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Located in the semi-rural village of Lochinvar, 12 kilometres west of Maitland in the Hunter Valley, this Georgian Colonial style coach house holds a rich history.
The coach house was a vital rest stop for weary travellers and horses on the Great North Road, a major colonial trade and communication route connecting Newcastle, Maitland, and the developing inland settlements.
The coach house was built by Henry Nowland, a visionary entrepreneur, who developed an extensive coaching network predating the well-known Cobb and Co by more than 2 decades.
Nowland was one of the earliest Royal Mail contractors and established routes spanning from Maitland to Morpeth, encompassing the Hunter Valley settlements, inland regions like Armidale, and extending all the way to Brisbane.
The house itself is a testament to the period’s architectural heritage, constructed with locally sourced materials and convict labour it showcases the Georgian Colonial style, referring to buildings constructed in Australia from 1788 to 1840.
The style was popularised during the reigns of the 4 British monarchs George I-IV and featured buildings which were symmetrical in design. Rural houses were generally humble in their presentation with a hipped roof and wrap around veranda.
The coach house has served many purposes over the years, from a wayside inn and Royal Mail station to a licensed inn and eventually a residence, all the while maintaining its structural integrity and historical significance.
The Minister for Environment and Heritage approved the listing recommendation from the Heritage Council of NSW to help preserve the sites cultural heritage for the enrichment of present and future generations.
For more information, visit the Heritage NSW webpage.
Quotes attributable to NSW Department of Planning and Environment Executive Director Heritage Sam Kidman:
‘Nowland’s Lochinvar Coach House and Setting is an extraordinary example of a colonial property which is largely original and has been continuously occupied from the time it was constructed in the 1840s.’
‘The Coach House is a rare and exemplary representation of rural architecture from that period.’
‘This listing will provide protection to the Lochinvar Coach house to ensure its stories are preserved for future generations.’
Quotes attributable to Frank Howarth, Chair Heritage Council of NSW:
‘At the beginning of the 1800s, transport and communication between early colonial settlements was fraught with danger.’
‘Passage through the country was notoriously uncomfortable and bushrangers would wait for the coaches on isolated roads to rob the mail runs.’
‘Nowland’s Lochinvar Coach House and spelling paddocks provided a welcome respite for weary horses and passengers.’
Quotes attributable to Dr. Lisa and Dr. Allan Thomas (property owners):
‘We have cherished this estate for 35 years and nominated it for State Heritage Register listing to help share its history and preserve this landmark for generations to come.’
Images for media: Dropbox
