Heritage Style Restoration 30

Ramsay 1 – Future Heritage Style Restoration?
A heritage-listed custom-built homestead called Yasmar (Ramsay spelt backwards) was built in Haberfield NSW 2045 (that’s the Haberfield of  Heritage Style Restoration 27 – 29 ) in the late 1850s on a big lot of land for the family of Alexander and Mary Learmonth (nee Ramsay), the first owners of Yasmar, i.e. descendants of Dr D. Ramsay that married Ms S. A. Lord ( a descendant of the first fleet). The house remained inhabited by various families for generations until World War II when it became occupied by military authorities. In 1944 the property changed ownership to the Australian New South Wales state government becoming in 1946, a children’s court and juvenile remand centre on Crown Reserve. There is a big difference between the original splendour of the sandstone, Greek-style villa style and Georgian-style homestead and the current rundown, unkempt and boarded upstate. It has French windows, double-paned doors, louvre shutters and a flag-stoned verandah.
The homestead together with its eastern wing is vacant, whereas the western wing is occupied by the Yasmar Training Facility (operated by the New South Wales Juvenile Justice).
There is a management plan for Yasmar Reserve aiming to ensure the historic site retains its social, cultural, and scenic environmental values by restoring, undertaking catch-up repairs ( listed on an audit) and reusing the homestead, gardens and wings. To carry out the latter, substantial immediate and long-term funds are required. Having been neglected for many years the core house is in good condition despite the evident white ant attack, water damage and rising damp. The 2010 estimate of extensive refurbishment was $3-4 million and an estimate of $100,000.00 for yearly maintenance. A Strategic Plan discusses the sale of the lease of the house but the problem is the new owner would have to meet the refurbishment costs already mentioned. The Plan also mentions commercial use which would be subject to council approval and possibly rejected due to the heritage value of the homestead. The heritage-listed homestead and its surroundings remain rundown, unkempt and boarded up as shown in the photograph with entry prohibited due to its dangerous condition.

Reference(s):
Coupe, S & Coupe, R 1988, Speed the plough
http://www.lpma.nsw.gov.au/about_crown_land/publications/exhibition_and_information/2012/plans_of_management/?a=171475 (viewed 2/9/2015)
Photo by MC

Como Building P/L, Michael Como provides in SYDNEY, an NSW Building Regulations Consultancy service that comprises, Interpretation of NSW legislation relevant to the construction of Class 1 and 10; Issuing: Complying Development Certificates (CDC), Construction Certificates (CC) [after a local council has approved a development], Occupation certificates (OC), Compliance Certificates, BCA Reports.

Also, a pre-purchase property inspection or building inspection by Michael Como may empower you with knowledge about the condition of a property currently or before you buy and help you avoid future problems and unexpected costs. However, this service can only be conducted if the insurer is onside.

Michael Como is Your Custom Home Builder in Sydney with over 40 years of construction experience, a Master Craftsman sharing innovative Restoration/renovation Ideas. Licensed since 1988. At this stage, I will only work on a contracted agreed hourly rate.

Let your imagination soar as you enjoy Building Green Homes or Straw houses or Hemp Homes or Heritage Style Restoration or Bathroom renovations or UHR or Sealing…. Etc.

Check out our websites:

http://como-private-building-certifiers.business.site/  

http://privateBuildingCertifiersSydney.com/