Willow Park or Wallarobba, Edgeworth David Avenue, Hornsby

Details

IdentifierPhoto 00231PhotographerBaglin, Douglass, 1926-KeywordsHornsbyHousesWollarobbaHornsby Shire CouncilWillow ParkEdgeworth David AvenueInch FamilyDescriptionWillow Park or Wallarobba meaning 'damp gully' as it was originally known, was built in 1903 by Elizabeth Kirby, a widow, who then sold the property in 1904 to her son, William Henry Kirby, an undertaker in the city. William Kirby sold the property to James Stephen Inch, Managing Director of the Co-operative Assurance Company in Sydney, in 1911.
James Inch and his wife Jessie Emily nee Prosser, had five daughters and three sons, one of whom, Alfred, was killed in the First World War. The home and gardens were frequently used for charitable functions. A large bonfire was built every year in the paddocks behind the house for Empire Day, with children living nearby being invited.
A creek ran across the eastern corner of the land, where the children and their friends swam and paddled a canoe. Rustic tables and chairs were built for the garden and willow trees planted around the boundary.
The property was subdivided in 1914 and 12 building blocks along Florence Street went to auction.

Wallarobba was then brought by Alfred Parker in 1925 and was renamed Willow Park. Parker was a Councillor of Hornsby Shire between 1926-30 and Lord Mayor of Sydney from 1934. Shortly before his death in 1935 he was knighted. Lady Parker lived in the house until 1937.

The house is described as a two storey Federation style house. Face brick and stone walls with roughcast band below eaves. Slate roof. Slightly asymmetrical facade. Stone porches on corners with balconies above. Recessed entry with bay window beside. Large bays on each side with sheet metal hoods and turned timber mullions. Sheet metal balustrades to balconies. Rusticated sandstone to entry porches and window aprons. Smooth cut sandstone to first floor windows. Fine brick chimneys with pots. Set well back from road. Tree in circular driveway. Otherwise surrounded by asphalt. Much of the interior is original although one balcony has been enclosed.

The house is now heritage listed and used as a community centre and art gallery.

Location

SuburbHornsbyGeotag^[1]

Related to

CollectionHornsby Shire CouncilPlaceHornsbyStreetsEdgeworth David AvenuePhotograph'Wallarobba' Edgeworth David Avenue, HornsbyMaps & PlansWollarobba Estate WaitaraFamilyInch Family

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Willow Park or Wallarobba, Edgeworth David Avenue, Hornsby