Farmborough Heights - Historic buildings

Farmborough Homestead also known as ‘Nonsuch’ or Nonesuch

This homestead was built in 1844 and remodelled in 1857 and 1974.  It is described in the Greater Wollongong Heritage Study of 1991, as: ‘Brick Victorian vernacular eclectic, modified.  Stone and cement render, corrugated metal roof.  Original residence made in timber, distinctive Quoins, and curved gables.’  The building and surrounds have significant historic links with the earliest settlements in the Illawarra.  Remodelling in 1974 may have removed/ replaced authentic details.

The original stone house, built by Robert Cole, was built of sandstone blocks and rubble found on the property.  It is reported to have had two cedar doors from the Old Government House at Parramatta.  The house, which had a large garden with fruit trees featured in it, was built on the southern side of Mount Kembla with views over Kembla Grange.  Cole named the property ‘Non Such’ or ‘Nonesuch’, and this is recorded on his wife Eleanor’s grave as her home. 

In 1856, John Blackman purchased the property from Cole, who renamed it ‘Farnborough’ after his birth place of Farnborough, Kent, England.  Extensive renovations were carried out by Blackman, as well as building additions to the property. After Blackman died in 1914, the estate passed through a number of hands, and fell into a state of disrepair.  In 1974 the property was completely remodelled by Fred Strode, with a wing added and extensive modifications in Colonial Georgian Style.  The homestead still stands alongside oak trees planted by Cole. (Ali, 1981; Cuttings file)