Volume 2 – Appendices

APPENDIX A

Commonwealth heritage listing

APPENDIX B

Historical Background

APPENDIX C

Australian Prime Ministers 1901

APPENDIX D

Historical Summaries

APPENDIX E

Timeline -1794 – 1957 by Rosemary Annable

APPENDIX F

Owners and occupiers 1806 – 2023

APPENDIX G

Recent schedule of works 1978 – 2023

APPENDIX H

Physical survey/Fabric survey – Kirribilli House

APPENDIX I

Tree Survey by AECOM, 2023

APPENDIX J

Assessment of Indigenous Heritage Values by AECOM, 2023

APPENDIX K

Landscape Management Plan by Taylor Brammer, 2020

APPENDIX L

Non-Indigenous Archaeological Assessment by Casey & Lowe, 2010

APPENDIX M

Evolution plans, by Design 5, 2010

APPENDIX N

Kirribilli Bathing Pool by Grace Karskens, 1987

APPENDIX O

Colour palette and interior design by GML, 2014

APPENDIX P

Heritage Induction Training Materials (Including Dos and Don’t Handbook), AECOM, 2023

Appendix Q

Assessment of NSW State Heritage and National Heritage assessment criteria

Appendix A – Commonwealth heritage listing

Appendix B – Historical Background

1.0 Historical Background

1.1 Previous assessments

The historical background of Kirribilli House has been thoroughly researched by previous assessments. A chronological history was undertaken by Dr Grace Karskens, Catherine Forbes and Brendan Lennard as part of the “Kirribilli House, Conservation Analysis and Draft Conservation Policy” (November 1985), prepared by Clive Lucas & Partners. In addition, consultant historian, Dr Rosemary Annable, conducted additional research on the early European history of the site for the draft CMP in 2010 by Design 5 Architects.

The following historical background is based on Dr Annable’s research as presented in Appendix B2 of GML Heritage’s 2016 HMP. Dr Annable’s reports are included in Appendices E-G. AECOM findings from additional research has also been included.

1.2 Documentary Evidence and Sources

Both Dr Annable and GML Heritage list the sources of documentary evidence used in their reports. In updating this report, where possible, documentary sources used in previous reports such as photographs, drawings, maps, and plans, have been verified/augmented from the following documentary sources:

Historical Land Records Viewer (NSW Land Registry Services)
Historical Imagery Viewer (NSW Government Spatial Services)
National Archives of Australia
National Library of Australia
Near Map (aerial photograph)
Mitchell Library, State Library of NSW
Royal Australian Historical Society
Stanton Library (North Sydney Council)
NSW State Archives and Records

1.3 History of the Place

The following history of the place was prepared by Dr Rosemary Annable as part of the historical research carried out for the Design 5 Architects 2010 draft HMP and was reproduced in the 2016 GML Heritage HMP. The text has been reviewed by AECOM and updated for any errors or omissions and knowledge gaps.

1.3.1 Early Land Grants (Theme: Patronage and Perseverance)

Within a few years of European settlement at Sydney Cove small grants of land were being taken up on the opposite side of the harbour at what became known as the North Shore. In 1800, Robert Ryan was granted 120 acres by Governor Hunter between the head of Hulk Bay and the head of Careening Cove, an area that incorporated an early grant to Samuel Lightfoot made in 1794.[1]

1.3.2 Ownership of the land by the Campbell family 1806-1849

By 1806, Ryan’s land had been acquired by Robert Campbell who saw the area as a useful adjunct to his ship-building and mercantile interests at Sydney Cove and it remained in Campbell’s ownership for the next forty years until his death in 1846.[2]

Campbell’s first tenant was James Milsom, who built a house and ran a small farm and was, for some twenty years, the main occupant of the area.[3] From the late 1830s, however, as the property became more valuable for residential use than for farming or ship building, Robert Campbell began to lease parts of his land on the North Shore in smaller portions of a few acres. Many of these had desirable harbour frontages that not only provided views but also the easiest means of accessing the sites, by water.

In May 1842, Campbell leased five acres with a water frontage to Lieutenant Colonel John George Nathaniel Gibbes, Collector of Customs, for a period of twenty-one years, with the promise of the payment by Campbell of up to £500 at the end of that period (subsequently increased to £800) for any improvements made by Gibbes.[4] It was here at ‘Carrabella (Kirribilli) Point’, that Gibbes built the house that he called “Watonga”, later to become Admiralty House (Figure 1‑1).

A faded sketch of the early designs for Admiralty House which is small and surrounded by trees and bushes along structure of the home

Figure 1‑1: ‘“Wattonga” J LTravers Esq., Sept. 1855’, Rebecca Martens (Source: State Library of NSW, Call numbers DL PX 37/5)

1.3.3 Settlement of the area (Theme: The Pleasures of the People-Society, Culture and Entertainment)

Between 1830 and 1870s, the North Shore area was a popular location for residential development. The number of free settlers and emancipists were growing and access to the North Shore was limited to those who could employ licensed watermen and have access to their own boats and landing. The residents of the North Shore could enjoy the clean air, seclusion and harbour views and were protected from the crowds of the Sydney town. Residential development began in Neutral Bay in the early 1830s with ‘Craignathan’ ‘Thrupps cottage’ and Clee Villa’. In the 1850s houses included ‘Wallaringa’ (W. Dymock), ‘The Monastery’ (R.P Abbott), ‘Kurrabba House’ (Mr Jarrett), ‘The Dingle’ (Mr Grundy) and ‘Euroka/Graythwaite’ (Edwin Sayer). Houses on Kirribilli Point in the 1850s and 1860s included ‘Sunnyside/Wyreepi’ (Robert Hunt, Deputy Master for the Royal Mint), ‘Holbrook’ (Mr G M Pitt, of Pitt, son and Badgery). ‘Greenmount’ (William Tucker, wine merchant) and ‘Woodlands/Theluda’ ( H. H. Beauchamp) (GML Heritage Pty Ltd, 1993:32-22).

1.3.4 Lt Col Gibbes and J L Travers’ ownership 1849-1854

Gibbes’ financial affairs became precarious later in the 1840s [5] as did those of Robert Campbell’s heirs, his sons Robert and John, who had to offer the five acres that their father had leased to Gibbes as security to the Union Bank of Australia to cover two bills of exchange. When the bank needed payment in June 1849, it sold the land to the lessee and occupant, J G N Gibbes (Figure 1‑2) for £700 to set against Robert and John Campbell’s debt.[6] After acquiring the title to his house and land at modest cost, Gibbes immediately mortgaged the property and eventually sold it, still mortgaged, to James Lindsay Travers (a merchant) in December 1851.[7]

An aerial shot image of the open and unoccupied land in which Kirribilli and Admiralty House are now built on

Figure 1‑2: Detail of 1840s map, “Campbell’s Estate”, showing the land leased to Lt Col Gibbes, and the outline of “Wattonga” (marked on map as ‘New House”) (Source: Trove, Ferguson Rare Map Collection, Map F 903)

1.3.5 Adolph Feez and Sophienberg 1854-1858

In September 1854, Travers sold 1 acre and 23 perches of land at the north-east corner of his Carrabella Point estate to fellow merchant Adolph Frederic Feez for £200.[8] A native of the Kingdom of Bavaria, Feez had arrived in Sydney in 1851 and in February 1854, then aged 28, had become a naturalised citizen, making him eligible to hold freehold land in the Colony.[9] He and Travers shared the same business address at 10 Macquarie Place in Sydney and had presumably become acquainted through mercantile interests.[10]

Feez named the property ‘Sophienberg’ and between September 1854 and mid-1857 built a house, although the exact date is not known. Plans of Travers’ property drawn in June 1856 describe the area as “Mr Feez’s land” and how only fencing, a jetty and other structures on the waterfront, but no buildings, suggesting that construction had not yet begun.[11] The top of the house is visible, however, above Wotonga, in a sketch by Conrad Marten of Kirribilli Point viewed from the south side of the harbour, dated 5 June 1857.[12]

Access by water was essential for these properties and the construction of a jetty and boat house would have been a prerequisite for any occupation, including landing materials for building. Adolph Feez was already living on the North Shore when he purchased the land in 1854 and it is possible that this was intended as an investment property rather than to provide him with his own home.[13]

The boat harbour, boatshed and bathing pool in particular also reflects the recreational activities that were popular at the time and reflects the historical theme of The Pleasures of the People-Society, Culture and Entertainment identified in the thematic histories of the North Shore (GML Heritage Pty Ltd, 1993:125)

B-3.5 The Lawry/Taylor Family Home 1858-1908

Early in 1858 Mr Feez’s property, now complete with house, was put up for sale and on 1 March 1858 was purchased by Mrs Esther Hughes, widow of John Terry Hughes, for £3,000.[14] It seems likely that Mrs Hughes was purchasing the house for her daughter, Esther Matilda Hosking Hughes, in anticipation of her intended marriage to Thomas Lawry. Esther was underage when she married and while Mr Lawry was a clerk in the Ordnance Department on a salary of £450 a year, Esther had considerable property in her own right, bequeathed to her by her grandfather Samuel Terry.[15] With the permission of the Equity Court, Esther’s inheritance was the subject of a settlement formalised on 25 Mach 1858, the day of her marriage to Thomas Lawry. Under the terms of this settlement, the income from these properties was held by trustees for Esther and for any children of her marriage.[16]

From 1858 until 1908 the property that Adolph Feez had named Sophienberg, and later known as Kirribilli and Kirribilli House, was held in trust for Esther Matilda Hosking Hughes and her children and was their family home. Esther was married twice: first to Thomas Lawry, from 1858 until his death in August 1865 and, after a comparatively short widowhood, to James Taylor of the firm of L Sharwood & Co., importers, from March 1867 until his death in 1891.[17]

Esther and Thomas Lawry had two children, Esther Mary Trewyn Lawry born in December 1859 and Thomas Terry Trewyn Lawry born in March 1864.[18] Two stereo photographs, taken by William Hetzer in the period 1858-1863 show the harbour foreshore of Sophienberg and part of its gardens and grounds.[19] If the man, woman and child in the photograph of the house and garden are a family group, as seems likely, then this must be Thomas and Esther Lawry and their young daughter Esther (Figure 1‑3).

A sepia toned picture of leafless trees and a tall trimmed hedge in front of Kirribilli House

Figure 1‑3: One half of stereographic photograph of Kirribilli House & Garden, by William Hetzer, c. 1860-1863. A man, woman and child can be seen sitting on the grass behind a tree at left (Source: Powerhouse Museum, Call number 87/1019-15)

In 1860, Thomas Lawry purchased another piece of Campbell property, an area of 3 acres, 18 perches, immediately to the north of Sophienberg, on the northern side of Campbell Street. This land, bounded on the west by Carabella Street, added considerably to the family’s waterfront holdings and was separated from the family home only by the line of Campbell Street, which at this date seems to have been a street in name only.

Thomas Lawry ‘of Sophienberg, North Shore’ died in August 1865 aged 44 at his mother-in-law’s home, Albion House.[20] He had become a Justice of the Peace and Magistrate and by the time of his death, had relinquished his employment at the Ordnance Department.

It is not clear from street directories (the only source of information about place of residence at this date) whether Esther Lawry continued to live at Sophienberg after she was widowed, although she definitely lived in the area. Her future husband, James Taylor, was listed as resident at Kirribilli House in 1865 and 1866 and it is possible that the house was leased to him. What is evident is that Esther Lawry and James Taylor were neighbours at this period and that following their marriage, Kirribilli House was again Esther Lawry’s (Esther Taylor’s) home after their marriage in March 1867.[21] By this time the name Sophienberg had ceased to be used and the property was variously listed in street directories as Kirribilli House or just Kirribilli.

The marriage of James and Esther Taylor produced no children. Thomas Lawry’s children were aged three and seven when their mother remarried but they did not take their stepfather’s name of Taylor and retained the surname Lawry.

1.3.6 Changes to the House and Grounds 1878-1884

Evidence from the St Leonards Municipal rate books suggests two phases of change in the house and its ancillary buildings, in 1878-1879 and in 1883-1884.[22] In 1878-1879 buildings were erected on the land to the north of the house that Thomas Lawry had purchased in 1860. This was not separately itemised and rated at £30 as ‘Garden, stables etc.’ or ‘Fenced land, stables, etc.’ The 1891 detail survey shows three substantial structures on the land, two of them close to the entrance to the property which was directly opposite the entrance to Kirribilli House.[23]

A change in the assessed value of the house from £220 to £300 in the period from 1883-1884, suggests a substantial addition to the domestic accommodation. By this date, the two Lawry children were adults but unmarried and it is possible that this addition was to provide appropriate room for two more adults. As an unmarried daughter, Esther no doubt continued to live permanently at home and while her brother Tom had a property at Vermont, Cobbity, his keen interest in ‘aquatics’ no doubt saw him making good use of the boat houses and jetty at Kirribilli House.[24]

The extent of the house is shown in the 1891 survey and in the rate books is variously described as having 13 or 14 rooms. Following the death of her husband, James, in 1891, Esther Taylor continued to live at Kirribilli until her own death in 1900.[25]

A picture of an old, detailed map of the Kirribilli point, outlining key areas and, dates and initials written randomly all over

Figure 1‑4: Detail of Parish of Willoughby map, c. 1899 showing Kirribilli as “Kiarabilli Point”. Location of Kirribilli House and grounds is marked in red (Historical Land Records Viewer, File Name 14019101.jp2)

In 1901 her children, Thomas and Esther Lawry, agreed to divide between them the property that was held in trust for them according to their mother’s marriage settlement, including the properties at Kirribilli. Tom took the house and Esther the land on the north side of Campbell Street that their father had purchased in 1860.[26] In the same year, Esther, then aged 42, married William Plunkett and moved to her own marital home. A photograph of Kirribilli taken by W H Davis between 1900 and 1902 shows the house and possibly its occupant, Tom Lawry, perhaps with members of his household.[27]

Tom, who never married, continued to live in the family home until his death in September 1907 aged 42. It seems he had continued to have an interest in ‘aquatics’; he bequeathed his boats and motor launches to his friends.[28] His sister, Mrs Plunkett, died the following year, aged 49, ending the fifty-year association of the Lawry/Taylor family with Kirribilli House. In 1909 her land, on the north side of Campbell Street, was subdivided and sold, thereby separated from the Kirribilli House property.

1.3.7 Life interests 1908-1919

According to the terms of Tom Lawry’s will, the major beneficiary following his sister Esther’s death was Miss Laura Lamont (Lamotte) who inherited a life interest in his furniture and effects, an income from his properties and a life tenancy of Kirribilli House.[29] Laura initially lived at Kirribilli House, which she rented at a nominal rent agreed to by the trustees and it became her marital home following her marriage in 1909 to William Donald McCrea.

A picture of a map outlining where Kirribilli and Admiralty House are located on Kirribilli Point, across a body of water from the harbour

Figure 1‑5: Detail of subdivision map for the Kirribilli Estate, c. 1909 showing Kirribilli House (Source: State Library of NSW, Call number Z/SP/K7, SP/K7).

By 1913, however, she wished to move, and the trustees of the Lawry estate petitioned the Equity Court to allow them to let the house for a reasonable length of time, to obtain a tenant. The petition was not supported by Mrs McCrea and so her life interest prevailed, and the petition was disallowed by the Court.[30] Meanwhile, Laura and her husband vacated Kirribilli House anyway. The contents of the house were auctioned in July 1913, and the house was then tenanted, presumably on short-term leases.[31] An album of photographs of both interior and exterior views of the house at this period may have been taken for the purposes of the auction.[32]

Following the departure of Laura and William McCrea, the house was occupied by Arthur Pittar, a dentist (listed in Sands Directory in 1915-1918) followed by Michael Minnett (listed in Sands Directory in 1919 and 1920), the head gardener at Admiralty House. Sands Directory (which was frequently out of date) may have been incorrect about the length of Minnett’s occupancy as the house had not been occupied for some time and was “…in a very dilapidated state” when it went for auction in January 1920.[33]

In 1918, another suit in the Equity Court was more successful, when Laura McCrea petitioned to sell the Lawry trust properties including Kirribilli, which by now was costing more in upkeep than it raised in rent.[34] The sale was ordered by the Court in December 1918 and in June 1919 Kirribilli House was sold to A W Allen for £10,000. The property was advertised as having an unequalled position on the harbour front for “…a site for a large residence, for flats, or public buildings, or would subdivide to advantage”.[35]

Allen’s purchase had been purely an investment and six months later the house and land were again offered for sale, this time divided into five lots (Figure 1‑6) .[36] The site was indeed a very desirable one, and it seemed that the house would inevitably be demolished. Photographs of the apparently intact house and garden in the sale brochure contrasted with those in the newspapers, which showed that tree felling had already begun in advance of the auction,[37] increasing public concern that that the site was to be cleared for the construction of residential flats.[38] An inscription “H L M 1820” was found on a large rock when clearing the land on the waterfront.[39]

A picture of an auction advertisement for 5 lots of land being sold at Kirribilli Point on Saturday 11 January 1920

Figure 1‑6: Kirribilli House Subdivision Plan, 1920 (State Library of New South Wales, Ref Z/SP/K7/8)

There was little comment on the historical value of the property, but opposition to the sale centred largely on it being the only remaining piece of waterfront land that could be useful for public purposes. Headed by the People’s Open Air Space Movement, there was much agitation for the retention of the site for public purposes, while a number of ‘public spirited persons’, including Senator Pratten, Dr Mary Booth, Mr Sydney Smith and the Mayor of North Sydney waited upon the Minister for the Navy, Sir Joseph Cook, to encourage him to place the matter before the Federal Government.[40] A few days later, a public meeting convened by Dr Mary Booth, decided to make a direct appeal to the Prime Minister.[41]

More pragmatically, from the government point of view, Admiralty House had been offered to the incoming Governor-General as his residence when in Sydney and its amenity and value would have been seriously eroded by the construction of flats so close by. While the public protests gained publicity, it seems that it was the latter arguments that had some weight with the government.

The acting Prime Minister, Sir Joseph Cook, agreed to the purchase of the house for £12,000 (the Valuer-General’s valuation)[42] and when the offer was rejected by the vendor,[43] the house and land were resumed by the Commonwealth on the day of the auction sale ‘for defence purposes’ (Figure 1‑7).[44] As Minister for the Navy, Cook had thought that Kirribilli House might replace Tresco as the home of the officer in charge of Garden Island. However, by December 1920, the Cabinet had decided that both Admiralty House and Kirribilli House would be placed at the disposal of the Governor-General when in Sydney.[45] When the repairs to Kirribilli House were complete and Lord Forster, the new Governor-General, found that there was not enough accommodation at Admiralty House for his married daughter, whose husband was on his staff, Kirribilli House was accordingly taken up as part of the vice-regal establishment and Tresco remained the home of the Admiral.[46]

A picture of a newspaper article with three main paragraphs and an outline of Kirribilli Point

Figure 1‑7: Gazette Notice of resumption, Commonwealth of Australia Gazette, 17 January 1920, p. 1

1.3.8 1920-1930 Use by Staff of the Governor-General

From 1920 until 1930, Kirribilli House was used in conjunction with Admiralty House, to provide accommodation for the Governor-General’s staff, and in particular for the aides-de-camp. Plans for alterations and additions to the house drawn in January 1921 provided for a small addition to the west end bringing most of the service areas indoors, accessed either from within the house or from the porch on the west side. On the ground floor an office was provided for the aides-de-camp, with adjacent conservatory, and a servants’ hall, with bedrooms for the staff upstairs at the west end of the house.[47] The house was fully sewered, an amenity that it had not previously enjoyed and the whole of the exterior was painted white to conceal the difference between the existing stonework and the new brick addition.[48]

These alterations and additions were carried out by the Works Director in Sydney for the Commonwealth Works and Railways Department, which was also responsible for the choice of soft furnishing. In 1922, the Afforestation Branch in Canberra provided trees for Kirribilli House, where it seems, the grounds were cared for by the Head Gardener of Admiralty House, Mr Minnett.[49]

Both Lord Forster (Governor-General 1920-1925) and Lord Stonehaven (1925-1931) had several aides-de-camp. It is not known whether the house was used permanently by an aide-de-camp based in Sydney, or only during vice-regal visits to Admiralty House. According to an article in the Cairns Post, Lord Stonehaven used Kirribilli House for visitors and he frequently slept there himself, in preference to Admiralty House.[50]

By 1920, the two boat houses on the foreshore and the canopy over the bathing area were described as ‘…more or less dilapidated”, but the bathing area, jetty and retaining walls were still in reasonable repair.[51] These remained unused in 1920-1930, as similar facilities at Admiralty House were sufficient and so deteriorated even further.

In 1930, at a time of extreme economic stringency, the Commonwealth government decided to discontinue the use of Admiralty House and Kirribilli House by the Governor-General and to lease Kirribilli House.[52] The contents of the house were sold by public auction in November 1930.[53] Figure 1‑8 shows the site during the construction of the Harbour Bridge.

A black and white picture of a bridge frame being built over the harbour with a body of water underneath and the Kirribilli and Admiralty House on the land adjacent

Figure 1‑8: Admiralty House (left) and Kirribilli House (right) during construction of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, c. 1930 (Source: Sydney Morning Herald, 26 March 1930, p. 18)

1.3.9 The House Leased 1931-1953

In October 1930, tenders were invited for the lease of Kirribilli House and in December 1930 the house was leased to Captain Albert Edwin Lundgren CBE, a Swedish shipping agent, for 400 guineas per annum for a period of three years plus an option of renewal for a further two years.[54] Captain Lundgren surrendered the term of his lease in February 1935 to Alfred House and when this ended, the house was vacated.

The expiration of the lease coincided with the government’s decision in 1936 to make Admiralty House available for the incoming Governor-General, Lord Gowrie, but Kirribilli House was not included in this arrangement. Instead, the house was renovated and once again put up for lease. Tenders to use it as a boarding house were rejected. Instead, it would be leased ‘…to some person of means who would be able to afford the rent of a home in such a locality’. Improvements prior to leasing included the installation of a hot water system, modernising one of the bathrooms and the installation of a gas stove.[55]

The new lessee was George Henry Deaton, of Deaton & Spencer, printers, and the rent was.[56] The grounds were ‘very neglected’ with many dead trees and shrubs. The flower borders were a mass of weedy growth, most of the grassed areas were Buffalo grass and the gravelled approach was also overgrown.[57] In 1939, damp was a problem. The cellar was full of water and expensive wallpaper was becoming discoloured and coming off the walls. Despite this, Mr Deaton was not keen to relinquish his lease and caused some embarrassment to the government when he refused to do so when preliminary discussions were in progress concerning accommodation for the Governor-General designate, HRH the Duke of Kent.[58]

In correspondence with the Australian government, concern had been expressed by the royal household about Kirribilli House being tenanted, but Mr Deaton was adamant that he would not move; and there was no provision for breaking the lease. With the outbreak of war late in 1939, the Duke of Kent did not take up the position of Governor-General and the problem was solved. Mr Deaton’s lack of co-operation may, however, have worked against him when he asked to surrender the lease in 1942 and was refused. With a sick wife and unable to secure any domestic help, Mr Deaton closed up the house in February 1942 and moved elsewhere. It was used for a month by the military, but then remained unoccupied until October 1943, when Mr Deaton transferred his lease to Commander Karl Erik Oom. A Naval officer and noted hydrographer, Commander Oom had recently been appointed officer-in-charge of the Hydrographic Branch in Sydney, responsible for survey operations in the South-West Pacific for which he won international recognition.[59] He continued to live at Kirribilli House until October 1953, by which time he had been invalided from the Navy.[60]

1.3.10 Deciding the Future: Development of an Idea

With Kirribilli House once more vacant, the question of its future use came under discussion. The Prime Minister, Robert Menzies, was reluctant to dispose of it and felt that any action to do so, ‘would meet with general disapproval particularly in New South Wales’. Moreover, the same arguments for its retention applied as in 1920, because when invited to be Governor-General, Sir William Slim had been told that Admiralty House would be made available to him. If Kirribilli House was sold, the land subdivided and flats built, then this would destroy the privacy of Admiralty House, and ‘…detract greatly from its value”.[61]

For their part, although Kirribilli House had not been made available for vice-regal use since 1930, success Governors-General had retained an interest in the house, had continued to ask (without success) for it to be made available for their personal or domestic staff and requested that they be kept informed of plans for its future.

In December 1953, M L Tyrell, official secretary to the Governor-General, wrote to the Secretary of the Prime Minister’s Department informing him that Sir William Slim wished to obtain permanent use of Kirribilli House and had had discussions with the Prime Minister on the topic. As Admiralty House was to be used more frequently over relatively longer periods of time, it was necessary to send almost all members of the Governor-General’s staff to Sydney.[62] Indeed, three or four members of staff were already living temporarily at Kirribilli House (an arrangement that continued intermittently until July 1955).

Early in 1954, the Department of Works reported on the building and in August the Ceremonial and Hospitality Officer of the Prime Minister’s Department, J H Scholtens, personally inspected Kirribilli House. Scholtens’ report was not encouraging. The grounds were shockingly neglected, the shrubbery growing wild, the lawns overgrown, paths cracked and the whole area “…in the grip of nature”. The state of the house was “…in complete harmony with the grounds”. With no damp course, damp, dry rot and a lack of general maintenance, his overall impression was “…a dirty, decayed, damp dwelling deserving destruction”.[63]

The Department of Works gave an estimate of £6,650 for the necessary works and pointed out that the layout for the house was unsuitable for domestic staff accommodation. Their report offered, however, another perspective; that once completely renovated, the house would offer accommodation, “…of which the official staff would be highly covetous”.[64] By October 1954, it had been decided that the house did indeed offer possibilities and in March 1955 approval was given for a private architect be engaged to prepare proposals for alterations to the house for the government’s consideration.[65]

The NSW Chapter of the Royal Australian Institute of Architects was invited to submit a panel of names and Mr J C Fowell of Fowell, Mansfield and Maclurcan was recommended.[66] It was, however, his partner, J C Mansfield, who was to become the designer and supervising architect of the project. Fowell Mansfield and Maclurcan’s drawings and report on proposed renovations and additions to Kirribilli House was completed in September 1955.

In light of the government’s brief that Kirribilli House would be restored ‘…to provide accommodation from time to time for distinguished visitors and guests of the government’, Mansfield’s proposal was a scheme that would allow Kirribilli House to be used either as two separate flats, or, on special occasions, as a whole. The ground floor flat would be suitable for use by the Prime Minister on visits to Sydney or for distinguished visitors, and the other flat for guests separately, or as overflow accommodation for either Admiralty House or the ground floor. The house had ‘…some historic interest and architectural character occupying a superb site on the harbour foreshore’ and would have “…a charm, individuality and local colour which would be greatly appreciated”. Its decoration and furnishings should be chosen, Mansfield suggested, “…to create an atmosphere of quiet distinction”. The major change to the existing house would be the relocation of the stairs to provide privacy for each flat and, the main addition, a new service wing with kitchen, pantry and staff quarters, in the same style as the original building.[67]

In January 1956, following the re-election of the Menzies government for a third term, it was decided to ‘press on smartly’ with the rehabilitation of Kirribilli House.[68] Working drawings were completed in March to May [69] and furniture, carpets and curtains were removed from the house in anticipation of work beginning.[70]

As the house had not only been completed renovated but also decorated and furnished, Mansfield suggested that “…a lady of outstanding taste and furnishing expertise – known to the Prime Minister – not connected with any decorating firm but knows them all” might work with his firm to undertake this aspect of the work. The lady concerned was Helen Blaxland, who, “apart from her flair for decoration and knowledge of furniture”, was “thoroughly aware of all that is necessary and desirable in such a household”.[71] With the “enthusiastic and appreciative” support of the Prime Minister Menzies and his wife, Dame Pattie, this arrangement was approved.[72]

At the end of February, Mansfield submitted a summary of his ideas and proposals for the treatment of the grounds of Kirribilli House and the interior decoration and furnishing,[73] and in March the Executive Council approved the cost of the building contract. The Secretary to the Treasury was informed that the Governor-General and Prime Minister had agreed that Kirribilli House should be renovated as soon as possible and divided into two apartments to be used: by overseas guests of the Commonwealth; by certain of the Governor-General’s staff when at Admiralty House; and by the Prime Minister when in Sydney.[74]

Although the working drawings were prepared and finance approved, an increase in the estimates and general concern about costs delayed further action. In January 1957, Prime Minister Menzies finally gave his approval and in February the building contract with H W Thompson Pty Ltd was signed.[75]

Work on site took place between March and October 1957 and as it neared completion Kirribilli House was placed under the control of the Prime Minister’s Department.[76] The Department was keen that there be no doubt about who was in control of the house but trod carefully when dealing with the Governor-General’s request for his staff to occupy the top floor, trying to avoid a showdown.[77]

The philosophy for the interior decoration and furnishing of Kirribilli House was that the house “…would present the appearance that it had been lived in continuously, the taste of the original owners having been modified as the years went by, and modern comfort and vitality introduced”. It was this appearance that was affected by Helen Blaxland, working in particular with Marion Best Pty Ltd. The house included a mix of modern furniture and a few good antiques “…to establish the desired character”[78] some of which were purchased in Ireland where quality 18th century furniture could be purchased at extremely low prices.[79]

While economising on antiques, the carpets were specially woven and wallpapers specially printed. As Mansfield had suggested, the general ambience of the house was essentially that of an old colonial home.

In the grounds, Mansfield’s landscape plan was put into effect by the head gardener of Admiralty House, G W Gillham and his staff, with useful suggestions and advice on his planting plan by Professor L D Pryor, the Director of ACT Parks and Gardens.[80] The planting was in three sections: “the atmosphere of an early Australian garden with old-fashioned plants” near the house, exotic that would be of interest to overseas visitors; and on the lower slopes near the harbour, local flora.

The first official visitors were the Prime Minister and Dame Pattie Menzies and their staff, who signed the Visitors’ Book on 25 November 1957 and stayed for four days. The day after their departure the Prime Minister of Japan was the first overseas guest to use Kirribilli House, for an overnight stay.[81] In the four years since the Governor-General had indicated his wish that Kirribilli House be available permanently for his staff, there had been a shift in emphasis. The needs of the Prime Minister now came first and although the house was divided into two separate flats, the Prime Minister would enjoy exclusive use of them when in residence.

1.3.11 Using the House 1958-1970s

As Kirribilli House came into new life, the Prime Minister’s Department put on file the policy for the use of the house as approved by the Prime Minister. The house “…should play a ‘special occasion’ role and not develop into some sort of hotel”, but on the other hand it should not be under-used. In addition to its use for government guests from overseas and for the Prime Minister when in Sydney – and the use of the upstairs bedrooms by the Governor-General’s staff – Kirribilli House could also be made available to a limited number of distinguished overseas guests who were not government guests but who were on public business or private, non-commercial visits. In addition, Commonwealth government ministers might use the house for entertaining (but only for luncheons and early evening receptions) with the agreement of the Prime Minister.[82]

From 1957 until 1967 the running and management of the house was in the hands of a married couple, Mr and Mrs Ferry, who were the resident custodian and housekeeper. While Mrs Ferry filled the roles of housekeeper, cook and occasional hostess, her husband undertook a large range of jobs including repairs and maintenance in the house and substantial work in the grounds. In 1959 he was placed in sole charge of the gardens assisted by a contract gardener.[83] In November 1967, this work was overtaken by a new gardener, Mr R Kulper, qualified horticulturalist.[84]

Following its refurbishment in 1957, no substantial works were undertaken in the house for over twenty years, although parts were subject to campaigns of redecoration by Prime Ministers’ wives. Mrs Holt in 1966-1967 favoured chartreuse Thai silk wallpaper for the drawing room walls and ceiling, with similar colours in the dining room,[85] while her successor, Mrs Gorton, ordered wallpapers from the USA.[86] For the exterior, Mrs McMahon in 1972 wanted Kirribilli House to be painted white and black instead of the existing white and grey.[87] Mr Mansfield and his firm continued to be associated with the house, working with Mrs McMahon in 1972-1973 on small alterations in the hallways, until all work at Kirribilli House ceased on the election of a new Labor government.[88]

Early in 1976, under the new Fraser government, the policy for the use of Kirribilli House was reviewed. No visitor had been kept in the early years of the house’s use, but these had begun to be recorded from 1969-1970.[89] On the basis of these figures, there was a concern about the dwindling use of the house by distinguished visitors (for whom the accommodation was in many cases somewhat limited), which was down to less than three days a year. Meanwhile, use by successive Prime Ministers had varied considerably. Mr McMahon (1971-1972) had used the house only three times in 21 months, while it had been more popular with Mr Whitlam, who used it on 128 occasions in three years. In light of the change of government, it was recommended that the house be kept, without any change in policy on use, to see how things developed with the new Prime Minister, Malcolm Fraser.[90]

1.3.12 Finding consistency: the Work of the Official Establishments Trust 1979-2010

The ‘holding position’ recommended in January 1976 proved to be a wise position. In September, Prime Minister Fraser set up a committee to advise on the operation, conservation and long-term development of all four official residences of the Commonwealth, the first time that a unified approach had been taken on caring for these establishments. In its first report, the committee recommended that an Official Establishments Trust be established as a permanent, independent advisory body and this initiative was duly announced by the Prime Minister on 20 September 1979.

The first work undertaken at Kirribilli House under the guidance of the new Official Establishments Trust was the refurbishment and redecoration of the main bedroom. A décor “…in keeping with the historical significance of Kirribilli House” was adopted for this work, an acknowledgement of the changed nature of heritage conservation since the 1950s and an approach that did not depend exclusively upon the taste of the current Prime Minister’s wife for inspiration. The following year, the official reception areas on the ground floor were “…comprehensively refurbished and redecorated” and the main guest suite on the first floor was also refurbished.[91] Meanwhile, the Department of Housing and Construction began preparing a long-term plan of restoration.[92]

By this time, it was becoming apparent that major works were needed at Kirribilli House to combat problems such as rising damp, some of which had manifested itself quite soon after the 1957 work was completed. In 1985, Kirribilli House was the subject of extensive analysis and research by Clive Lucas and Partners whose conservation policy for Kirribilli House and recommended works were accepted by the Official Establishments Trust in 1985. The recommended restoration philosophy adopted by the Trust was that the front of the house be reconstructed and restored to its 1880s configuration and layout, “…this being the date of most significance to the architectural history of the house”. The 1950s alterations to the rear would remain with minimal rearrangement to enable the house to fulfil its current function.[93]

Due to funding constraints, these works were undertaken in a staged programme between 1985 and 1988. The most urgent included roof repairs and re-slating, the installation of a damp proof course and improved external drainage.[94] Interior refurbishment followed and David Spode was commissioned to prepare designs for internal decoration in the style of the 1880s, consistent with the conservation philosophy.[95]

1.3.13 A Family Home: the Howards in Residence 1996-2007

A substantial change to the role of Kirribilli House occurred in 1996 with the election of the Liberal/National Party Coalition under the leadership of John Howard. The new Prime Minister, who held the seat of Bennelong and whose family home was also in Sydney, soon made it clear that he would “…not spend quite as much time in Canberra” as some of his predecessors and that his family would not be relocating to The Lodge (the official Canberra residence of the Prime Minister). When it was found impossible to upgrade security at the family home in Wollstonecraft, Kirribilli House became the Howard family’s main home, the first time it had served this function since 1953.

During the Howard family’s residence, a proposal to relocate the 1880s staircase within the main hall, one of the recommendations of the 1985 Clive Lucas report, finally came to fruition. Not only was this part of the philosophy adopted for the house, but also with only a single occupant, there was no need for the separation between the ground and first floors that Mansfield had been at pains to provide for the use proposed in the 1950s.[96]

Despite its use as a family home, some of the once-favoured facilities of Kirribilli House were abandoned. In 1986, Grace Karskens had identified the Kirribilli House stone harbourside swimming pool (a part of its jetty and boat sheds complex) as “…probably the oldest bathing pool on Sydney Harbour”.[97] However, a report for the Official Establishments Trust in 1999-2000 recommended that the pool and adjacent boat dock be preserved only as ruins as any “residual heritage value” had been “…irrevocably diminished by substantial work undertaken in 1968” and that there was no prospect of a boat dock being used in the future.[98]

1.3.14 A Return to Role: 2007-2015

After eleven years as a family home, the role of Kirribilli House changed swiftly following the Labor election victory in 2007. Prime Minister Kevin Rudd confirmed that living in The Lodge was Labor party policy and that he would not be departing from that arrangement. In May 2008, the Prime Minister announced that Kirribilli House would be made available to up to ten registered charities a year, for fundraising purposes, a new departure for a government residence that had once been intended to place a “special occasion” role, for distinguished guests of the government.[99] This policy had begun to be implemented when Kevin Rudd was replaced as Prime Minister by his deputy, Julia Gillard in June 2010. Prime Minister Julia Gillard continued this arrangement until she was replaced by Kevin Rudd in June 2013.

Following the election of Tony Abbott as Prime Minister in September 2013, Kirribilli House became the primary residence of Abbott’s family while work on The Lodge was being undertaken. Between September 2013 and September 2015, Prime Minister Abbott resided between Kirribilli House and the Australian Federal Police Academy College while works to The Lodge continued.

In September 2015, Tony Abbott was deposed as party leader and Malcolm Turnbull became the new Prime Minister. With work on The Lodge complete, Prime Minister Turnbull confirmed that the Lodge will continue as the primary official residence of the Prime Minister, and that Kirribilli House will be used for official purposes of the office of the Prime Minister.

1.3.15 2015-2023

In 2022, the Australiana Fund compiled an illustrated care manual (The Australian Fund, 2022) for the collection of artwork, furniture, and memorabilia on loan for display at Kirribilli House.

1.4 Grounds and Landscape elements

This section (verbatim) was prepared by Geoffrey Britton in 2015 as part of the GML 2016 HMP to confirm and update Britton’s assessment that was completed as part of the Design 5 2010 HMP.

1.4.1 Vestiges of Pre-European Landscape

After many decades of development there remain persistent components of a much earlier, pre- European landscape within the Kirribilli House site. These can be summarised as underlying landform, remnant vegetation and the site’s ancient relationship with the drowned river valley that now forms Sydney Harbour.

Despite various earthworks—including nineteenth-century levelling for house benches and terracing of steeper areas—the basic site morphology remains largely consistent with that formed thousands of years ago. Obvious components include the dramatic sandstone cliffs at the eastern edge (mostly visible from marine craft within the harbour) and the massive line of outcropping running through the central part of the site to the northeast, east and southeast of the house.

Some of this latter feature has been covered by grass or obscured by the growth of garden plants. In other places the rock outcropping has been built over with steps (the access path near the southern boundary), or hidden by the recently installed large water tank. Prior to the water tank’s installation, the area behind it was a sandstone outcrop that provided an intimate, secluded space within the grounds contrasting with the open, expansive lawns nearby. It likely also afforded an excellent viewing prospect out to the harbour.

Persistent locally indigenous vegetation includes Port Jackson fig (Ficus rubiginosa)—at least one old specimen remained near the south eastern corner of the site throughout the nineteenth century and half of the twentieth century (it was removed by c1968). A specimen of this species survives near the main entry gates at Kirribilli Avenue and other seedlings remain along the eastern cliff line. Smooth-barked apple (Angophora costata) also remains on site and is evident in the archival record. Additional indigenous representatives on site include a few struggling trees under the large Hill’s fig tree, and another regenerating tree near the eastern cliff.

Other local species present include several coastal banksias (Banksia integrifolia), blueberry ash (Elaeocarpus reticulatus), sweet pittosporum (Pittosporum undulatum) and spikerush (Lomandra longifolia).

The vegetation would originally have consisted of shrubby woodland dominated by smooth-barked apple (Angophora costata), with fewer Sydney peppermint (Eucalyptus piperita) and red bloodwood (E. gummifera), and subdominant small trees Christmas bush (Ceratopetalum gummiferum), black sheoak (Allocasuarina littoralis) and various sclerophyll shrubs on the ridges, slopes and headlands. This would have passed into a depauperate rainforest in the sheltered gullies running down to the harbour, these dominated by Moreton Bay fig (Ficus macrophylla) and lillipilli (Acmena smithii) with subdominant cheesewood (Glochidion ferdinandi), black pencil cedar (Polyscias elegans), sweet pittosporum (Pittosporum undulatum) and bleeding heart (Omalanthus nutans). Swamp sheoak (Casuarina glauca), Port Jackson fig (Ficus rubiginosa) and coastal banksia (Banksia integrifolia) are still to be found dominating the rocky shoreline vegetation with subordinate tough herbs such as matrush (Lomandra longifolia) and blue lily (Dianella caerulea) beneath.

Eight species occur on the site that can be considered native there. These are Angophora costata, Banksia integrifolia, Dianella caerulea vel aff., Elaeocarpus reticulatus, Ficus macrophylla, Ficus rubiginosa, Lomandra longifolia and Pittosporum undulatum.

1.4.2 Nineteenth Century to 1920

With the early site development and building of Kirribilli House came levelling and smoothing of landscape contours. Together with the early build and later house modifications, these site interventions are still partly discernible as benching and banking. Apart from the marine precinct, various archaeological resources—especially within the northeast lawn and the elevated area west of the house—may also reveal some of this early development.

Evidence of the nineteenth-century layout remains apparent in areas such as:

the main gated entry (where sandstone walling and three of four gate piers1 have been retained in position); and
the traditional approach to the house from Kirribilli Avenue (though not the current form and scale of entry) along a straight section from the gates then a kink and another straight section parallel with the house front.

Also, of nineteenth-century origins are:

the access alignment from the eastern grounds down to the marine precinct;
a seat cut into the rock outcrop east of the house (and, possibly, the rebate cut into another outcrop for a former sundial as well as other steps between outcropping);
a sandstone paving block with a directional compass (cardinal points only) carved into it at the northeast corner of the house;
the general arrangement of grassed areas across the site to the northeast, east and south of the house defined and enclosed by blocks of vegetation;
the concept of a steep, grassy bank (though not its current terraced form) cascading down from the house; and
a garden walk (with steps) within the pleasure grounds.

From archival material it appears the garden walk followed approximately the present path—winding down from the northeast verandah, past the northern fence, then generally along the contour across the grounds close to the eastern cliff line before, possibly, climbing again along the southern boundary.

The 1890s images from the Mitchell Library (refer to Figures B.5 and B.6 in Appendix B) also show various flights of steps within the reserve allowing access to the water. It is feasible that some, if not many, of the existing steps within the reserve were built as part of the Kirribilli House development in the nineteenth century and simply reused as convenient water access when the reserve boundaries were established (probably) in the early twentieth century.

Some of the extant plantings, such as the two bull bays (Magnolia grandiflora) behind the house and the large camphor laurel (Cinnamomum camphora) at Kirribilli Avenue, are very likely to have been introduced in the nineteenth century. Others are either also possibly from the nineteenth century or early twentieth century such as the large clumping plants Strelitzia nicolai (near the southern boundary and northern boundary) and Phoenix reclinata (near the path to the marine precinct), and the solitary Firewheel Tree (Stenocarpus sinuatus) at the northern boundary fence.

Other likely nineteenth-century plantings that have since been removed include the lemon-scented gum (Corymbia citriodora) at Kirribilli Avenue, the flame tree (Brachychiton acerifolium) formerly within the front drive loop, another camphor laurel (Cinnamomum camphora) formerly near the northern boundary, and the kauri pine (Agathis robusta) formerly near the northeast corner of the house.

Beyond individual plant species, a hallmark of the historical grounds evident in the archival photography is the rich character of the gardens created through use of a variety of foliage plants and strategic placement to provide shade, shelter and screening. There are only glimpses of such compositional richness and structural organisation within the present grounds, and these mostly occur where older trees remain as a foundation for later plantings.

The prospect of spectacular harbour scenery, from both house and grounds, has been a feature of the place since the 1850s—though the site undoubtedly also offering scenic prospects for countless others a long time before that. Historically, as is the case presently present, the grounds offered vistas (eg from the front entry), filtered views and glimpses of the harbour through foliage, and broad panoramas.

There are also other important legacies from the nineteenth century still manifest at Kirribilli House. These include the enduring relationship the place has with its immediate neighbour, Admiralty House, from which estate the Kirribilli House grounds were originally subdivided. It is both rare and remarkable that these two major marine estates remain essentially intact. The two are appreciated together from around the harbour and are regarded as integral parts of the iconic harbourside scenery.

There is also considerable collective value contributed by Kirribilli House, Admiralty House and many of their surviving nineteenth-century neighbours such as Sunnyside (1862), Burnleigh (c1875), Newton (1870) and the Kirribilli Neighbourhood Centre building (1873). There is also value in the contribution Kirribilli House makes in combination with its streetscape neighbours, such as the residence across the road.

1.4.3 1920 to 1956

After changing ownership several times from 1913, Kirribilli House was acquired by the Commonwealth of Australia in 1920. Several changes within the grounds are discernible from the earlier part of this period.

An obvious one is that the present garage (built by 1930) now stands as a replacement for the former outbuildings to the west of the house. Between 1920 and 1930 the property was tenanted to various prominent people and it is possible that the present Monterey cypress (Cupressus macrocarpa) and the nearby jelly palm (Butia capitata) were introduced, along with the Himalayan cedar (Cedrus deodara). It is possible other trees may date to this general period also—such as the Hill’s fig tree—though it is unclear if this was planted or bird-propagated. Alternatively, this tree was introduced as part of the 1957 grounds makeover.

The 1957 letter from L D Pryor records the existence of a lillipilli (possibly still remains), kauri pine (removed), the flame tree (removed), lemon-scented gum (removed) and Ginkgo biloba (removed). Many of these trees would have been planted prior to 1920, though it is possible the lillipilli was one that was introduced after 1920.

Correspondence from 1922 indicates that Charles Weston, as head of the Yarralumla Nursery in Canberra, was directly involved in the despatch (and possibly also the plant selection) of species to Kirribilli at that time. Weston would have known the site, its soils and microclimate intimately as he was formerly the head gardener at Admiralty House for 10 years, living on site in the gardener’s cottage before moving across the harbour to work at Government House for a further four years.

1.4.4 1957 to Present

Much of the current layout in the northern and western sides of the grounds dates to the major transformations of the 1957 construction phase. During this period, the staff wing and other building alterations were undertaken. The driveway and drive loop were also added. Even the eastern side was affected banking was continued across the site with the addition of more flights of steps, and the earlier more dramatic bank was terraced to help use up spoil from the excavation on the western side.

A further flight of steps (and extended garden bedding) appears to have been added in the 1970s (possibly during the Fraser incumbency) to the southern end of the central rock formation. The repeated practice of adding flights of steps at various places with no connecting pathway created more problems than it solved. Each new set of steps then required a later pathway only to be confronted with the necessity of more steps to negotiate remaining changes of level. An unfortunate consequence of this cycle was the gradual erosion of the earlier sense of ‘wildness’ and drama that befitted the picturesque character of the site.

The 1957 report on the work at Kirribilli House states that Professor EG Waterhouse assisted with advice on the grounds in 1957. While having a distinguished academic career as a linguist, Waterhouse was also well respected as a horticulturist and camellia expert even to the point of becoming an advisor on landscape projects at Sydney University (main quadrangle, vice- chancellor’s courtyard and St Paul’s College campus), the Teachers’ College and Royal Prince Alfred Hospital. It is assumed that the older camellias within the grounds, including those below the central rock outcrop and the large Camellia reticulata at the southern boundary, would have come at the suggestion of Waterhouse.

The large Hill’s fig tree is more problematic. It could either have been introduced sometime between the interwar period to 1950s or been propagated by birds during this time span. The very broad, spreading canopy of the fig tree is affecting the viability of plants under it, including a large group of locally indigenous species such as Angophora costata. Other smooth-barked apples lined the main driveway in the 1960s and 1970s, but had gone by 1986. The smooth-barked apple is a species that is otherwise highly desirable to have on site.

The mature Macadamia and Backhousia seem about the same age and were plausibly planted c1960sthere is no sign of the Macadamia in the 1957 photography of the western area and driveway precinct. It is possible that these plantings were instigated by Bettina Gorton (resident 1968 to 1971) as it is consistent date-wise and circumstantially—especially given her demonstrated advocacy of Australian flora and in providing the impetus for the famous Native Garden at The Lodge.

While possibly an earlier introduction, the aggressive Ficus pumila that functions as a makeshift hedge along the central rock outcrop may have been introduced as part of the 1980s recommendations. However, it is now threatening to engulf everything around it including rock outcropping and any other nearby plants—even trees. Although seemingly demure in its small-leafed juvenile stage it soon develops a larger and more aggressive adult type of foliage, and Sydney’s climate is very conducive to its fast-spreading and invasive habit. It probably should not be retained on site.

Very recent additions to the grounds include kentia palms (Howea forsteriana) (an appropriate choice in cultivating a Victorian landscape character) at the northern side of the house and, during the Rudd incumbency, a jacaranda within the drive loop as a replacement for the lost flame tree.

Of particular concern is the obvious demise of several older trees, such as the large camphor laurel, old flame tree and large lemon-scented gum, along with the near total defoliation of the remaining large camphor laurel. A solid and continuous line of trees along the northern boundary appears to have been a key feature of the place since at least the early twentieth century and likely earlier.

The 1950s remodelling of the northern spaces was a radical departure from the nineteenth and early twentieth century form, but was ameliorated by the retention of the mature trees along the northern boundary and along the driveway. The loss of many of these trees has had a substantial impact. Currently the important arrival spaces (whole northern side) are a partly successful development from the bland and austere landscape apparent in the 1980s. There is also currently evident a preponderance for neatness rather than a rich mixture of plant species consistent with a Victorian harbourside mansion.

There appears to be no clear direction on either the treatment of major precincts within the grounds such as the important approach sequence or the eastern cliff line where earlier exotics and locally indigenous vegetation are vying with environmental weeds—or the use of lighting elements and furniture (eg the inappropriate kidney-shaped stone seat). Walling varies from 1960s ‘fieldstone’ walls to very poor-quality mortared stone walling that needs replacing.

The former marine entry and saltwater pool precinct remains ruinous after the 1960s removal or unnecessary displacement of much stonework.

1.5 Review of Documentary Evidence

The purpose of this review of documentary material is to determine, as much as possible, what the place was like in its earlier phases and then, by comparing these characteristics with current evidence, establish a basic site development chronology and level of integrity that then helps to inform the assessment of significance. To do this each of the key archival records are analysed below and obvious site developments are noted.

1.5.1 Archival Plans Pictorial Material and Written Evidence

1.5.1.1 Plan showing land required for National Defence in 1856 (Source: 1985 CMP)

A plan of 1856 shows the land acquired by Mr Feez from Mr Travers as well as land required for national defence purposes at the southerly point (Kirribilli Point [100]) (Figure 1‑9).

A picture of a sketched map of the Kirribilli and Admiralty House grounds, outlining their estate area in Kirribilli Point

Figure 1‑9: 1856 plan showing area required for national defence purposes

The plan clearly shows the arcing boundary with Wotonga (sic) as it was separated by subdivision. It also shows the splayed entry recess from the road reservation at the north-western corner of the site along with boat mooring structures into the harbour at the eastern edge. The road reservation also shows some indecision with a bold line denoting the northern boundary of the Kirribilli site but a dotted line projecting further to the north.

1.5.1.2 1883 Parish Plan (Source: 1985 CMP)

The 1883 plan for the Parish of Willoughby indicates the presence of the house ‘Kirribilli’ shown dashed graphically, the splayed entry recess of Campbell Street and the confusing eastern end of the northern road reserve where the northern property boundary seems to twist out to the north-east over the road reserve.

Of particular note is the extent of substantial development of the marine facilities where two enclosures are shown – one labelled ‘Boat Shed’ (to the north and parallel to the harbour) and the other “Fish Pond”[101] (to the south and perpendicular to the harbour). Above these is a line indicating the upper extent of the cliffs near the eastern boundary of the site and the faint indication of the access linking the maritime facilities with the top of the cliffs which accords with the present line of access between the two.

1.5.1.3 Surveyor’s Field Book, 29 July 1891 (Source: Sydney Water Board Archives)

This document records the detailed field notes of the site by Surveyor T G Wilson and, although not drawn to scale, provides descriptions of structures and materials. One of the areas of interest is at the harbour edge where the marine facilities are outlined and described as containing at least three weatherboard boathouses and three flights of, presumably, stone steps. Some form of safety balustrading is also shown graphically at each of the water edges.

Another area of interest is at the north-eastern corner of the house where splayed steps are shown off the northern end of the verandah and, further to the east, a rectangular outline is described as being weatherboard with (as far as can be deciphered) the word, “Tank” in it.

Beyond this, the northern boundary is noted as being fenced, the splayed entry recess is clearly outlined, some bedding is shown in front of, and parallel to, the northern house bay outline, substantial weatherboard buildings are shown to the west of the house with a cobblestone area between them and a verandahed link to the house. A note to the left of the field sketch indicates that the spire of St Mark’s (presumably Darling Point) was used to make directional references.

1.5.1.4 Water Board Survey, 4 August 1891 (Source: Sydney Water Board Archives)

This plan is probably the finished version of the previous in sketch form and is virtually identical to another survey of 5 April 1892 in the Stanton Library and the 1985 CMP report. The plan confirms the status of buildings and other structures across the site by this time including the full complement of built elements at the marine entry, the western outbuildings to the house and the small weatherboard structure to the northeast of the house labelled as “Tank”.

It also confirms the general alignment of the eastern cliff line, adjoining outbuildings with Admiralty House and provides yet another permutation to the northern boundary line in relation to the road reserve (still Campbell Street).

1.5.1.5 c. 1898-1900 Higinbotham and Robinson Map (Kiarabilli Pt.) (Source: 1985 CMP)

While offering no new information about site development this plan does continue to confirm that the site allotment has remained exactly the same since its subdivision in the 1850s.

1.5.1.6 1922 Plant Despatch from TCG Weston (NAA A192 FLC 1922/754)

Evidence of the direct involvement of Charles Weston and the Yarralumla Nursery in the review of Kirrabilli House grounds after its government acquisition is provided in a letter from the Afforestation Branch in Canberra of 12 May 1922. The following plants (the old nomenclature is retained) were despatched by Weston from Queanbeyan Railway Station to Mr M Minnett, Head Gardener, Admiralty House via Milsons Point Station:

36 Cupressus macrocarpa
2 Cupressus Fastigata
2 Cupressus Arizonica
2 Cryptomera elegaris
2 Pinus Lambertiana (in lieu of Pinus excelsa)
2 Abies Douglasii
2 Thuya orientalis
2 Cedrus deodara

The large number of Cupressus macrocarpa suggests their use for a hedge but no such feature currently remains part from a solitary cypress to the east. Of the other species listed here, only one Deodar Cedar remains and the preponderance of conifers is quite consistent with Victorian taste.

1.5.1.7 1930 Parish Plan (Source: 1985 CMP)

Although somewhat sparse in detail, this extract off the 1930 plan for the Parish of Willoughby shows the present motor garage. This indicates that it was probably built in the 1920s following the purchase of Kirribilli House by the Commonwealth of Australia. The plan also shows the house footprint through no outbuildings.[102]

An indicative rendering of the main gate entry is shown as a curved bay indent. The most elementary indication of buildings is shown adjoining the site boundary with Admiralty House though no structure is shown in the lawn to the northeast of Kirribilli House. This may mean that the former weatherboard structure with the ‘Tank’ has also been removed by 1930.

1.5.1.8 1932 Watercolour by G V F Mann (Source: 1985 CMP)

A watercolour rendering by G V F Mann in 1932 shows Kirribilli House in a dramatic setting from the southeast. The house is framed by vegetation on the extreme left (existing Bull Bay [Magnolia grandiflora]?) and to the right (a former Moreton Bay Fig Tree [Ficus macrophylla]) with a dense, continuous line of vegetation behind the house to the northeast.

Of note also is the sheer, even grassed bank falling to the harbour from the verandahs indicating the earlier (typical 19th century) form of the banking before the present terraced arrangement. The 1985 report also describes the colours used in the work anticipating black and white copies of the document.

1.5.1.9 Undated Detail Plan of Waterfront (Interwar period?) (Source: Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet)

This very useful record of the marine entry precinct details levels, layout and materials used throughout this important area. Of note are the annotations for the stepped access to the area from the main grounds. The extended, straight section – in exactly the same alignment as that existing – was built from two long flights of timber steps off concrete steps at the top with a long flat section using natural rock outcropping.

Although the earlier surveys of this area do not reveal the connection between the shoreline and the upper grounds, it is likely that this line of access has remained constant, only the materials being changed.

Other survey notes describe where bedrock has been cut to form steps or the boat harbours; masonry blocks used to form the arcing breakwater; and concrete steps added to provide better access. However, no buildings are indicated.

1.5.1.10 1956 Survey Plan (Source: 1986 Grounds CMP)

This important survey plan forms one of the most crucial records of the grounds as it describes the character, layout, levels and some of the features of the site just before the most transformative phase since the initial site development about one hundred years earlier. A reading of this survey with the 1957 grounds plan provides much information about the extent and scale of 1950s interventions.

The 1956 survey clearly shows the uniform steep bank (Figure 1‑10)[103] off the house verandahs before the present terraces were introduced, the earlier main entry gate ensemble at Kirribilli Avenue (including placement of piers – most matching the existing arrangement), the earlier flights of steps off the northeast verandah and main entry porch and the arrangement of the entry path (shown in concrete by this date).

A flagged path is described running along the western end of the house, then a concrete path at the southern return but with another stone flagged section (and associated ornamental pond) linking the house with the boundary to Admiralty House. A flight of steps is shown adjacent to the western doorway leading up a bank.

The concrete path at the front house entry continues in a series of (presumably ramping) bends to steps down the steep slopes to the northeast of the house finally leading to an asphalt path that traverses the upper edge of the eastern cliff line. Unlike photographs of the same period, this plan also confirms the existence of a designated garden walk within the grounds as would be expected of most places of this scale.

In a line projected off the northern façade of the house there is a note of ‘steps’ beyond the eastern cliff line indicating the access to the marine precinct and further to the south is a rectangle possibly indicating the lancet-shaped lattice portal shown in archival photographs. Apart from the house and the garage, no other structures are noted.[104]

A picture of a detailed drawing of a map and plan for Kirribilli House and grounds

Figure 1‑10: 1956 Survey Plan (Department of Housing and Construction Landscape Architects ACT Region, 1986)

Also east of the house verandah is the present large rock outcrop formation along the central part of the eastern grounds. The survey records the upper cliff edge as well as the lower rock ledge. The form of the outcropping appears to have dictated the location of steps with one flight shown to the north skirting above the rock while, to the south, a flight (presumably the existing one cut into the rock) is shown wedged between rock outcrops.

Not all of the annotations for existing vegetation are decipherable or provide identification, especially on the northern side of the house. Those that are, however, include a ‘Moreton Bay Fig’ in the southeast of the grounds, a ‘Magnolia’ at the bottom of the bank near the Admiralty House boundary and, what appears to be, a ‘Grey Gum’ to the north of the house. Given the general level of identification evident the latter may have been a locally indigenous Angophora costata. All other plant symbols appear to be labelled, “Tree”. Correlation with later records, however, soon reveals the identity of many of these otherwise anonymous former and existing species.

1.5.1.11 1956 Working Drawings of Fowell, Mansfield and Maclurcan (Source: Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet)

Two of the 1956 drawings used for the later site contract work document the extent of changes to the Kirribilli House landscape since the 1956 survey. Drawing 56 1411/1 provides ground and first floor plans and an elevation and section where substantial cut and fill is indicated, and instructions given such as ‘remove stone steps’ for the former splayed steps to the northeast verandah as well as those to the front porch.

The elevation and section reveal that the former outbuildings (removed by 1930) must have been built across the rising ground to the wet of the house with stabling closest to the western boundary. As it shows the line of the earlier ground levels west of the house it implies that a considerable amount of cut material has been excavated to allow for the 1957 staff wing and that, where levels have been retained or filled (such as above the stone retaining walls), there may remain some archaeological evidence of the former 19th century outbuildings.

At the northeastern side of the house the elevation and ground plan show where levels have been filled to raise the new drive loop to meet the upper slab of the entry threshold. This was done on the basis of attempting to retain the two existing trees in this location – the one in the front of the porch being a Flame Tree and the other possibly a Kauri Pine (both trees have since gone).

The ground plan also shows an earlier version of the path layout to the northeast of the house and confirms the intention to reconfigure the levels around this area consistent with the raised driveway. It is possible – and logical – that excavated material from the staff wing was used to fill areas for the drive loop and the bank terracing to minimise the contract cost of removing soil off the site.

Another drawing (56 1411/4) confirms the arrangement of the gated entry in 1956 and the extent of modification required by the new work. This entailed retaining the two sandstone walls and enclosing piers facing Kirribilli Avenue along with the western pier forming a gate top the west. The earlier pedestrian gate and inward pier were removed with a new curving section of stone wall being built to enclose new wrought iron gates.

The drawing also shows that an existing timber paling fence was retained along part of the northern boundary, though this has since been replaced.

1.5.1.12 1957 Grounds Plan (Source: Grounds CMP)

Together with the 1956 site survey, this plan readily reveals the extent of changes arising from the 1957 works contract among which include the broadening of the old earth bank to the east and formation of two intermediate terraces; the filling of the area in front (north) of the house and introduction of a paved (gravel) drive loop and turning circle, the removal of earlier stone steps (and early iron railings); the reconfiguration of the entry gates and the addition of the staff wing along with associated stone retaining walls and steps following substantial excavation.

With substantial interventions to the west, north and southeast of the house the 1957 work effectively changed about half of the grounds. The nature of some of these changes – such as the introduction of the bank terraces – also meant that further changes were left implied, and which were duly fulfilled subsequently. In the case of the terraces later changes included the addition of more steps and paths to take advantage of the easier access provided by the terracing.

Other site modifications involved replacing the earlier southern connection to Admiralty House with a new flagged pathway (and a new paling fence and gates) and curved threshold where the earlier conservatory was demolished, the provision of a new stone paved connection into the grounds of Admiralty House from the new western courtyard. Interestingly the former small pond next to the southern pathway has gone.

Curiously, however, while one of the old bull Bays are shown near the southern boundary and the former Moreton Bay Fig Tree is not shown (as it has presumably been removed), the plan shows the present mature Jelly Palm as an ‘existing palm’ – along with a small pond next to it – though the 956 survey omitted the palm even though it must have been present.

1.5.1.13 March 1957 Letter from FMM (NAA A463 1957/1737 PART 1)

In a letter to the Prime Minister’s Department the architects Fowell, Mansfield and Maclurcan set out their design intentions for the grounds of Kirribilli House, foremost of which were the objectives of ‘economy of maintenance’ and ‘to present the appearance of a garden to a private house than that of an official building’. A preliminary plan originally accompanied the letter, but this has not been found.

The recommendations further listed that the immediate house environment be cultivated with plants ‘suitable to the architecture’ and ‘favoured by the early pioneers’. Two remaining objectives are particularly interesting as they advocate the use of Australian plants generally for the benefit of overseas visitors and the use of locally indigenous species along the harbour edges.

A later suggestion in this letter, referring to the intermediate outcrop known as “The Bastion”, is for the existing ‘ficus and other growth along the cliff edge’ to be ‘severely cut back and to some extent removed’ and, where feasible, replaced using ‘more interesting native plants’. This may refer to the existing problematic Ficus pumila that has covered the entire rock outcrop and many of the plants around it.

The letter also includes many plant species suggestions and locations for these and, despite emphasising the need to reduce maintenance commitments, specifies the use of annuals, herbaceous borders, hedges and fruit trees. Camellias and azaleas were stipulated as feature plants within the northern entry areas and even climbing plants ‘of restrained habit’ were suggested for corner verandah posts.

The demise of the old fig tree at the south-eastern corner was contemplated in 1957 as the letter indicates that it ‘will probably be removed and a plantation of Callitris is suggested at this point’. The existing examples of Monstera deliciosa probably date from the later 1950s as this species is recommended in the letter as well as Acanthus.

1.5.1.14 1957 Letters from L D Pryor (NAA A463 1957/509 PART 1)

Two letters from Professor Lindsay Pryor, then Head of the Parks and Gardens Section of the Department of the Interior, to Ken Herde of the Prime Minister’s Department provide considerable insight into the thinking behind the changes to the grounds at Kirribilli House in 1957. In the first of these letters, Pryor acknowledges the existence, and desirable retention, of a number of the earlier plantings such as a Kauri pine and the Flame Tree near the main entry of the house, a Lillipilli (possibly the existing Syzgium to the lower north-east grounds) and a Lemon-scented Gum (probably the one now cut down at the northern boundary).

Pryor also graciously offers advice on Mr Mansfield’s landscape planning and makes various recommendations to fine-tune the Fowell, Mansfield and Maclurcan proposals. Chief among these considerations is the need to reduce areas of lawn where the amount of shade would preclude its viability. However, the shade regime current when Pryor was writing was quite different to that of today on account of the recent loss of so many of the larger canopy trees.

In supporting Mansfield’s proposal for native plants around “The Bastion” area, Pryor provides a list of suitable species that include some local Sydney plants such as Eriostemon (now Philotheca), Banksia spinulosa, Telopea and Grevillea buxifolia. Pryor goes on to suggest the addition of several NSW rainforest trees such as Red Ash (Alphitonia excelsa), Red Cedar (Toona cedrela) and Flindersia oxleyana (syn. F. xanthoxyla) for the lower grounds.

Other exotic trees recommended by Pryor, such as Dawn Redwood (Metasequoia glyptostroboides) ‘to accompany the fine Ginkgo which already exists’ along with a Chinese Elm (Ulmus chinensis), Swamp Cypress (Taxodium distichum) and Zelkova. Concluding paragraphs indicate that camellias and azaleas are likely to be ‘extremely expensive’, though certain strategic locations may justify such expense and that an umbrageous tree is warranted near the main entry gates – a role presently filled by the large Macademia tetraphylla though apparently not included in the 1957 plantings.

A second letter from Pryor to Herde about a month later provides a list of suitable plants for the Kirribilli House garden, along with potential sources of supply including the Yarralumla Nursery in Canberra (a long list of mostly exotic shrubs and trees including two specifically marked to Mr Mansfield!), the Forestry Commission of NSW (mainly rainforest trees), the Sydney Botanic Gardens (a mixture of native and exotic shrubs and groundcovers), Professor E G Waterhouse (camellias and azaleas) and D W Clarke, Hazlewood Bros. and Swane’s (another list of mixed ‘old garden’ species). Lastly, Pryor suggests that certain divisible species such as Agapanthus and Arum Lilies could be obtained from the Royal Botanic Gardens and Admiralty House. Figure 1‑11 shows the grounds plan dated 1957.

A picture of a detailed map drawing of the design of Kirribilli House plans

Figure 1‑11: 1957 Grounds Plan (Department of Housing and Construction Landscape Architects ACT Region, 1986)

1.5.1.15 1957 Drawings for Gated Connection from Admiralty House (NAA A463 1957/517)

A July 1957 letter from the architects recommends a treatment for a suitable connection between Admiralty House and Kirribilli House involving stone flagged paths and steps, a timber gate and timber lattice fence. The proposal was approved and the works subsequently carried out.

1.5.1.16 1957 Account of Restoration (Source: Design 5 Architects)

In November 1957, the Prime Minister’s Department wrote a report as a record of works carried out at Kirribilli House between February and October of that year. Under “Garden and Grounds” the report states that the “…architects’ landscape plan was carried into effect by the Head Gardener of Admiralty House, Mr G W Gillham, and his staff” and that “…Professor E G Waterhouse generously gave of his time on (sic) advising on the planting of Camellias and Azaleas and the pruning of certain trees”.

The report also confirms the tripartite planning approach as “…near the house having the atmosphere of an early Australian garden with old fashioned plants; exotics that flourish here and are an attraction to visitors from other climates; and on the lower slopes towards the Harbour, ‘local flora”. It also states “…three electric light standards, having been adapted from 19th century gas lamp posts, [were] generously donated by the Australian Gas Light Company".

Under “Garden Suppliers”, the report indicates that “…The Department of the Interior, Canberra [i.e. the Parks & Garden Section under L D Pryor], the Botanical Gardens, Sydney and D W Clarke P/L” supplied either trees, shrubs or other plants, while the Camellia Grove Nursery (established by E G Waterhouse in 1939) supplied camellias and azaleas. Despite L D Pryor’s earlier suggestion, the Forestry Commission of NSW is not listed as a supplier. H Grounds & Sons supplied a concrete seat and pots.

1.5.1.17 1958 FMM As-Built Drawing (NAA A463 1962/5496)

This drawing confirms the extent of work carried out in 1957 including the building of the staff wing, the addition of the drive and drive loop, a guardhouse, a redesign of most of the western side of the house, the rearrangement of the entry gate ensemble and the regrading of the main grassed bank.

1.5.1.18 Grounds letter (NAA A463 1963/4782 ATTACHMENT)

A letter of 1961 by the accountant J Cassidy provides an outline of decisions made regarding site planning and design – without any reference to architectural or professional design advice – that has left an unfortunate legacy within the Kirribilli House grounds. Cassidy records his approval to construct stone walls as a safety barrier in the southeastern part of the grounds and some of this – while we-meaning – has been built around the base of the Monterey cypress. Some poorly built stone walls in other parts of the grounds may have been introduced at this time.

Of equal concern was the instruction to use sandstone blocks from the 1850s boat harbour walling to be reused to form a barrier to the northern boundary as well as one to raise the level of the driveway further to reduce the slope. The latter development would have exacerbated existing rising damp issues. Generally, the nature of this work contrasted with the more carefully planned, designed and executed work of the 1950s. The 1960s work was undertaken ‘in-house’ to save on costs.

1.5.1.19 1979 Site Survey (Source: Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet)

Within the twenty or so years between the 1950s documentation and this late 1970s survey several further grounds interventions are evident. These include the large circular ‘Fish Pond’ within he lower lawns (introduced in the 1960s) and associated plantings, a pergola nearby at the southern boundary, a flight of steps and an extension of the bedding at the bottom of the grass banks, additional steps along the winding pathway to the northeast of the house, a flagpole with stays and anchor points in the northeast lawn, two new ‘bush houses’ to the west of the staff wing, cannon balls at the base of the northeast steps, a small rockery near the steps to the harbour and various tree plantings.

Of the latter, notable additions may include another Maidenhair Tree (Ginkgo biloba) immediately south of the southern verandah and a ‘poplar’ (actually a former Claret Ash) within the 1950s western courtyard – both of which have been removed. Other plantings within this period are highly likely though from a comparison of these plans alone it is impossible to determine which ones.

In terms of describing plant species where trees are noted, the 1979 survey is notoriously inaccurate with, for example, Bull Bay consistently given as Moreton Bay Fig, Angophora costata given as Spotted Gum and the former Flame Tree as Kurrajong (right genus, wrong species).

1.5.1.20 1986 Grounds Plan (Source: 1986 Grounds CMP)

Just prior to further site works being undertaken, the 1986 grounds plan also confirms many of the features noted from the 1979 survey and provides a basis of comparison with the most recent site survey.

1.5.2 Photography

1.5.2.1 1860-1863 Hetzer Photographic Stereoviews (Powerhouse Museum 87/1019-14 & 87/1019-15)

The earliest available photography of the Kirribilli House grounds is from the William Hetzer collection of the late 1850s and the early 1860s. Of three stereopair images of the Kirribilli peninsula, two are clearly of the Kirribilli House site where one shows the boat sheds and sandstone cliffs along the eastern shoreline and the second shows the house and eastern side of the grounds.

Both photographs show that the eastern edges of this part of the Kirribilli peninsula were still well vegetated with locally indigenous species such as Angophora and Allocasuarina or Casuarina, the latter now conspicuous by its general absence and the former struggling to remain. The photograph along the shoreline (Figure 1‑12) shows a rugged sandstone landscape as the marine interface and a tall timber paling fence running down to the water though only part way up the slope. Beyond this are timber-boarded structures over sandstone block seawalls. Another taller fence is shown further up the slope and further back from the first fence. An unidentified object or structure is visible part way up the slope.

A sepia tone image of a cliffside

Figure 1‑12: Photographic print, mounted stereoview, Kirribilli looking south, published by William Hetzer, Sydney

The second photograph (Figure 1‑13) – taken near the extreme south-eastern corner of the site – contains considerable detail of the eastern side of the house where ornamental bargeboards, shuttered gable windows, shingled roofs and ogee verandah gutters are clearly visible. A family group (man, woman and child) is shown sitting on the grass to the southeast of the house and part of a flat bar estate fence or gate is also partly visible in the foreground. These views are partly obscured by the foreground vegetation that features a large limb from an Angophora costata to the right and a sheoak (Allocasuraina littoralis or Casuarina glauca) to the left. Another sheoak is visible to the extreme right.

A sepia tone image of leafless tree branches and a tall, trimmed hedge in front of Kirribilli House

Figure 1‑13: Photographic print, mounted stereoview, Kirribilli looking south, published by William Hetzer, Sydney, 1860-1863 (Source: Powerhouse Museum Collection, 1019_15

By the early 1860s these photographs are not expected to show much of the plantings within the grounds of Kirribilli House as the house had only just been built but the second image indicates that the steep grassed slope had been finished and the first image shows that the marine precinct had been substantially built. Both clearly demonstrate that a diverse locally indigenous vegetation was still relatively well-distributed across this part of the Kirribilli shoreline by the mid-19th century.

1.5.2.2 1880s? Kirribilli (Mitchell Library, SPF)

Another 19th century photograph, described as 1860s, appears to show the whole of the eastern side of the site. Given the much more advanced state of the grounds and plantings and that the eastern cliff line is shown as a continuous grassed bank the photograph was more likely from about the 1880s.

The image holds a considerable amount of information about the site. Apart from excellent detail for the boat harbour, saltwater pool, marine structures and path access, the image reveals that much of the local indigenous vegetation has been cut back or removed and replaced with either grass or beds of ornamental plantings and neatly sculpted shrubs and hedges. On the left side, a maturing pine tree (dark foliage) is visible with possible low hedging (and a white gate?) near it. A dense and continuous band of vegetation is shown all along the boundary with Admiralty House.

On the right side of the image a fence is visible at the water’s edge, although the actual site boundary is later shown to be further to the south near the northern edge of the first boat shed. This indicates that the Kirribilli House gardens once extended into the present Lady Gowrie Lookout reserve and that there was no fence along a large part of the northern grounds allowing ready access along the terraces from the grounds to land further to the north.

The same general area also shows a maturing palm tree amid rounded shrubs and curvilinear snaking hedging, steps, seating and some of the massive sandstone outcrop to the northeast of the house. Above this outcrop, and just in front of the main entry porch, is a small structure that also appears in later photographs.

1.5.2.3 1900-1902 Photograph (ML PXA 4467)

The first of the images from the 20th century (Figure 1‑14) shows the principal view to the house from the entry pathway with various figures standing at the northwest corner of the house. It also features the strong forms of the house such as the dramatic gables, chimneys, castellated bay with a fine wirework arch (with climbing rose?) in front and the projecting porch with its shingles and lantern.

There is a tall, lapped timber paling fence screening off the service area of the grounds from the main arrival precinct and recent plantings of typical textured Victorian favourites such as Cordyline species and various palms in the foreground. The front entry path appears relatively narrow – at least up to the bay projection – and is defined by a low, hedged estate fence that curves back towards the service fence on one side and, on the northern side, another part hedge beyond which the shadow along the ground seems to indicate a low picket fence.

Looking out past the entry porch, the view is obscured by the projecting foliage of a fig tree beyond the house and the overexposed edge of the photograph where, possibly, the harbour might have been otherwise visible.

To the northwest corner of the house, a skillion addition is crudely screened by a lattice partition and this, along with the western side of the addition and part of the stone walls beyond, are covered by a dense climber (possibly Cat’s Claw Creeper [Macfadyena unguis-cati]).

Foliage from a large, unidentified tree frames the upper right-hand side of the image and, from the amount of shade projected to the south, there may be several large trees to the north of the entry path providing a cool approach to the house in summer.

The second image from the W H Davis Photographic Collection appears to be taken in the lower grounds at the acute junction of the main northern walk and a lower pathway leading, formerly, across into the northern reserve. It shows fine metal estate fencing (flat bar posts and five rails of round bars) as safety barriers to each of the sheer drops and a broken bitumen path with half-round glazed terracotta drains either side.

Sandstone steps (the upper step with a drainage channel cut at the end) lead to the lower path of concrete with a large white bollard and tap. Planted borders define the upper path and a large feature plant (Doryanthes excelsa or Furcraea foetida?) anchors the corner junction of the two paths. Both Ficus rubiginosa and Angophora costata appear to be present framing views to Neutral Bay. A stump of another tree remains at the side of the upper path.

A black and white picture of 5 people standing in front of the Kirribilli House fence, beside large plants and the houses side, exposing the two chimneys and opened windows

Figure 1‑14: “Kirribilli”, Album of Photographs inscribed “To Mrs. Royle from W H Davis” February 1900-June 1902. (Source: State Library of NSW, ML PXA 4467)

1.5.2.4 1900 – c.1913 Photographic Series (ML PXA 548)

A series of images (about twelve showing the grounds) also survives from the early 20th century though taken slightly later than the previous image. Those used for this analysis are considered in the following order, progressing from the entry gate to the eastern cliff line:

View through main entry gate looking down the pathway
View at path junction to front of house
Outbuildings at western end
View to upper northeast lawn from curving path
View back to house from NE lawn
View across steep bank to eastern edge and harbour
Detail of previous view showing Fort Denison

The first photograph (Figure 1‑15) reveals a tantalising glimpse down the miniature hedge-lined main entry path towards the house framed by the taller trees of a mature or maturing garden. The extreme left edge of the image shows the rustic sandstone coursing of a gate pier with its finely worked edge detail (this largely remains though now with tuck-pointed jointing) and dressed capital while the right side shows an Arts and Crafts-style timber gate with ‘Kirribilli’ name plate. The inside gate threshold is shown with fine ceramic tiling and a metal balustrade over a stone base course edges the first part of the pathway. The view focuses on the projecting bay of the house with a classical figure and lantern highlighting a path junction. To the right the two western house gables are visible as is the service screen fence through the gate’s wirework.

A black and white of a gate which says Kirribilli on its front

Figure 1‑15: Kirribilli House gate, c. 1913 (Source: Mitchell Library – PXA548 – Kirribilli album)

The next image (Figure 1‑16) shows the sequential view further along the main entry path with the northern front of the house revealed but with the focal point proceeding further past the house to the glimpse of the harbour beyond (though the image copy available is too overexposed at the distance to distinguish water). The foreground indicates that a cross path linked the main entry path [105] with the service area and western house entry (to the right) and a possible garden walk (to the left). Also in the foreground is a more detailed view of the lantern-holding classical figure (painted metal?) atop its plinth and base with the whole sculpture likely a catalogue model. Consistent with the 1900 image (ML PXA 4467) the metal wirework arch is visible in front of the bay as is the metal balustrading to the front porch and the classical urn with miniature conifer beyond.

A sepia tone image of the Kirribilli House main entry pathway with trimmed hedges, trees and a small statue

Figure 1‑16: Path leading to porch (now driveway turning circle), Kirribilli House (Source: Mitchell Library – PXA548 – Kirribilli album)

This image also reveals important information about the status of the vegetation within the northern and central grounds. The paths are mostly lined with a low hedge (supported by a low metal estate fence) of small-leaf privet though the large bed screening the service fence appears to have flax (Phormium sp.) and garden tile edging. The northwest house corner has a Cocos Palm of a few years old (though not apparent in the 1900 image) and various plants, including the Cat’s Claw Creeper, mostly screen the skillion addition.

The area to the north of the main path reveals a rich mixture of typically textured Victorian plantings including Monstera (to the extreme left) and Traveller’s Palm (Ravenala madegariensis) as well as carefully pruned shrubs into ‘mounded’ forms. Also evident is a Kentia Palm (Howea forsteriana) near the bay, a fig tree beyond the house and three large trees to the north and northeast of the porch. Of these, two appear to be pines of some kind and the third may be the broader trunk of the Flame Tree that had been in the present drive loop.

A photograph of the western outbuildings (Figure 1‑17) shows typically little vegetative detail apart from the rampant Cat’s Claw Creeper over some of the structures but does reveal two large trees to immediate south of the south-eastern house gable. These accord with the positions and foliage character of the present old Bull Bay and Moreton Bay Fig Tree.

A sepia toned picture of small buildings with slated roofs, panelled walls and surrounded by trees

Figure 1‑17: Western buildings, c. 1913 (Source: Mitchell Library – PXA548 – Kirribilli album)

Also, part of the sequential views from the front gate, pass the house and out to harbour, the next image (taken on the curving concrete north eastern path) (Figure 1‑18) shows part of the north-eastern lawn with a classical (catalogue-type) urn and miniature conifer, pruned shrub (Camellia?), Port Jackson Fig Tree (Ficus rubiginosa) near the large rock outcrop and that appeared in a previous view, and low, finial-ornamented weatherboard structure (fern house/tank enclosure?) with timber boarding at ground level beyond. This latter feature is shown abutting a rock outcrop. Also beyond these structures are two bare Frangipanis (Plumeria sp.) and, to the extreme right, the foliage of a tall pine, the cut trunk of another tree (presumably another fig tree) near the large rock outcrop and extensive views across the harbour and eastern suburbs.

A black and white picture of Kirribilli House grounds with a singular small tree and water feature in front of the property with larger trees and the harbour in the surrounds

Figure 1‑18: Kirribilli House grounds looking east, c. 1913 (Source: Mitchell Library – PXA548 – Kirribilli album)

The next image (Figure 1‑19) shows a reverse view back to the house with the finial-clad weatherboard structure and a large pine (Kauri pine?) or about twenty years’ growth to the extreme right. The eastern verandah has a selection of furniture across its length, including a Gothic-styled bench seat under the bay window projection (now removed) and a climber up one of the columns. Another climber or tall shrub is shown against the north-eastern wall where the present 1920s addition is located. Low estate fencing supports shrubs edging the curved concrete path and, beyond the house to the south, the foliage of a large tree is evident matching that of the present old bull Bay in this location.

A black and white image of Kirribilli House from slightly below the sloped lawn showing the house's structure, a small singular tree and outdoor furniture

Figure 1‑19: Eastern elevation of Kirribilli House, c. 1913 (Source: PXA-548, Kirribilli Album)

The last two images reveal more detail about the south-eastern part of the grounds from the end of the large rock outcrop around to the boundary with Admiralty House. The first view shows the southern end of the large rock formation with a fig tree below the outcropping and the stump and cut trunk of another embedded near the present cut steps. Shrubs have been planned around the outcrop with ferns covering the southern end. The lawn continues in an uninterrupted sweep from the foreground down the steep slope to the flat area beyond. At this point, a large ornamental area has been fenced off with several bedding areas, of varying shapes, providing an obligatory Victorian embellishment to the stunning harbour scenery beyond.

The enclosed ornamental area is entered through a lancet-shaped timber portal with a low picketed gate. Just outside the enclosure are two large mature trees – one a tall pine (Pinus sp.) with most of its lower branches removed presumably to retain views (and a seat under) and the other appears to be a fine old locally indigenous Port Jackson Fig Tree (not a Moreton Bay Fig Tree as later identified on later surveys). Both trees have since been removed. Beyond is an estate fence at the edge of the eastern cliff line and, at the extreme right, a timber handrail is shown providing some access to a lower level near where an olive tree is presently located.

The final photograph considered in this series (Figure 1‑20) provides further detail about the latticed portal structure into the fenced ornamental area as well as the enclosing fence which appears to be a simple painted top rail fitted into low posts with a small finial. The two bedding areas evident appear to have roses and a low conifer cultivar as central features respectively. The large fig tree frames the image to the right and the harbour views beyond shows Fort Denison, Garden Island and Mrs Macquarie’s Point.

A black and white picture of an archway and gate by the gardens at Kirribilli House

Figure 1‑20: Timber gate, c 1913 (Source: Mitchell Library – PXA-548, Kirribilli Album)

1.5.2.5 Various Late 1910s? – 1920s Photographs

Together with the earlier images above, these c. 1920s photographs provide the best indication of the 19th century status of the grounds prior to the major transformations of the mid-20th century. On the basis of substantial changes within the grounds, the group can be divided into those shortly before the Daily Telegraph image of 14 January 1920 [106] and those after. Those before this date were most likely taken either shortly before or after Arthur Wigram Allen’s purchase in December 1919.[107]

The first photograph considered in this group is from the Richardson & Wrench auction notice of 17 January 1920 when the Commonwealth of Australia purchased the property. The image used for the notice is actually from the later 1910s as there is no sale notice visible and the remains of the ornamental gardens within the lower lawns are still evident though unkempt and without the enclosing fence or lattice portal. Similar to the last photographs of the 1900-c.1913 photograph series (ML PXA 548) this image shows the two fig trees either side of the frame with the tall pine in the middle. The cut stump near the rock outcrop is visible and an emerging tree beyond the cliff line is evident (next to the pine).

Two subsequent photographs from the Richardson & Wrench sales brochure shows the site from the Harbour where the sale sign is prominent at the cliff line. Both images provide excellent views of the eastern edge of the site with the most southerly one revealing the rugged sandstone cliffs, a dense mantle of vegetation clinging to the top edge of the cliffs and a small pavilion at the corner of the Admiralty House site. The same photograph confirms the presence of a large old south-eastern fig tree, the tall pine and several other fig trees further along the line of the central outcrop formation as well as forms consistent with Bull Bays to the south of the house and the Flame Tree to the north.

The second of these useful Richardson & Wrench images shows the very fine collection of structures at the marine entry (including two large boat sheds and an open bathing shelter along with considerable sandstone walling), some dramatic paling fencing along the northern site boundary and the fenced, stepped access (with gate) from the house to the boat sheds. This photograph suggests that at least one of the two pines to the north-east of the house is bare. The north-east corner of the site appears well vegetated, and the inflorescences of cliff-hugging succulents are visible in profile at the extreme left.

The photograph appearing in the Daily Telegraph of 14 January 1920 dramatically changes since the previous images: the removal of the tall pine near the eastern fence and the fig tree growing near the central rock outcrop. The canopy of the fig tree has been removed and only two bare trunks remain. Elsewhere the photograph reveals the retention of the large old fig tree near the south-east boundary, large canopies consistent with the southern Bull Bay and Moreton Bay Fig tree, a large cleared and grassed area between the cliff line and the eastern fence, at least two types of succulents near the cliffs (large-leaved Furcraea foetida? to the north and Yucca sp. to the south) and several outlines of trees to the north and northeast of the house.

The last of the 1920s images considere here is an oblique aerial view (SRNSW NRS 15343/1) from the harbour looking to the southern side of Kirribilli House. It clearly documents the extensive lawns throughout the grounds, the dramatic central bank, several paths providing garden walks, the marine entry structures, rock shelving at the harbour’s edge (exposed at low tide), western outbuildings removed along with the small finial-clad structure on the north-east lawn (though the boarded area across the ground seems to remain) and much detail about the status of site vegetation.

Of the latter there is shown to be a prominent line of tall trees virtually all along the northern site boundary. These would include the present ailing camphor laurel as well as two removed specimens further to the east, and also the recently removed Lemon-scented Gum. The large fig tree dominates the south-east corner of the site while a smaller fig tree is visible just about its canopy along the central rock formation. At the south of the site a lone Bull Bay is shown within the lawn where the former bank sweeps towards Admiralty house and further up the slope several large canopies are shown which would include the other Bull Bay and the present large fig tree in the adjacent grounds.

Of note also are the large trees along the main entry path providing a framed and shady arrival to the house from Kirribilli Avenue and revealing the trees that were only partially evident in the earliest ground photography reviewed above. The large canopy rising up above the front porch area seems to be the old Flame Tree in this location until recently. Outside the western house entry is a set of steps leading to the footings of the demolished outbuildings.

1.5.2.6 1932 Photograph of E W Searle for the opening of Sydney Harbour Bridge

An enlargement of Edward William Searle’s broad-angled oblique aerial photograph corroborates information from the previous image including the existence of an extensive sweep of lawn across the southern, eastern and north-eastern sides of Kirribilli House then down toward the eastern cliff line and where there are fewer large trees to frame the views to the harbour than was the case about twelve years earlier.

The photograph clearly shows the broad band of rock outcropping north-east of the house, the outbuildings at Admiralty House on the shared boundary and, at the north-eastern shoreline, the southerly boathouse seems to have been removed. A dense, continuous band of tall vegetation is shown along the northern site boundary with a similar, though lower, line of plantings along the boundary with Admiralty House.

Through tree canopies the main entry path is visible leading to the front porch and the curved concrete path at the north-east lawn is also clearly visible. The former Flame Tree is evident in front of the house and there is some suggestion in this image that the Monterey Cypress (Cupressus macrocarpa) may be present as a young tree.

1.5.2.7 1943 Aerial (Source: RTA – now Transport for NSW)

This important and rare wartime aerial image shows the Lady Gowrie Lookout reserve to the north of Kirribilli House being redeveloped into a series of terraces with the formation of faux rockwork walls and details similar to those at nearby Taronga Zoo. Within the Kirribilli House site little appears to have changed since the previous photography except that by now all of the boathouse and shelter structures have been removed and the site of the former western outbuildings now appears as a grassed area.

Interestingly too, the main entry path is shown – likely wider than its 19th century version – leading to the front porch but with a generous grassed area forming a broad oval to the north of the house. Within the grass are several trees including the former Flame Tree. The photograph predates the block of units now overlooking the site from the north-east.

1.5.2.8 Pre-works 1950s Photographs

A 1954 photograph, “Housing Commission flats, Kirribilli” (Government Printing Office 2/04621) shows the newly-built high rise (though since modified) on the other side of Lady Gowrie Lookout. It confirms that all of the timber boathouse and shelter structures have been removed as well as safety balustrading but that the extensive sandstone walling remains. A timber handrail is visible to the steps up from the boat harbour and the north-eastern corner of the site appears very well vegetated.

A series of photographs of Kirribilli House were taken about 1956 by Antonia Macarthur-Stanham just prior to the 1957 transformation of the grounds. They wistfully show the place in a somewhat overgrown state though not without considerable character (Figure 1‑21). One of the images, of the main entry porch, shows the three stone threshold steps with two panels of finely designed iron balustrading and unmown grass in front. Overheard is the canopy of the former Flame Tree and further back, on the ground, is the foliage of an Agave attenuata.

A black and white picture of overgrown bushes and grass at Kirribilli House

Figure 1‑21: Overgrown lawns of Kirribilli House looking east (Source: Department of Housing and Construction Landscape Architects ACT Region, 1986 and National Archives of Australia Series 10982 Item HP02, Page 6 of 10)

Another 1956 photograph included within the 1986 Grounds CMP report shows the western side of the house with a fastigiate poplar, amongst other deciduous plantings, opposite the western entry (Figure 1‑22). A further view from 1956 (also included in the 1986 Grounds CMP) records the eastern end of the house from below the outcropping. The pine closest to the house (and next to the former Flame Tree) appears to be a Kauri Pine (Agathis robusta) from its distinctive branching habit (Figure 1‑23).

A black and white picture of Kirribilli House with leafless trees in front and large bushes on the ground

Figure 1‑22: Western end of Kirribilli House and deciduous plantings

A black and white image of Kirribilli House from slightly below, showing the house's structure and large trees and bushes surrounding its grounds

Figure 1‑23: Eastern end of house with Kauri Pine

1.5.2.9 Post-works 1950s Photographs

The next group of photographs were taken soon after the dramatic changes when the staff wing was added, and the northern drive loop was built – both requiring drastic changes of levels.

All five of the views (National Archives of Australia A1200/18/L 24661; L 24657; L24658; L24659; and L 24662) show that earlier trees in the vicinity of the new drive loop were retained – more likely to retain as much privacy as possible from the adjacent block of units. However, in the case of the two large trees nearest the house – the Flame Tree and possible Kauri Pine – and even the Angophora costata further up the driveway, the trunks would have been filled enough to affect the long-term viability of the trees. As it happens, all three trees have now been removed.

Photograph L 24657 shows the view from near the garage looking towards the house in a sweep from the driveway to the new staff wing (Figure 1‑24). It reveals that the present large Macadamia tetraphylla had not been planted by 1957, a large (retained) tree survived opposite the 1920s addition to the northwest corner of the house and near the present location of the liquidambar there appears to be a young Araucarian pine. The same image shows the section pavement between the driveway and the garage to be of crazy-paved stone while the drive is gravelled with a low, possibly concrete, edge and drain. This image and L24568 demonstrate that it was possible to see directly to the harbour from the driveway with Fort Denison clearly visible in the latter view (Figure 1‑24).

A black and white image of Kirribilli House entry driveway, showing the gardens to the right of the property with small bushes and medium and large trees around the estate

Figure 1‑24: Kirribilli House from the garage (Source: National Archives of Australia, Series A1200 Item L24657)

Photographs L24658 (Figure 1‑25) and L 24659 (Figure 1‑26) indicate the Frangipanis (Plumeria sp.) were planted next to the main porch and generous lawns were maintained to the north of the house. Photographs L24661 (Figure 1‑27) and L 24662 (Figure 1‑28) show views of the eastern side of the house (including the awkward 1950s addition to the north-east corner) and confirm the removal of the old steps from off the verandah and the addition of a new flight down the extended bank to a stone landing with stepping stones beyond.

A black and white image of Kirribilli House entryway and driveway with two large trees by the entry of the house, opened windows and shaded lawns

Figure 1‑25: Northern elevation of Kirribilli House. Note Fort Denison clearly in the background (Source: National Archives of Australia, Series A1200, Item L24658)

A black and white picture of the driveway leading to the Kirribilli House entryway, with two large trees on either side shading the entry.

Figure 1‑26: Northern elevation of Kirribilli House. Note frangipanis adjacent to porch (Source: National Archives of Australia, Series A1200, Item L 24659)

A black and white image of Kirribilli House from slightly below the sloped garden, showing the house's structure, a person walking down the garden stairs and outdoor furniture

Figure 1‑27: Kirribilli House, eastern elevation (Source: National Library of Australia, Series A1200, Item L24661)

A black and white image of Kirribilli House from slightly below the sloped garden, showing the house's structure, the garden stairs and outdoor furniture on the veranda

Figure 1‑28: Eastern elevation of Kirribilli House. Note awkward addition at right, beyond seated people (Source: National Archives of Australia, Series A1200, Item L24662)

The top of the new steps is flanked by a pair of urns similar to that shown in earlier archival photographs. However, while the bases are of a similar patterning the urns are quite different.[108] (The urn in the archival photography is more upright and has a floral catenary motif around it, whereas the present site examples have a simpler, fluted pattern.) Both images also show part of the central rock outcropping in the extreme foreground – this is the single slab of rock with the rectangular rebate – while L24661 (Figure 1‑29) actually records that next to this outcrop there is a large section of darker toned grass indicating the position of the earlier boarding at ground level.

Another 1957 photograph, included in the 1986 Grounds CMP report (Photograph sheet 7) records the southern side of the house with the retained (or re-laid) flagged path leading to Admiralty House and a recent Jacaranda nearby as well as a young Ginkgo biloba in the acute space made by the path, virtually next to the verandah (Figure 1‑30).

A black and white picture of a pathway and large tree near the Kirribilli House. Two people are sitting outside under an umbrella on the gardens outdoor furniture

Figure 1‑29: Southern side of Kirribilli House, showing path leading to Admiralty House (Source: Department of Housing and Construction Landscape Architects ACT Region, 1986, also National Archives of Australia, Series A10982 HP02 page 5 of 10)

1.5.2.10 c. 1968 Aerial Photograph (Source: 1986 Grounds CMP Report)

The aerial photograph indicated to be about 1968 shows a number of changes to the lower grounds - namely the introduction of a large pond with associated plantings to the south-east corner and, significantly, the possible loss of a large fig tree in the same location. The photograph certainly shows that the large spreading canopy of the old tree has gone but whether this was a result of complete removal or simply a drastic pruning back (as happened to the former 1850s fig trees within the Cahill Expressway) is impossible to determine from this image.

The new pond appears to have been installed two years earlier suggesting a date within the term of office of Harold Holt (1966-1967). The photograph also shows the boat harbour and saltwater pool enclosure layout remains intact.

1.5.2.11 1977 Series Photography (Source: 1986 Grounds CMP Report)

The first photograph (from Photograph Sheet 5) shows the western courtyard with the poplar (probably Populus italica) near the western façade and the present Liquidambar (Liquidamber styraciflua) to the extreme right. While the poplar appears to have been planted in the immediate post-war years, the latter tree may have been introduced in the 1960s.

A black and white picture of trees and a small feature within the Kirribilli House courtyards

Figure 1‑30: Western courtyard with poplar and liquidambar (Source: Department of Housing and Construction Landscape Architects ACT Region, 1986 and National Archives of Australia, Series A10982, Item HP02 Page 3 of 10)

Two photographs (Photograph Sheet 10) (North east lawns (Source: Department of Housing and Construction Landscape Architects ACT Region, 1986 and National Archives of Australia, Series 10982 Item HP02 Page 8 of 10) and Lower lawns Source: (Department of Housing and Construction Landscape Architects ACT Region, 1986 and National Archives of Australia, Series 10982 Item HP02 Page 8 of 10)(Figure 1‑31 and Figure 1‑32) record conditions across the northeast and lower lawns with the former indicating that the 1957 stepping stones off the landing at the new steps have been replaced by a stone path with a traditional cut edge to the adjacent lawn and that cannon balls have been placed on plinths at the bottom of the steps. The view beyond is generally unobstructed though the present Hill’s fig Tree is beginning to dominate the horizon indicating several decade’s growth

The second of these images shows the view from the northeast pair of urns (planted with miniature conifers) looking down over the large pond in the south-east corner of the site where surrounding conifers (including Swamp Cypress [Taxodium distichum]) have already begun to challenge the scale of the pond and dwarf it. The photograph also seems to confirm the demise of the former old fig tree at this location.

A black and white picture of large areas of grass across the Kirribilli House gardens with smaller surrounding bushes and larger trees in the distance

Figure 1‑31: North east lawns (Source: Department of Housing and Construction Landscape Architects ACT Region, 1986 and National Archives of Australia, Series 10982 Item HP02 Page 8 of 10)

A black and white picture of large trees across the lower gardens at Kirribilli House with two smaller trees by the gardens stair case

Figure 1‑32: Lower lawns Source: (Department of Housing and Construction Landscape Architects ACT Region, 1986 and National Archives of Australia, Series 10982 Item HP02 Page 8 of 10)

The next two photographs (Photographic Sheet 11) records views along an earlier pathway passing just above the existing Hill’s Fig Tree and from between the oldest camellia and a Bull Bay at the southern boundary looking back to the house. In the first photograph, the path is shown much narrower than its current width and a timber-battened seat is positioned between the fig tree and the clump of Phoenix reclinate. A vista (with distance overexposed) is suggested to the south and just misses the block of units across the reserve which otherwise dominates similar views (Figure 1‑33).

A black and white picture of a bench beneath the sloped gardens at Kirribilli House with large trees shading the area

Figure 1‑33 : Southern boundary (Source: Department of Housing and Construction Landscape Architects ACT Region, 1986 and National Archives of Australia Series 10982 Item HP02, Page 9 of 10)

The view from the old camellia shows basic steps leading to a ramping section of exposed rock outcrop (since paved over to assist access) with the gnarled multi-trunked Bull Bay leaning out to the north and the eastern house verandah above the grassed bank (Figure 1‑34).

A black and white picture of large stone steps leading up to the Kirribilli House from its sloped garden

Figure 1‑34: From south, looking back at Kirribilli House (Source: Department of Housing and Construction Landscape Architects ACT Region, 1986 and National Archives of Australia Series 10982 Item HP02, Page 9 of 10)

The final group of images from 1977 (Photograph Sheet 14) shows views at the eastern parts of the site. One indicates that the ashlar stone breakwater forming the saltwater pool was still intact at this date and others shown the area near the existing Monterey Cypress – one with a seat in one of the rock-lined spaces nearby.

1.5.2.12 1980s Series photography (Source: 1986 Grounds CMP report)

Although only a few years apart from the preceding photographic survey the mid-1980s photography provided a more thorough coverage, especially for the 1986 landscape review by the Department of Housing and Construction.

The first images from this period in the 1986 report (from Photograph Sheet 4) cover the main entry precinct and show that the present large Macademia tetraphylla is well developed with about fifteen to twenty years’ growth. The 1985 image of the northern arrival space shows the Flame Tree relatively bare of foliage and a maturing tree (presumed to be an Angophora costata from the 1979 survey) halfway up the drive though missing in the 1986 view of the same area.

The 1985 photograph also shows the existing Backhousia citriodora as a young tree (presumably replacing the now missing Kauri Pine) and that the previous poplar to the western entry has been removed and is confirmed in the 1986 photography (Photography Sheet 5) (Figure 1‑35).

A picture of a raised lawn by Kirribilli House with trimmed grass and large trees shading the area

Figure 1‑35: Western entry (Source: Department of Housing and Construction Landscape Architects ACT Region, 1986 and National Archives of Australia Series 10982 Item HP02, Page 3 of 10)

The latter set also shows the western courtyard with a Claret Ash (noted in the 1986 report for imminent removal) and the raised grass section looking particularly bare apart from the Liquidambar (it is understandable from this that the 1986 recommended the planting of the existing Plumbago hedge along the driveway) (Figure 1-36).

A picture of a raised lawn by Kirribilli House, with two steps and surrounding pot plants and flowers

Figure 1‑36: Western courtyard with raised lawn (Source: Department of Housing and Construction Landscape Architects ACT Region, 1986 and National Archives of Australia Series 10982 Item HP02, Page 3 of 10)

Along the southern verandah the 1985 photography records the 1950s Ginkgo biloba as having substantial growth having reached about the height of the dormer ridges and the 1986 photography seems to show the same tree assailed by the English Ivy (Figure 1-37). At the north-east side of the house a 1986 image shows the foliage of the present Backhousia citriodora. More 1985 images (Photographic Sheet 9) show the existing Monterey Cypress and Jelly Palm beginning to frame views to the harbour while the dense foliage of a New Zealand Christmas Bush (Metrosideros excelsa) (now removed) looms into the horizon from near the central rock formation (Figure 1-38).

A picture of columns and a large tree to the side of Kirribilli House

Figure 1‑37: Ginkgo biloba along southern verandah (Source: Department of Housing and Construction Landscape Architects ACT Region, 1986 and National Archives of Australia Series 10982 Item HP02, Page 5 of 10)

A picture of the sloped garden at Kirribilli House overlooking the harbour from the veranda

Figure 1‑38: Vegetation framing harbour views to the east (Source: Department of Housing and Construction Landscape Architects ACT Region, 1986 and National Archives of Australia Series 10982 Item HP02, Page 7 of 10)

Views to the north-east (Photography Sheet 10) show a relatively unimpeded panoramic prospect apart from the rising canopy of the Hill’s Fig Tree. At the extreme left the Firewheel Tree (Stenocarpus sinuatus) at the northern boundary may be visible together with the canopy of the Lillipilli (Syzygium sp.) and some of the foliage from the Deodar Cedar (Cedrus deodara) (Figure 1‑39).

A picture of Kirribilli House gardens with areas of rock pavements, bushes, stairs and large trees and the harbour surrounding

Figure 1‑39: Views north-east (Vegetation framing harbour views to the east (Source: Department of Housing and Construction Landscape Architects ACT Region, 1986 and National Archives of Australia Series 10982 Item HP02, Page 8 of 10)

The final set (Photographic Sheet 14) confirms the presence of Agave americana ‘Variegata’ in 1986.

A coloured oblique aerial photograph (National Archives of Australia A6135, K 10/3/80/4) shows that a set of steps has been added (possibly in the 1970s – certainly after about 1968) at the lower southern end of the large central rock formation. The view also shows a continuous dense band of trees along the northern boundary and the Flame Tree within the grassed drive loop.

Finally, several photographs from 1987 further record the status of parts of the grounds. The first two (National Archives of Australia A6135 K6/110/87/23 and K6/10/87/21) show that the recommended Plumbago hedge of the 1986 report had yet to be implemented and reveal a very austere ground plane throughout the main arrival area, a considerable contrast to that which existed at the beginning of the 20th century and certainly out of character with the mostly intact fine Gothic house.

The front of the house is shown with barely any plantings; mostly grassed edges, some annuals, and a pair of noticeably out of scale pots at the entry porch. Only the few remaining mature trees at the northern side provide some relief and privacy. The maturing Macadamia and Backhousia trees are shown as strategically important placements and a Jacaranda (now removed) is visible behind the staff link roof.

1.5.2.13 2007 Aerial Photography

The 2007 (Figure 1‑40) colour aerial photography shows the present defoliated Camphor laurel at the northern boundary to be fully in leaf and providing an excellent visual screen, together with the former large Lemon-scented Gum, to residences across the road. The image also shows the former Flame Tree in front of the house, along with a substantial gap to the northeast where another Camphor Laurel was previously removed.

A picture of an aerial shot image of Kirribilli House surrounded by the green grounds and blue waters of the harbour

Figure 1‑40: Aerial photograph of Kirribilli House, March 2007 (Source: Google Earth Pro, Sinclair Knight Merz)

1.6 Historical Illustrations, Maps and Plans

A sepia toned image of leafless trees in front of tall, trimmed hedges at Kirribilli House

Figure 1‑41: Photographic print, mounted stereoview, Kirribilli looking south, published by William Hetzer, Sydney, 1860-1863 (Source: Powerhouse Museum Collection, 1019_15 close up)

A picture of a curved fence following the slope of the cliff

Figure 1‑42: Photographic print, mounted stereoview, Kirribilli looking south, published by William Hetzer, Sydney 1860-1863 (Source: Powerhouse Museum Collection, 1019_14#3)

A faded picture of a map of Kirribilli point

Figure 1‑43: 1883 Plan of Land at Kirribilli Point (North Sydney Library)

A black and white picture of Kirribilli House boat harbour surrounded by large trees and a body of water

Figure 1‑44: 1890s SPF image (Source: Mitchell Library)

A black and white picture of Kirribilli House from the harbour surrounded by a body of water and the house and its grounds surrounded by vegetation

Figure 1‑45: 1890s SPF image (Source: Mitchell Library)

A picture of a faded map outlining areas in North Sydney

Figure 1‑46: 1892 Block plan map of North Sydney (North Sydney Library)

A picture of a drawn map outlining areas of Kirribilli point

Figure 1‑47: c.1890-190 Portion of Higinbotham and Robinson Map of East St Leonards (North Sydney Library)

A faded sepia tone image of a room with decorated walls and floors, hanging art and furniture all throughout the room

Figure 1‑48: Interiors c. 1913 (Source: Mitchell Library PXA548 – Kirribilli Album)

A faded sepia toned image of a room with decorated floors and walls, long draping curtains above two windows and furniture, pillows, rugs and trinkets all around

Figure 1‑49: Interiors c. 1913 (Source: Mitchell Library PXA548 – Kirribilli Album)

A sepia toned picture of a dining room with chairs by the table, art and photos hanging from the walls and trinkets along the cabinet and mantel

Figure 1‑50: Interiors c. 1913 (Source: Mitchell Library PXA548 – Kirribilli Album)

A sepia toned picture of a dining room with long draping curtains by the window, chairs by the table and around the room and art hanging from the decorated walls

Figure 1‑51: Interiors c. 1913 (Source: Mitchell Library PXA548 – Kirribilli Album)

A sepia toned image of furniture within Kirribilli House such as arm chairs, study desk with papers on top, cabinet with trinkets in a room with walls partially covered in striped wallpaper

Figure 1‑52: Interiors c. 1913 (Source: Mitchell Library PXA548 – Kirribilli Album)

A sepia tone picture from the sloped garden looking up at Kirribilli House with stairs leading up to the property, a path leading to its side access points and a women by a small, singular tree

Figure 1‑53: c.1913 (Mitchell Library PXA548 – Kirribilli Album)

A black and white picture of an arched entryway with two doors opened and multiple potted plants along the side

Figure 1‑54: c.1913 (Mitchell Library PXA548 – Kirribilli Album)

A sepia tone image of the Kirribilli House veranda showing the outdoor furniture and columns before the lawn

Figure 1‑55: c. 1913 (Mitchell Library PXA548 – Kirribilli Album)

A sepia toned image of the Kirribilli house gardens with an archway and gate, large bushes and long thin trees

Figure 1‑56: c. 1913 (Source: Mitchell Library PXA548 – Kirribilli Album)

A sepia tone image of a hallway in Kirribilli House with designed floors and walls, hanging art, vases and pot plants on long thin side tables and cabinets along its sides and a curtain leading into the next room

Figure 1‑57: c.1913 (Source: Mitchell Library PXA548 – Kirribilli Album)

A black and white image of a man standing next to large bushes and a path on the Kirribilli House grounds

Figure B-3.23: 1900-1902 (Source: State Library of NSW, W H Davis Manuscript Collection, PXA4467)

A sepia toned image of Kirribilli House from the harbour overlooking the cliff, trees, the house and its grounds.

Figure 1‑58: Detail of Richardson & Wrench Sales Brochure, c. 1920

A sepia toned picture of the boat harbour underneath the cliff from Kirribilli House surrounded by large trees and a body of water

Figure 1‑59: Detail of Richardson & Wrench Sales Brochure, c. 1920

A black and white picture overlooking the harbour from the Kirribilli House grounds with boats and ferry’s in the water and trees and bushes surrounding the grounds

Figure 1‑60: 1920s Richardson & Wrench Sales Brochure

A black and white image of Kirribilli House from the harbour overlooking the cliff, trees, the house and its grounds.

Figure 1‑61: Daily Telegraph, Sydney, 14 January 1920, p. 9 (Source: https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/page/25783950)

A sepia toned image of Kirribilli House from the harbour overlooking the cliff, trees, the house and its grounds.

Figure 1‑62: 5 March 1922, Sydney Telegraph (Source: royal Australian Historical Society, Watson Press Clippings, Vo. 19, pp 110-111)

A black and white aerial shot image of Kirribilli point and its neighbourhood surrounded by a body of water from the harbour

Figure 1‑63: Detail of photograph of the Pastoral Finance Association Building (to the left of Admiralty House out of frame) on Kirribilli Point, c. 1921, taken by Milton Kent (Source: State Library of NSW, ON 447/Box 123

A black and white aerial shot image of Kirribilli House showing its grounds and boat harbour

Figure 1‑64: Detail of above photograph showing Kirribilli House.

A picture of a drawing of Kirribilli House

Figure 1‑65: 18 January 1921 – Commonwealth Works Department

A picture of a drawing of Kirribilli House

Figure 1‑66: 18 January 1921 – Commonwealth Works Department

Figure 1‑67: 18 January 1921 – Refer to Volume 3

Figure 1‑68: 18 January 1921 – Refer to Volume 3

Figure 1‑69: 1936 Floor Plans – Refer to Volume 3

Figure 1‑70: 1936 Hot water plan – Refer to Volume 3

Figure 1‑71: 1955 Measured drawing - Refer to Volume 3

A black and white picture of the top of Kirribilli House showings its triangular slated roof, chimneys and large trees in front of the property

Figure 1‑72: 1956, Kirribilli House, Sydney Photographic Record, National Archives of Australian Series A10982, 1986 Album barcode 4027343#2

A black and white picture of Kirribilli House with leafless trees and large bushes in front of the property

Figure 1‑73: 1956 Kirribilli House, Sydney Photographic Record, National Archives of Australia Series A10982, 1986 Album barcode 4027343#3

A black and white picture of Kirribilli House from its side showing the gardens and path leading to the house, columns that surround the veranda, and opened windows on the top and bottom floors.

Figure 1‑74: 1956, Kirribilli House, Sydney Photographic Record, National Archives of Australia Series A10982, 1986 Album

A black and white picture of Kirribilli House from a distance surrounded by overgrown grass, bushes and large trees

Figure 1‑75: 1956, Kirribilli House, Sydney Photographic Record, National Archives of Australia series A10982, 1986 Album barcode 4027343#6

A black and white picture of an empty room at Kirribilli House under an arched entry way looking at the floor to ceiling window and fireplace

Figure 1‑76: 1956, Drawing Room – Australian House and Garden, August 1958

A picture of a drawing of Kirribilli House with areas on the bottom right side coloured in

Figure 1‑77: 1956 – 57 Contract working drawings, 1956 – 58 Drawings – National Archives

A picture of a drawing of Kirribilli House with areas of the bottom left side coloured in

Figure 1‑78: 1956 – 57 contract working drawings, 1956 – 58 drawings – National Archives

A picture of a drawing of Kirribilli House with parts of the middle top and bottom right coloured in

Figure 1‑79: 1956 – 57 Contract working drawings, 1956 – 58 Drawings – National Archives

A picture of a drawing of Kirribilli House with the bottom and parts of the middle and top coloured in

Figure 1‑80: 1956 – 57 Contract working drawings, 1956 – 58 Drawings – National Archives

Figure 1‑81: 1956 – 57 Contract working drawings, 1956 – Refer to Volume 3

Figure 1‑82: 1956 – 57 Contract working drawings, 1956 – 58 Drawings – Refer to Volume 3

Figure 1‑83: 1956- 57 Contract working drawings, 1956 – 58 Drawings – Refer to Volume 3

Figure 1‑84: 1956 Restorations, Archival Plans – Refer to Volume 3

Figure 1‑85: 1956 Restoration plans – Refer to Volume 3

A picture of a detailed sketch of the Kirribilli House and its grounds and boat harbour

Figure 1‑86: 1956 Site layout, Archival Plans – Refer to Volume 3

Figure 1‑87: 1956 Gatehouse, Archival Plans – Refer to Volume 3

Figure 1‑88: 1956 – 57 Contract working drawings – Refer to Volume 3

Figure 1‑89: 1956 kitchen, archival plans – Refer to Volume 3

Figure 1‑90: 1956 Electrical, Archival Plans, PM&C

A picture of a detailed sketch of the Kirribilli House and its grounds and boat harbour

Figure 1‑91: 1956 Entrance driveway, Archival Plans, PM&C

A black and white picture of the Kirribilli House entry gates opened allowing access to the main entry and house

Figure 1‑92: 1957, Kirribilli House, Sydney Photographic Record, National Archives of Australia, Series A10982, 1986 Album barcode 4027343#1

A black and white picture of the Kirribilli House front entry porch with bushes by the columns and the windows shutters closed

Figure 1‑93: 1957, Kirribilli House, Sydney Photographic Record, National Archives of Australia, Series A10982, 1986 Album barcode 4027343#7

Figure 1‑94: 1957 Ground floor toilets, Archival Plans– Refer to Volume 3

A picture of a map sketch of the Kirribilli House and its grounds next to Admiralty House

Figure 1‑95: 1957 Path and steps 1, Archival Plans, PM&C

A picture of a bedroom with two white single beds on simple wood bed frames, a pink arm chair and pink ottoman and sheer curtains covering the window

Figure 1‑96: Ground floor main bedroom, Australian Women’s Weekly, 18 December 1957, page 8

A picture of a bedroom with two red single beds on simple wood bed frames with a bed side table in between both beds and a decorated wardrobe towards the left

Figure 1‑97: Main upstairs bedroom, Australian Women’s Weekly, 18 December 1957, p. 8

A picture of a bedroom with one white single bed on a red and wood bed frame next to a side table and single chair

Figure 1‑98: Ground floor single bedroom, Australian Women’s Weekly, 18 December 1957, p. 8

A picture of a dining room with a wood dining table, matching chairs with red cushions and a buffet adjacent to the table with candles on top.

Figure 1‑99: Dining room. The chairs are from Ireland, however the table was purchased in Australia. Australian Women’s Weekly, 18 December 1957, p. 8

A picture of a room with a red sofa with silver pillows, green arm chair with matching pillow, a wooden coffee table and wooden buffet with trinkets on top

Figure 1‑100: Second floor study, Australian Women’s Weekly, 18 December 1957, p. 8

A picture overlooking the Kirribilli House main entry and drive way next to two large trees and the harbour in the distance.

Figure 1‑101: Northern elevation, looking east. Australian Women’s Weekly, 18 December 1957, p. 9

A picture of a reception room in Kirribilli House with a large arch opening, tall vase plants and matching furniture

Figure 1‑102: Reception rooms. It is noted that the Queen Anne walnut secretaire was originally from Dublin Castle and matches two now in Windsor Castle. Australian Women’s Weekly, 18 December 1957, p. 9

Figure 1‑103: 1958 as-built architectural drawings, 1956 – Refer to Volume 3

Figure 1‑104: 1958 as-built architectural drawings, 1956 – Refer to Volume 3

Figure 1‑105: 1958 as-built architectural drawings, 1956 – Refer to Volume 3

A black and white picture of Kirribilli House from the garden showing the property and stairs leading to the lawns surrounded by large trees

Figure 1‑106: c.1958, Kirribilli House – Australian House and Garden, 1958

A black and white picture of the Kirribilli House drawing room with minimal furniture, a fireplace and an arch entry way

Figure 1‑107: c. 1958, Drawing Room – Australian House and Garden, August 1958

Figure 1‑108: 1960 staff quarters 1– Refer to Volume 3

Figure 1‑109: 1960 staff quarters 2– Refer to Volume 3

A black and white sketch of a dock by the harbour

Figure 1‑110: 1965 Proposed waterfront restoration, Archival Plans PM&C

A picture of Kirribilli House from the garden showing the property, grass lawns and surrounding trees

Figure 1‑111: September 1977 – Australian Heritage Photograph Database

A picture of former Prime Minister Malcolm Fraser, his 4 kids and partner around the fish pond at Kirribilli House

Figure 1‑112: Prime Minister Malcolm Fraser and his family at the fish pond in the grounds of Kirribilli House, 1978 (Source: National Archives of Australia, Series A6135, Item ID 203051590)

Figure 1‑113: History and growth from 1981 Masterplan– Refer to Volume 3

Figure 1‑114: History and growth from 1981 Masterplan– Refer to Volume 3

A close-up picture of a document with site recommendations for Kirribilli House

Figure 1‑115: Recommendations from 1981 Masterplan (Phillip Cox & Partners Pty Ltd, 1981:16)

A picture of a drawing of an aerial map of Kirribilli House grounds

Figure 1‑116: Proposed masterplan amalgamating the two sites, 1981 Masterplan (Phillip Cox & Partners Pty Ltd, 1981:17)

Figure 1‑117: Options from 1981 Masterplan– Refer to Volume 3

Figure 1‑118: Options from 1981 Masterplan– Refer to Volume 3

A picture of a sketch of a proposed Kirribilli House view with the property in the middle and trees on both sides

Figure 1‑119: Option A from 1981 Masterplan (Phillip Cox & Partners Pty Ltd, 1981:35)

A picture of a sketch of a proposed Kirribilli House view with the property in the middle and trees on both sides

Figure 1‑120: Option B from 1981 Masterplan (Phillip Cox & Partners Pty Ltd, 1981:36)

Figure 1‑121: Options from 1981 Masterplan – Refer to Volume 3 A picture of a sketch of a proposed Kirribilli House view with the property in the middle and a large tree infront of the wall and hedging bushes surrounding the property

Figure 1‑122: Options from 1981 Masterplan (Phillip Cox & Partners Pty Ltd, 1981:39)

Figure 1‑123: 1982 minor works– Refer to Volume 3

Figure 1‑124: 1984-85 Works Program– Refer to Volume 3 – Refer to Volume 3

Figure 1‑125: 1984 Rear of garage – Refer to Volume 3

Figure 1‑126: 1984 Rear of garage – Refer to Volume 3

Figure 1‑127: 1985 Physical survey – Refer to Volume 3

Figure 1‑128: 1985 Physical survey – Refer to Volume 3

A close-up picture of a document noting the abbreviation key

Figure 1‑129: 1985 Physical survey (Source: Clive Lucas, Stapleton & Partners Pty Ltd, Conservation Analysis and Draft Conservation Policy, p.38

Figure 1‑130: 1985 Physical survey – Refer to Volume 3

A picture of a site plan drawing

Figure 1‑131: 1985 Physical survey (Source: Clive Lucas, Stapleton & Partners Pty Ltd, Conservation Analysis and Draft Conservation Policy, p.42

A picture of a site plan drawing

Figure 1‑132: 1985 Site Plan (Source: Clive Lucas, Stapleton & Partners Pty Ltd, Conservation Analysis and Draft Conservation Policy, p.43)

A picture of a site plan drawing

Figure 1‑133: 1985 Physical survey (Source: Clive Lucas, Stapleton & Partners Pty Ltd, Conservation Analysis and Draft Conservation Policy, p.44)

A close-up picture of the report on structural condition of the roof structure of Kirribilli House

Figure 1‑134: 1985 Structural report (Source: Clive Lucas, Stapleton & Partners Pty Ltd, Conservation Analysis and Draft Conservation Policy, Appendix 6)

Figure 1‑135: 1985 Structural report – Refer to Volume 3

A picture of a site plan drawing

Figure 1‑136: 1986 Site drainage, Archival Plans PM&C

A picture of a site plan drawing