Jewel in the crown: Trevor Patrick and historical society members campaigned to have Hambledon Cottage heritage listed for two years. Picture: Gene Ramirez
ONE of Parramatta's oldest houses has been added to the State Heritage Register.
Hambledon Cottage in Hassall Street was built by pioneer of the wool industry John Macarthur in 1824 and remains an example of early colonial architecture.
Parramatta and District Historical Society president Trevor Patrick called the cottage "the jewel in the crown of the State Heritage Register".
"You go inside and you step back into a very lush environment of a past era," he said.
"Everything is maintained and restored as it was in the 1820s, which is really beautiful."
Minister for Environment and Heritage Robyn Parker said the site would be given added protections against future development and decay.
Parramatta state MP Geoff Lee, who once owned property opposite the cottage, said he hoped the site would be added to a Parramatta heritage trail.
"I think it's essential to Parramatta's heritage," he said. "It should be put on the heritage trail along with the Experimental Farm, Elizabeth Farm and all those other heritage buildings around Cumberland Hospital."
Mr Lee has formerly criticised some conditions added to heritage-listed buildings but saw no problem with the Hambledon Cottage listing.
Old Government House was registered on the United Nations World Heritage List and federal heritage minister Tony Burke was given special veto powers over high-rise development applications within sight of it.