The Bunyas

The Haberfield and Dobroyd Point area was used as farmland with scattered industries until after steam tramway came from Leichhardt to Five Dock. The 1893 Depression retarded subdivision. This included subdivision to the east (Dalhousie Street) where blocks of inter-war flats were built; and to the south facing Parramatta Road where a car yard/service station was built. In 2005, The Bunyas was rezoned from Special Uses: Scouts to Residential and returned to residential use. The 1985 west wing was to be used as a home office, in which a recent door was infilled and two new openings made. == Description ==

Site The site is on the western side of Haberfield Garden Suburb, once (but not now) facing Parramatta Road. It is a large, flat yet irregularly shaped land parcel of 5088sq.m (Crow, 2010, 199 says 5085.9 sq.m), having a 66m frontage to Rogers Avenue (off Parramatta Road). Rogers Avenue is characterised by single-storey detached houses and brush box (Lophostemon confertus) avenue tree planting. Neighbouring houses are predominantly of the period Federation and California Bungalow styles. To the south facing Parramatta Road is a car yard/service station. On the left of the vestibule is the dining room, which is fitted throughout in oak, with solid beam ceiling and a brick fireplace with large copper hood surmounted by massive oak shelf mantel. The sideboard is recessed, close to which is a glass cupboard. The dining table is circular, the room lit by a large round electric lamp with deep crimson shade. The whole effect of this room is quaint early English. Out of the vestibule the smaller hall leads to the main bedrooms, etc. Special features in connection with the arrangement of these rooms are that there are no wardrobes, all being let in the walls and fitted as cupboards etc., the doors entering same being features in connection with the mantels and fireplaces. The billiard room has a beam ceiling, panelled walls, with corner seats and benches, at the end of which are attached cue racks. The fireplace is recessed with room for card table etc. The walls are stencilled above the panelling, and the lamps have been specially designed in keeping with the general character of the room. The lighting of the house is electric, and in all cases fittings have been specially designed according to the style of architecture. It is considered to be the largest and most complete cottage residence in the state, and all the furniture has been designed specially in character with each room, in most cases fitments and fittings are of a permanent character. Notwithstanding the extent of distortion of its form through the addition of the "western wing" is substantially intact in both its external and internal fitments and elements (Archnex Designs, 2004; National Trust of Australia (NSW), 1982). The property is the approximate site of Dobroyde House, which may have been the adapted form of Sunning Hill Farm, a very early colonial establishment. The Bunyas site may have archaeological potential. == Heritage listing ==

The Bunyas is a fine example of an Arts and Crafts Bungalow that, not withstanding the extent of distortion of its form through the addition of the "western wing" is substantially intact in both its external and internal fitments and elements. Its primary significance is, however, its direct association with Richard Stanton, the progenitor of Haberfield, and as the major extant work of its architect, John Spencer-Stansfield. A substantial and largely intact house in the then modern Arts & Crafts style, being the only 2 storey house built in the Federation Garden Suburb of Haberfield. Historical associations with Richard Stanton, the builder of the Garden Suburb. (National Trust of Australia (NSW), 1982). Bunyas was listed on the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 2 April 1999. == References ==