Misplaced Pages Continue
4452-415: The 576 to Turramurra Station. Wahroonga Park is located to the north-east of the railway station, and features a significant number of well established introduced trees, a rose garden and a children's playground. The Glade, located near Abbotsleigh, has an oval, two tennis courts, a half basketball court and cricket nets. There is also a small Blue Gum High Forest , next to the tennis courts. Browns Field
4558-586: The Family. William Balcombe (Snr) eventually emigrated to New South Wales where he became the first Colonial Treasurer . Thomas became a well known Colonial artist and many of his works can be seen in the Mitchell Library. The Balcombes had a family tradition of naming their houses The Briars. The house on St Helena was The Briars and the pavilion on the estate where Napoleon stayed has an obvious similarity in overall form to The Briars at Wahroonga. There
4664-623: The Federation Bungalow style, it has been described as "unpretentious and solidly comfortable." Between Craignairn and Malvern in Burns Road, Joseland also built Coolabah , another fine Federation Bungalow example. The Briars , in Woonona Avenue, is built on land that was granted to John Hughes in 1842, and later divided into four estates. Jessie Edith Balcombe built The Briars on one of these estates in 1895. It
4770-575: The Federation mansion Rippon Grange , designed by Howard Joseland . The Gatehouse is listed on the local government heritage register. Craignairn , at the corner of Burns Road and Cleveland Street, was also designed in the Arts and Crafts style by Howard Joseland. The client was Walter Strang. Joseland also built his own home Malvern two doors away from the Strang home in Burns Road. An example of
4876-653: The Ku-ring-gai Cubs, who represent the vast majority of Wahroonga, and the Asquith Magpies who represent the Hornsby Shire parts of the suburb Wahroonga railway station is on the North Shore railway line , with frequent Sydney Trains services to Central and Hornsby . Wahroonga is the Sydney end of the M1 Motorway to Newcastle . The Pacific Highway connects Wahroonga by road with
4982-699: The Moocooboola Festival at Hunters Hill, the Mosman Festival, Lane Cove's Cammeraygal Festival, and Chinese New Year at Chatswood. Mosman, North Sydney, Willoughby also hold an annual art prize. All local government areas in the region and around the country celebrate Australia Day, which is on 26 January. The Willoughby Spring Festival is held throughout the Willoughby local government area, in September each year. The festival lasts for
5088-465: The NSW government proposed merging Ku-ring-gai Council and Hornsby Council. In July 2017, the Berejiklian government decided to abandon the forced merger of the Hornsby and Ku-ring-gai local government areas, along with several other proposed forced mergers on the North Shore following backlash from members of the community and court proceedings. The "Lower North Shore" usually refers to the land that
5194-402: The North Shore is accessible to railway transport with the North Shore railway line providing rail services between the Sydney central business district , North Sydney and Hornsby via Chatswood . The Sydney Metro Northwest serves the suburbs of Chatswood, North Ryde , Macquarie Park , Macquarie University and Epping before continuing to Tallawong in the Hills District , replacing
5300-420: The North Shore roughly corresponds with the cadastral parishes (used for land title purposes) of the Willoughby (in the south) and Gordon (in the north). However, these boundaries are not fixed, and those suburbs that sit close to the boundary between, for example, the cadastral Parish of Gordon and the neighbouring Parish of Manly Cove in the east, may be identified in different contexts as part of either
5406-415: The State Heritage Register boundary, on an adjacent block, while retaining a line of mature turpentines ( Syncarpia glomulifera ) on the drive to the house's (and one to 12 Woonona Avenue's south-west) west. John and Elizabeth Fuller bought the property in 1999 when in poor condition, sympathetically renovating it further (over two years: Liu, 2015, 13) along with its garden. The garden has been planted in
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#17327732160945512-454: The Sydney area, with an average of 1,400 millimetres (55 in) per year. The inland parts of the North Shore are somewhat cooler than other areas of the surrounding Sydney basin in the winter months, particularly the CBD , and the further inland the area (particularly the Upper North Shore), the cooler the weather. This list is not exhaustive. The North Shore is not strictly defined by government authorities. The suburbs and localities of
5618-674: The Sydney area. Primary: Secondary: K–12: According to the 2021 census , there were 17,853 residents in Wahroonga. 59.3% of people were born in Australia, the most common other countries of birth were China (excluding Special Administrative Regions and Taiwan ) 8.2%, England 4.9%, India 2.9%, South Africa 2.6% and Hong Kong 1.9%. 67.9% of people only spoke English at home, other languages spoken at home included Mandarin (10.2%), Cantonese (3.5%), Korean (1.8%), Hindi (1.4%) and Persian (1.3%). The most common responses for religion in Wahroonga were No Religion 35.5%, Catholic 19.5%, Anglican 16.4% and Uniting Church 3.7%;
5724-424: The Upper North Shore region or the Northern Beaches region. The entirety of the Lane Cove National Park and its adjoining suburbs to the north are generally regarded as part of the North Shore region, such as the suburbs of Thornleigh , Pennant Hills and Beecroft . Likewise, while the Municipality of Hunters Hill is west of the Lane Cove River and in the Parish of Hunters Hill , the suburbs in that parish along
5830-456: The allotment into the two lots known today as 12 and 14 Woonona Avenue (containing the house of The Briars). The front block (12 Woonona Avenue) was built upon, with a single storey red brick home that obscured views of The Briars to its rear (north). The former tennis court (between Woonona Avenue and the Briars house's front door) was subdivided off and a single storey house built there ( c. 1968 ). The Briars' driveway (which led to
5936-422: The area until the 1820s and are recorded as being in the northern parts of the Sydney region for approximately 5,800 years. The Lower North Shore suburb of Cammeray takes its name from the clan, although the Cameragal clan was centred around, Kayyeemy, or Manly Cove . Other clans included: After the British establishment of Sydney in 1788, settlement on the North Shore of the harbour was quite limited. One of
6042-406: The area. However, on the state level, the Liberal Party has managed to hold off challenges from teal candidates. Similar trends are present in Sydney's Eastern Suburbs and on the Northern Beaches , as well as in some parts of Melbourne . Like the rest of the Sydney basin, the North Shore has a humid subtropical climate ( Köppen Cfa ). Turramurra receives one of the highest rainfalls in
6148-413: The beam that supports the verandah, you can see the new development emerging in the south western corner of the Briars. Note the original chimney pots with fans on the roof. The Garden: The owners found a jungle when they bought the property; some sixty trips to the rubbish tip were needed to clear the property. However, a number of old trees and shrubs were retained. The tall turpentine trees are remnants of
6254-441: The cadastral Parish of Gordon. Sometimes, all suburbs adjoining the upper section of Lane Cove National Park are considered part of the Upper North Shore. According to Australian Bureau of Statistics data collected from the Australian census of 2016 , the local government area of Ku-ring-gai Council, which makes up almost the entirety of the Upper North Shore region, is the wealthiest local government area in Australia. In 2015,
6360-421: The canopy of the tree above, the surrounding beds are planted with magnolias, ferns, hydrangeas, gardenias and feature statuary. In the backyard is an area where a group of large remnant turpentines grace the property, many natives including blueberry ash ( Elaeocarpus reticulatus ), birdsnest ferns ( Asplenium australasicum ), matt rush ( Lomandra sp. ) and river lily ( Crinum pedunculatum ), have been planted in
6466-460: The city. The North Shore Ferry Company had been carrying passengers from Milsons Point to Circular Quay since the 1860s and by the 1890s around 5 million people crossed the harbour by this means every year. Offering suburban subdivisions along the railway line in advance of the stations, speculators developed Ku-ring-gai well before completion of the North Shore Bridge in 1932 set off another flurry of real estate promotion. Ku-ring-gai grew slowly in
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#17327732160946572-412: The dressing table and the breakfront wardrobe are all Victorian pieces. The patchwork bed covering was made by Mrs Fuller to tone with the curtains. Here you see one of the many original fireplaces. Second bedroom: Notice the original cast iron ceiling rose and tongue and grooved ceiling. The crocheted bedspread was made by Mr Fuller's mother. The three door cedar wardrobe is mid-Victorian. The wall-mirror
6678-444: The earliest stands (Heritage Branch). The style is transitional between the late Victorian Italianate and Federation. It is a single storey brick house with a hipped slate roof. A projecting brick bay with three stuccoed arches marks the front entrance and intersects a timber framed verandah which surrounds the house on three sides. The verandah is decorated with timber brackets and dentillation. Shuttered French doors open onto
6784-462: The eastern parts of Lots 5 & 6 which contained the stables and other essential outbuildings. The Great Depression hit the Balcombes hard as they were mortgaged to the Bank of Australasia from 1935 until 1941 and in 1941 Jessie sold The Briars to Winifred Laura Phipps, wife of Joseph John Flower Phipps of Chatswood , merchant. The Phipps continued to own the estate until 1949 when Lot A was sold to Nathaniel Joseph Victor Howes. Lot A comprised what
6890-455: The filtered light. Old bricks form meandering paths through these trees and from here glimpses & vistas of the formal parts of the backyard can be seen. The Briars is a well-built house retaining a large proportion of the original fabric. Joinery, screenwork and hardware (fireplaces etc.) are all original (as of 1983). Many parts of the garden are in their original form. Twelve old turpentine trees ( Syncarpia glomulifera ) remain from one of
6996-408: The first north shore orange orchard. Other early settlers were Richard Archbold at Roseville and Robert Pockley at Killara . The Lane Cove River was used to carry the produce to Sydney. The harbour barrier delayed the suburbanisation of the Ku-ring-gai district and in the early 1880s the tiny settlement was judged too small to warrant a railway line. Access to Milsons Point remained difficult although
7102-421: The first settlers was James Milson who lived in the vicinity of Jeffrey Street in Kirribilli , directly opposite Sydney Cove . The north shore was more rugged than the southern shore and western areas of the harbour and had limited agricultural potential. The early activities in the area included tree felling, boatbuilding and some orchard farming in the limited areas of good soil. The North Shore railway line
7208-461: The former stables on the house's west)(demolished) was subdivided off. There is now a steep bank along this western boundary. There is a line of coniferous trees about where a Himalayan cedar tree ( Cedrus deodara ) was (in a photograph of c. 1915 a 5–6-metre (16–20 ft) tall deodar/Himalayan cedar was to the west of the house, along with a giant bird-of-paradise flower ( Strelitzia nicolai ). Both are now gone). These were between what
7314-412: The front and on both sides. On the north side an old cast iron fountain in a pond constructed from old bricks and filled with iris is a focal point in the lawn. The perimeter garden bed has box hedging and is planted out with bear's britches (Acanthus mollis), winter roses/ hellebores (Helleborus orientalis & H.niger), windflowers (Anemone hupehensis cv.) etc. Steps behind (west of) the house under
7420-424: The garden are in their original form. Twelve old turpentine trees ( Syncarpia glomulifera ) remain from one of the earliest stands. Prior to that date the same owners had replaced verandah posts with careful replication of former details, and other "substantial" restoration works. As at 15 February 2011, The Briars has state heritage significance for its historic, cultural, archaeological and aesthetic values. It
7526-461: The garden. A gravel carriageway into the "hatchet" shaped block is flanked with photinia hedges under-planted with blue flowered Nile lily (Agapanthus orientalis). The drive leads to the front door and around to the garage on the south side of the house. Here very old azaleas (Rhododendron indicum cv.s) line the edge of the veranda and near the back door an enormous old white flowered camellia (C.japonica cv.) remains. A pair of old cypress trees and
7632-538: The harbour and the rivers on either side. Parks and areas of sclerophyll forest are present throughout the area. The Lane Cove National Park, Garigal National Park and Sydney Harbour National Park contain remnant bushland along the Lane Cove River, Middle Harbour and Sydney Harbour respectively. Bushwalking , abseiling and bouldering opportunities can be found around Lindfield and North Turramurra . Gordon has one of Sydney's largest bat colonies in
7738-801: The harbourside suburbs with Circular Quay in the central business district. CDC NSW provide frequent bus services to the Upper North Shore. Buses on the Lower North Shore are mainly operated by the Busways out of Willoughby Bus Depot . Significant commercial and retail centres on the North Shore include North Sydney, Crows Nest , Chatswood, St Leonards, Neutral Bay, St Ives and Hornsby. The North Shore's largest commercial centres are at North Sydney and Chatswood. A number of international companies have their Australian or Asia–Pacific Headquarters in this part of Sydney. North Sydney does not have any of Sydney's major shopping centres, however, it has
7844-691: The home is in the Colonial Revival style and became, according to some observers, a prototype for North Shore homes. It is listed on the Register of the National Estate. Berith Park , in Billyard Avenue, was designed by F. Ernest Stowe for Alfred Smith, who bought the land in 1897. The house was finished circa 1909. Westholme , in Water Street, was designed by Howard Joseland in the Arts and Crafts style for John Bennett, one of
7950-420: The house (although reduced by subdivision, notably of the former tennis court to its east and land to its south. From the east/ street the garden was (until its 2009 demolition) screened by a single storey 1950s house built on (the former) tennis court, however glimpses of large tree tops and very interesting chimney pots give hints of the garden within. A gravel carriageway into the "hatchet" shaped block (around
8056-467: The house's outside walls') that appear to be climbing in height (presumably to stop tennis balls). In 1972 the Heydons sympathetically renovated The Briars house. In 1983 the Heydons requested that a Permanent Conservation Order be placed over the property. Subdivision of former Briars estate (1990s?) was approved by Land & Environment Court (SEPP5) and 6 single storey villas were built adjoining
8162-416: The house. From the east/ street the garden is separated by a lot of and on which a c.1950s house was built and which was prior to that house's construction, The Briars' tennis court. This c. 1950 s house was demolished in 2009. Glimpses of large tree tops and very interesting chimney pots give hints of the Briars' garden within. Over the past eight years the present owners have restored and developed
8268-417: The infamous Fiddens Wharf attracted the rough-living sawyers and bushmen of the district. Later Daniel Mathew established two sawmills, one at Clanville ( Roseville ) in 1825 and another at Rosedale ( Pymble ) in 1838. Most of sawyers moved on when the trees were felled, leaving cleared land for fanners and orchardists who followed. One was Robert Pymble who gave his name to the suburb where he established
8374-440: The lawn. Steps behind (west of) the house lead down to the large back garden which is divided into several "garden rooms" varying from quite formal areas to very natural spaces. The grounds while considerably reduced by subdivision retain several large turpentine trees (Syncarpia glomulifera) at the rear (west) of the site and a large English elm (Ulmus procera) in the north-eastern corner. An interesting large garden surrounds
8480-498: The natural vegetation, The pathway through the forest leading to the stables was uncovered. In 2006 and 2007, the garden was open under the Australian Open Garden Scheme attracting over 600 visitors. As at 8 August 2016, the house is in good condition and has been sympathetically renovated by its present owners. Joinery, screenwork and hardware (fireplaces etc.) are all original (as of 1983). Many parts of
8586-539: The nearby Northern Beaches area ), as North Sydney were excluded from the NRL after the 1999 season , but formed a joint venture with Manly to create the Northern Eagles , however, this only lasted 3 seasons and the licence was reverted to Manly Warringah , effectively leaving the North Shore without NRL representation. However, there have been on going efforts to return the Bears to the top flight , either as
8692-460: The nineteenth century, its population being 4,000 by 1901. However, over the next two decades its population quadrupled. By this time, with its large residences in beautiful, leafy surrounds, it had changed from a district with a dubious reputation to one that attracted people of high socio-economic status, 73 per cent of whom were home owners. During the interwar years of 1921 to 1933, the population increased by 45 per cent from 19,209 to 27,931 with
8798-705: The northern shore of the Parramatta River are sometimes referred (especially in commercial contexts) as part of the Lower North Shore. Most of the North Shore suburbs are part of the Hornsby Plateau , a large sandstone plateau overlaid by a system of ridges and gullies. The Plateau begins north of the Port Jackson and runs up until the Hawkesbury River . Thus much of the North Shore is hilly with many steep valleys running down into
8904-634: The picture is a great, great uncle. Dining room: This elegant room has a splendid fireplace. On the mantle piece is a French clock. the clock and the small statue of Napoleon is a reminder of the Emperor's connection with the Balcombe family. On the William IV breakfast pedestal sideboard are pieces of family silver and an early blue and white set of Meissan cups, saucers and eggcups. The Victorian table and chairs are mahogany. A handsome tantalus rests on
9010-487: The pioneer developers of Wahroonga. Bennett came from England but migrated to Australia with his wife and acquired property at Wahroonga in 1893. Westholme was built in 1894. Another house was added at the other end of the block, but this was demolished in 1991 after changing hands several times. The Gatehouse , in Water Street, was originally part of the John Williams Hospital. The hospital also includes
9116-449: The previous Epping to Chatswood railway line after almost 10 years of service. The remaining Sydney Metro City & Southwest stage to the Lower North Shore and Bankstown , is projected to be completed in 2024. The completed metro line will provide rapid transit between North West Sydney and South West Sydney via the Lower North Shore. Many bus routes also serve the area, particularly the lower North Shore, and ferries connect many of
9222-402: The region generally known as North Shore are: The Briars, Wahroonga The Briars is a heritage-listed residence located at 14 Woonona Avenue, in the Sydney suburb of Wahroonga , New South Wales , Australia. It was designed by Charles H. Halstead. It was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 2 April 1999. William Alexander Balcombe, for whom the house was built,
9328-947: The region's southernmost extent. The main road routes on the North Shore are Military Road , the Pacific Highway , the Warringah Expressway as well as parts of the Pennant Hills Road , Ryde Road , Epping Road and Mona Vale Road . Smaller but major arterial roads on the Upper North Shore include the Eastern Arterial Road/Archbold Road at St Ives, East Killara and East Lindfield, the Comenarra Parkway at Thornleigh, Wahroonga, Turramurra, South Turramurra and West Pymble, as well as Lady Game Drive at West Pymble, Gordon, Killara, Lindfield and West Chastwood, providing access to major commercial hubs such as Chatswood. Much of
9434-566: The rest of the North Shore and Pennant Hills Road 's northern end begins in Wahroonga and intersects the M1 Motorway at Pearce's Corner. The Comenarra Parkway is a minor arterial road that stretches from Thornleigh to West Pymble via Wahroonga and South Turramurra . Wahroonga is also the northern end of the NorthConnex motorway tunnel. CDC NSW 's Upper North Shore services provide sporadic bus services to parts of Wahroonga such as
9540-438: The right is a William IV rosewood "Banjo" Barometer, c. 1835 . In the middle of the hallway is a Victorian burr walnut centre table, c. 1860 . The longcase mahogany-veneered oak clock, c. 1780 , is a family heirloom. At the end of the hallway is an Irish regency mahogany side table, c. 1860 . Main bedroom: The mahogany queen-sized bedstead is William IV. The flame mahogany chest of drawers,
9646-415: The servant bells on the side of the fireplaces. The drive follows the original carriage way around the front of the new development. the front entrance has its original tiles. The stained glass door is replicated at the end of the hallway. The owners have, so far as practicable, furnished the home with period or earlier furnishings. Hallway: As you enter, notice the collection of plates on the plate railing. On
9752-413: The shaded area). A large sandstone urn containing a variegated leafed star jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides 'Variegata') is placed on a plinth & creates a centre piece, the beds are planted with iceberg roses, agapanthus and ground covers. Under a large old English elm ( Ulmus procera ) in the north-western corner of the garden the ground has been paved with white pebbles in a circle to reflect
9858-501: The tribal lands of the Gurringal soon after the landing of the first fleet, searching for suitable agricultural land and fresh water. Rock carvings are the only evidence of Aboriginal habitation. In 1896 a large expanse of bushland was reserved as parkland and named Ku-ring-gai Chase for the original inhabitants. This name was also adopted by the shire formed in 1906 and the municipality gazetted in 1928. Millwood Farm on Blue Gum Creek
9964-522: The verandah from the principal rooms. Internally it retains much of its original joinery and fireplaces. When Mr and Mrs Fuller purchased the property in 1998, it was in poor state of repairs. There were over 800 broken slates on the roof and no electricity in some rooms. Bathroom and kitchen were almost nonexistent. However, its splendid bones were intact. Carpet had concealed and protected tallow wood floors, now polished and oiled. The original fireplaces, doors, windows and ceiling roses were intact. Notice
10070-499: Was approved on 12 Woonona Avenue by the Ku-Ring-Gai Planning Panel in 12/2008. Construction proceeded there in 2009 to the extent of excavation and construction of the basement car park. On 30 October 2009 Ku-Ring-Gai Council purchased this block for open space so that an appropriate visual curtilage could be reinstated for The Briars. In January 2010 Council filled and re-grassed the site (12 Woonona Avenue) as
10176-485: Was built in the 1890s. Access to the Sydney CBD , located on the southern shore of the harbour remained difficult until the completion of the Sydney Harbour Bridge in 1932. This led to the commencement of the development of suburbs on the North Shore. Four of the five local government areas that form the Lower North Shore (the City of Willoughby and the municipalities of Mosman, Lane Cove and North Sydney) were created from
10282-537: Was designed in 1895 by architect Charles Herbert Halstead (1865–1941) for William Alexander Balcombe. Halstead is considered to be the architect for West Maling (1889), constructed in Penshurst . He was also the architect for the Old Science Building (1899) at Sydney Grammar School and was the architect for a number of church and public buildings in the southern suburbs of Sydney. It was financed by
10388-497: Was established in 1814 by a marine, Williarn Henry, the first white settler in the Ku-ring-gal area. In the 1820s ex-convict Joseph Fidden, a major force in the districts development, eventually became a ferryman after a brief attempt at farming. He rowed sawn timber from the government sawpits on the Lane Cove River to Sydney and dropped off supplies to settlements on his way home. The sly-grog and other facilities he provided at
10494-523: Was made more habitable, he lived with the Balcombes at their home on St Helena, The Briars. More particularly, he lived in the Pavilion on the Briars' Estate, which still remains today. William Alexander's father, Thomas Tyrwhitt Balcombe was born on St Helena on 15 June 1810. There are reports in a number of history books that Napoleon was often seen playing with the Balcombe children during his stay with
10600-467: Was often seen playing with Balcombe children during his stay with the family. The garden is much reduced by subdivision. In November 1924 Jessie Balcombe sold parts of Lots 5 & 6 (fronting Bundarra Avenue) subject to covenant and retained Lot 16 and the eastern parts of Lots 5 & 6. In 1935 she was listed as the sole proprietor of The Briars. By this time the estate had been reduced to 1 acre 2 roods and 29 1/2 perches in area and comprised Lot 16 and
10706-632: Was one of the first examples of modern residential architecture in Australia. The main shopping and commercial area is the Wahroonga Village located adjacent to the west side of the railway station. It has a variety of stores including several cafes, restaurants, health stores and boutiques as well as an IGA supermarket . The smaller commercial centres are the Hampden Avenue shopping strip in east Wahroonga, and Fox Valley Shopping Centre on Fox Valley Road in south west Wahroonga. There
10812-473: Was part of Portion 400A of the Parish of Gordon, County of Cumberland . After Hughes' death in 1851 the land was conveyed to a number of businessmen and land speculators who subdivided it into four major estates. The Briars marks the first period of residential expansion in Wahroonga which followed the opening of the railway in 1890. The Bundarra Estate was offered for sale in 1892. The estate stretched from
10918-536: Was similarly proposed to be merged with nearby Hunters Hill and Ryde councils, but that plan was also eventually abandoned. The Lower North Shore suburbs adjacent to Sydney Harbour include Mosman , Cremorne Point , Neutral Bay , Kirribilli , Milsons Point , Lavender Bay , McMahons Point , Waverton , Wollstonecraft , Woolwich and Greenwich . Port Jackson , including the Parramatta River , Lane Cove River, Sydney Harbour, and Middle Harbour, defines
11024-688: Was son of Thomas Balcombe, who worked for the Australian Agricultural Company at Port Stephens , and as a survey draftsman in Sydney for the Surveyor-General . William married Jessie Edith Griffen on 1 July 1884 at Raymond Terrace . He became Chief Clerk in Equity. William died at Hornsby in 1939. Jessie was still living in 1944. In 1903 the Electoral Roll recorded them both living at 14 Woonona Avenue, Wahroonga. Several historical records reveal that Napoleon
11130-645: Was the grandson of William Balcombe (Snr) who was Naval Agent and Purveyor for the East India Company on the island of St Helena in the South Atlantic during the exile of Napoleon Bonaparte on the island. His uncle was briefly associated with Napoleon Bonaparte during his period of exile on the island of St. Helena. Bonaparte was incarcerated there on the 15 October 1815 after his defeat at the Battle of Waterloo . Whilst his accommodation at Longwood
11236-587: Was the grandson of William Balcombe (Snr) a Naval Agent and Purveyor for the East India Company on the island of St Helena during the exile of Napoleon Bonaparte on the island. The house is named, and has resemblance to, the building where Napoleon first stayed upon his arrival in St Helena. Captain John Hunter and Captain Arthur Phillip led the first expeditions north of Sydney Cove into
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