Steeped in local history, the Sheargold Group is preserving and restoring the old Coral Vale Homestead on Smiths Lane, which has such a proud link to the past and nearby area. Originally built by William Rose around 1890 and continually occupied since, it became rundown and fell into disrepair over the years. Now listed as a local heritage property, the Sheargold Group has brought it to life, substantially restoring it back in 2011.
Before the majority of restorations works could commence the homestead had to be made level as over the years the footings of the building had been destroyed by termites and were either sitting roughly on bricks or directly on the ground. This process involved jacking up sections of the building at a time, laying new foundations and then resting the structure back down on the new footings.
Once the building was made level the rest of the works could commence. Large sections of the internal floorboards and external decking were replaced and the entire roof structure and cladding were replaced.
New weatherboards were specially milled to obtain the same profile as the original weatherboards and the kitchen annexure was stripped of asbestos and rebuilt. Finally a long overdue fresh paint job completed the restoration.
There are many ancillary buildings surrounding the homestead and these require similar careful treatment. Works on the feed silo have been completed and restoration of the old milk dairy buildings has commenced.
We would love to share this piece of local history with all future residents of Vista Park as well as the surrounding community and look forward to making an announcement with respect to the Coral Vale Homestead soon!
Portion 236, Parish of Kembla comprising 50 acres was a small land grant to William Fry in 1831. This grant was to eventually be known as “Coral Vale Homestead”.
William Fry was granted the 50 acre parcel of land in 1831. Legal documents indicate that he was a marksman, although little else is known about him or his family.
William and Elizabeth Rose purchased “Fry’s Hill” in 1862 and it remained in the Rose family ownership up until 1903.
William Smith, born and raised in West Dapto, he purchased Coral Vale at the end of 1903.