Historic Homes in the Illawarra: A Walk Through Time

Historic Homes in the Illawarra: A Walk Through Time

The Illawarra region has a unique architectural heritage that mirrors its diverse history, from Aboriginal settlement to European colonisation and the present day. The historic homes scattered throughout Wollongong, Kiama, and Shellharbour are tangible connections to the past and unique showcases of changing architectural styles and social patterns. This exploration of the region's historic residences unveils their distinct architectural significance and their pivotal role in shaping local identity, amidst the ongoing challenges of heritage preservation in a rapidly developing coastal region.

Early Settlement and Colonial Beginnings

The European settlement of the Illawarra region began formally in 1815. The region had been home to Aboriginal communities for thousands of years. The Aboriginal community had developed a complex society in the area, leaving physical and cultural evidence of their presence that continues to be recognised today, such as the critical water hole and gathering place now occupied by Wollongong Town Hall1.

The earliest European settlement activities centred around a stockman's hut built by Throsby near Market Square, which became a meeting point for the first land grantees in 18161. This historical significance is now marked by a sandstone monument at the site of Throsby's stockman's hut, commemorating where Surveyor General John Oxley allocated the first land grants in the region on 2 December 18161.

Surviving Colonial Residences

Among the oldest surviving colonial homes in the region is Little Milton on Smith Street in Wollongong. Believed to date from the 1830s with additions around 1855, this private residence may be the oldest in Wollongong. The property features a two-story servants and services building and was home to Wollongong's first Congregational Church Minister, the Reverend George Charter. Later, Dr. Timothy Wood Lee and his family added a surgery building to the front in 18861.

The colonial period also established critical public buildings, shaping the region's development. The Old Wollongong Courthouse, designed by Government Architect Alexander Dawson in 1858, is the oldest government building in Wollongong. This Victorian building, located at the corner of Harbour Street and Cliff Roads, was restored in 1988 and is now managed by the Old Court House Management Committee3. The courthouse represents the era when Wollongong Harbour functioned as a significant port, highlighting the region's economic importance during this period.

Victorian Grandeur (1860-1890)

The Victorian era brought architectural elaboration and a more established sense of permanence to the Illawarra's built environment. This period coincided with the region's growing prosperity from agriculture, mining, and shipping activities.

Notable Victorian Residences

Allowrie Terrace, located at 69-71 Church Street in Wollongong, exemplifies the grand Colonial style of the mid-19th century. Built-in 1859, this impressive home served as both the surgery and residence of Dr. William Thomas until 1880, when Archibald Beatson became the new owner1. The property remained in the Beatson family until the late 1930s and, despite substantial modifications over the years, still retains much of its historic character1.

Another significant Victorian-era residence is Alice Villa at 117 Corrimal Street. Constructed around 1881, this substantial Victorian Filigree residence represents a rare surviving example of a larger residence in Wollongong's CBD1. The building was a private hospital before being converted for office use. Today, it houses the Multicultural Communities Council, providing office space and a day respite centre.

In Kiama, Trenworth at 155 Manning Street is an excellent example of Victorian architecture. Built in 1885 as part of the Kendall family's dairy estate, this two-bedroom home remained in the same family's ownership for an impressive 120 years until it was put on the market for the first time in 20055. Originally designed by John Simmonds, the home was restored and extended in 2006 under the direction of Weir Phillips Architects, with many original period features preserved, including fireplaces, architraves, and polished floorboards.

Federation Era Elegance (1890-1915)

The Federation period brought a distinctively Australian architectural style that blended British traditions with local adaptations suited to the climate and available materials.

Kiama's Federation Heritage

Kiama preserves several excellent examples of Federation architecture. A notable example is the Federation-style cottage at 74 Shoalhaven Street, built in the early 1900s5. This four-bedroom cottage, set on 555 square meters, underwent extensive renovation and extension throughout the 1990s to accommodate a growing family. Importantly, these changes were made "subtly and sympathetically," mirroring the architectural style of the period and maintaining the property's historical integrity5. The listing for this property notes that it "exudes a warm, homely feel" and features "copious amounts of character and substance," hallmarks of the Federation style's emphasis on comfort and craftsmanship.

Commercial Federation Architecture

Beyond residential buildings, commercial structures from the Federation era also contribute to the architectural landscape of the Illawarra. In Wollongong, the former Government Savings Bank/Royal Bank building at 133 Crown Street (circa 1890) is described as "possibly the most intact example of a Federation-style commercial building above the awning level in Wollongong"1. It provides valuable insight into Federation period commercial architecture in the city centre and neighbouring structures.

Heritage Challenges and Conservation Efforts

While many historic buildings have been preserved in the Illawarra, the region also faces significant challenges in heritage conservation, particularly as development pressures intensify.

Demolition Concerns in Shellharbour

A troubling trend emerged in Shellharbour, where several historic properties were demolished before new heritage regulations could take effect. According to a 2012 report, owners of at least five heritage properties in Shellharbour appeared to have used a long delay before the city's expanded heritage register came into force to obtain demolition approval for their homes. Two vacant lots in Shellharbour Village marked the sites of demolished houses, while properties in Barrack Point, Lake Illawarra, and Oak Flats were also earmarked for demolition.

This situation arose when Shellharbour City Council revealed a heritage study conducted in 2004-05, which included more than 200 public and private items for additional protection. However, these findings did not carry legal weight until the draft Local Environmental Plan was displayed, creating a seven-month window during which property owners could make modifications without considering heritage considerations.

Successful Preservation Stories

Despite these challenges, there are also success stories in heritage preservation throughout the Illawarra. The Old Wollongong Courthouse represents one such success, having been transferred to Wollongong City Council following the Federation. A management committee was established to oversee the building's restoration and ongoing management. Today, it forms part of the Belmore Basin Conservation Area, which includes Wollongong Harbour, Flagstaff Hill, Osbourne Park, Smiths Hill Fort, and the North Beach Precinct.

In Kiama, Trenworth's restoration in 2006 demonstrates how historic properties can be sensitively updated for contemporary use while preserving their heritage values. The property's architectural integrity was maintained while accommodating modern amenities by adding a new bathroom and kitchen and installing 2.75-meter French doors to complement the original living room windows.

Architectural Features and Styles

The historic homes of the Illawarra exhibit distinctive architectural features that reflect both their period of construction and regional adaptations.

Colonial Simplicity

Colonial buildings in the region typically featured simple, functional designs with symmetrical facades and limited ornamentation. Materials were often locally sourced, with brick common for more substantial structures. The Old Wollongong Courthouse exemplifies the formal Colonial government style with an "elegant sandstone arched portico" contrasting with rendered brick walls3.

Victorian Elaboration

Victorian-era homes like Allowrie Terrace and Alice Villa showcase more ornate detailing, with the latter specifically identified as Victorian Filigree style1. This style typically features decorative cast iron lacework on verandahs, complex roof forms, and elaborate interior detailing such as the preserved fireplaces and architraves mentioned in Trenworth's description 5.

Federation Characteristics

Like the cottage on Shoalhaven Street in Kiama, Federation homes often feature asymmetrical designs, complex roof forms with gables, verandahs with turned timber posts, and decorative woodwork5. These homes typically exhibit a more relaxed and distinctly Australian adaptation of earlier Victorian styles, often incorporating Australian motifs and responding to the local climate with wider verandahs and better ventilation.

Conclusion

The historic homes of the Illawarra provide a tangible connection to the region's past, from the early Colonial days through the Victorian era and into the Federation period. These structures showcase evolving architectural styles and tell the stories of the people who shaped the region's development.

The challenges of heritage preservation remain significant, as demonstrated by the demolitions in Shellharbour. However, successful restoration projects like the Old Wollongong Courthouse and Trenworth in Kiama show that with proper care and investment, these historic properties can continue to enrich the cultural landscape of the Illawarra for generations to come.

As the region continues to develop and change, the value of these historic homes as repositories of local history and architectural heritage becomes increasingly apparent. Their preservation requires ongoing commitment from local governments, property owners, and the broader community to ensure Illawarra's architectural legacy is a living connection to its past.