Deepdene

Values

· The place has historic value as it contains much of the original fabric. It is also one of the few original dwellings left by the early settlers.

Physical Description

Ÿ Single storey Ÿ Timber framed Ÿ Corrugated Iron roofing Ÿ Pressed metal lining ‘The house has four main rooms with small rooms to the side and back (east and North)which have been recently added. The verandah (west and north) overlooks a deep bank to Turner Brook, at the entrance to Turner Brook cut and Deepdene Cliff. The house was once renovated for Frank Allnutt by the Mann brothers, Les and Arthur. The payment for their work was in stock as was common practise in that period.’

History

‘In the 1830’s Thomas Turner painted the site now known as Deepdene, showing ‘the craggy limestone cliffs towering along one side of the dell or dene which give the place its name’. Turners bank is located at this site. The name “Deepdene” is believed to have originated from a suggestion by Governor Weld when he visited the area.’ ‘The site, which includes the Deepdene estate, has been owned/leased by Samuel Byran (1850-51), John Hurford (1851-53), James Knight (1851-52), John Wills (1853-55), Gaven Forrest (1855-57), Robert Heppingstone Jnr and David Earnshaw (1857-58), Charles Layman (1858-69) and John Allnutt in 1869. Allnutt, who built “Ducalup” – the original dwelling which burnt down in 1870, purchased the land (40 acres) for £50 from Layman, his brother in law. This was Loc. 75, later known as Deepdene. In 1881 Allnutt built a new home, which is believed to be the current dwelling ‘Deepdene’. During the 1880s the Allnutts Sussex pastoral leases amounted to 27 000 acres –11 000 of which was the Deepdene estate.’ ‘The Allnutt family lived at Deepdene until 1932. After John Allnutt had died, the property was looked after by Frank Allnutt, who left in 1929, and then Mabel, Johns wife, until her death in 1930. The property then passed to Mary and Reg O’Halloran from 1932 to 1968 (although Mary actually died in 1940). In 1968 William Halligan and George Davies took over the property and it was these men who were responsible for much of the work on the property, such as fencing, clearing and restoration of the original house and garden, and they also erected a newer house. It then passed to its correct owners, Monica and peter Wren. John and Catherine Brennan also lived at Deepdene for several years.’

Integrity/Authenticity

Moderate

Condition

Poor

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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