My first attempt at blogging....

Welcome to my very first attempt at a blog.... and welcome to the blog site for the Friends of Tempe House. For you out there in cyber space who aren't aware of Tempe House.... please read on !

Ross Berry
Honorary Historian,
Tempe House Estate.

Tempe House & St Magdalenes Chapel

Tempe House is of exceptional historical significance as a remarkably intact 1830s villa still within its largely unaltered landscape setting. Designed by John Verge, Tempe House is an exceptional and rare example of Neo-Classical Georgian architecture, self-consciously designed as an 'Arcadian villa" for a picturesque setting and the only such example in the Sydney Metropolitan area. The site's association with the historical figures of A.B. Spark, Tempe's original owner, and following occupants, Caroline Chisholm and the Sister's of The Good Samaritan Order is also of significance.
The sites intact nature makes it a valuable technical and research resource.
As the only remaining building from the long period of the Sisters of the Good Samaritan Order's ownership, the St. Magdalen's Chapel, is of high social significance and represents the philosophy and religious beliefs of what was a large and rare charitable institution operating throughout the late 19th and 20th century. Architecturally the St. Magdalen's Chapel is also noteworthy.
Tempe Estate is of exceptional social significance in the local area and displays landmark qualities that can be appreciated from a wide surrounding area.
The garden and grounds of Tempe House, on the Cooks River Arncliffe are of cultural significance on a State level for their siting and development by A.B. Spark according to Romantic Picturesque principles. Tempe Estate is a rare example of an 1830s villa which is still able to be appreciated in its landscape setting. The grounds are of exceptional importance for their ability to demonstrate close adherence to early nineteenth century design principles, including the modified natural element Mt Olympus - an unusual example of a detached shrubbery, and for surviving early fabric - walling, gateposts and sundial. They are important for their association for one hundred years with the Sisters of the Good Samaritan and for their framework of mature plantings, particularly the early Olea europaea subsp. Europaea. The group of eucalypts on Mount Olympus has value in providing evidence of the natural vegetation on the site. Mount Olympus and the group of eucalypts are an identifiable natural landmark on the Princes Highway.
The potential archaeological remains within the study area have a high level of historic and archaeological significance and research potential.
The archaeological excavation and analysis of the remains associated with Tempe House occupation are likely to further our understanding of the colonial occupation of the house, and the material culture and living standards of elite families, their staff and convict servants and colonial attitudes towards gardens and recreation.
The potential archaeological evidence associated with the occupation of the site by the Sisters of the Good Samaritan and their reform institution should provide important information, the analysis and interpretation of which will advance our understanding of reform ideology in the late nineteenth century and early twentieth centuries in Australia.
Tanner & Associates 2001:141