Did you know that Roseneath Cottage wasn’t always a quiet family home? Roseneath Cottage has some surprising stories to tell. Let’s step back in time and uncover the secrets of this state heritage-listed cottage.
Roseneath Cottage is located on the corner of O’Connell and Ross streets in Parramatta. The cottage stands as a testament to early colonial life. Built between 1835 and 1837, Roseneath Cottage was home to Janet Templeton. Janet was a Scottish widow and a pioneering pastoralist.
Imagine Janet Templeton, a woman of determination, arriving in Australia. Her husband had passed away. She resolved to build a new life. She brought her children and a flock of Saxon merino sheep. Janet wanted to introduce the prized Forlonge bloodline to Australia. She bought land here previously granted to Parramatta miller Henry Harvey. Construction soon began on Roseneath Cottage.
The Colonial Georgian style is evident in Roseneath’s symmetry. Four evenly spaced twelve-panel windows flank a central doorway. An elliptical fanlight sits above the doorway. A sandstone-flagged verandah wraps around three sides. Timber columns support the verandah. The verandah offered necessary shade from the harsh Australian climate.
The cottage brickwork was described as mottled fawn and grey. Soft red rubbing brick lintels accent the doors and windows. Creepers once surrounded the verandah columns. Emily Darvall, a short-term resident, noted the delightful coolness the creepers provided. The garden was excellent. It was well-stocked with fruit trees like oranges, apples, and peaches. Shrubs also grew abundantly. Janet Templeton planted them all. Ivy, passion flowers, and roses filled the beds.
Inside Roseneath Cottage, a wide hall ran the length of the house. Large dining and drawing rooms provided ample space. One main bedroom and two smaller bedrooms accommodated the family. The attic space held three more large bedrooms. A steep staircase led to them. A detached kitchen, laundry, and servants’ quarters completed the property.
The acquisition of the Roseneath property wasn’t easy. The land had originally been granted to Governor Bligh. Bligh’s heirs later tried to reclaim the land. They even attempted to evict Janet Templeton. The case was resolved in 1841 in favor of the residents.
Janet’s pastoral interests meant she didn’t stay at Roseneath Cottage for long. In 1840, she leased the house to Major Edward Darvall. His family brought a black Portuguese cook and an Irish housemaid. Janet officially left Roseneath Cottage in 1842.
For the rest of the 19th century, Roseneath Cottage served as rental property. Several lessees saw its potential as private schools. Mr. Baly’s Boarding Establishment for Young Gentlemen was one such school. A first-class boarding school for young ladies also operated here. St Ronan’s, a high-class day and boarding school for girls, followed.
Miss Mary Elizabeth Waugh began her teaching career at Roseneath Cottage. She later moved her classes to her family home, Tara. Roseneath was the bud from which Tara Anglican School for Girls bloomed.
After its days as a school, Roseneath Cottage returned to its original purpose. It became a private family residence. Roseneath stands as a reminder of Janet Templeton’s pioneering spirit. The cottage also reflects the evolving history of Parramatta. Today Roseneath Cottage is a state heritage-listed building. Roseneath Cottage links us to the past. Its walls echo with stories of family, education, and resilience.