Tarawang (pronounced Tar-ah-wong) is a property in the Cudgebegong region, Mebul Road, NSW.
At the start of the century,
Patrick O'Connell and his brother
Eugene, were successful graziers on their farm called "
Goodiman" and had further land at Cudgebegong (Mebul). Patrick also held a Colonial Wine Licence for Goodiman Inn.
In 1904 Patrick planned his own residence at Cudgebegong which was completed by 1907 and called Tarawang.
Tonkyn’s must have bought Tarrawang from Patrick O’Connell. In 1921 Mrs Tonkyn was in Mudgee private hospital with pneumonia and died some weeks later leaving a husband and child.
Source: Mudgee Guardian - Thursday 12 May 1921
In 1934 Mr A. H. Fortescue lived at 'Tarrawang,' Mebul.
Mudgee Guardian - Monday 11 June 1934
Mr Fortescue sold the property and moved out of the district in 1946.
Source: Mudgee Guardian - Monday 16 December 1946
[JO’B: Leo Hayley, married Beryl Fortescue. Old Mrs Fortescue continued living with them on the property.]
Later on Tarrawang was owned by Sheridans.
Source: Mudgee Guardian - Thursday 27 March 1919
"Tarrawang was built for Mrs O'Connell (a doctor's wife) who went to Melbourne, visited annually and always noticed a large flour bin near pantry. Relatives or in-laws at Goodiman at the time.
Tonkyns lived there. Mrs Tonkyn died leaving a baby, brought up by Mr and Mrs Nellie Nott. Lived there about 3 years and sold to Fortescues on Mr Charles Wright's recommendation. He made it rabbit- proof and planted lucerne. After some years he sold it to Sheridan's from near Wellington."
Source: Beryl Hayley nee Fortescue
The following photos show the homestead as it looks today.
'Tarawong' homestead is a c1905 Federation brick home sympathetically extended in 1992 (the tuck pointed bricks were made on the property). Accommodation comprises 4 bedrooms, ensuite and main bathroom, office, meals, dining and family rooms, and magnificent entrance hallway. The beautiful Federation character is exemplified through wide wrap around verandahs and a paved courtyard.
This description was written in 1908:
Cudgebegong. — ... One could almost title Cudgebegong the 'Secret Meadows,' because, till reaching there, everything on all sides is bush. Suddenly one comes upon the Honeysetts, Cunninghams, Wrights, O'Connells, and — and — . All along the creek on either side are small model farms, nicely kept and well utilised. One has only to visit this place to see what can be done on small areas of land. After visiting and chatting with all the good folks, I had the comfort of spending a night at Mr.
P. O'Connell's homestead.
Tarawang. I do not wish to particularise, or in any way give any undue prominence to any place, but Tarawang is undoubtedly a handsome dwelling. Not a mansion by any means, yet a fine brick structure, well designed and architecturally displayed. It is situated on a prominence overlooking wide slopes and deep glades, bordered by blue-black mountains. The view obtained is uncommonly picturesque. Although totally opposed in political and union matters I must herein compliment Mr. T. O'Connell [sic] for his generous treatment and broadmindedness. It would be quite unreasonable to overlook mentioning the Honeysetts' neat little farms. I cannot remember seeing cleaner or more compact farms utilised to their fullest extent. Altogether, Cudgebegong is a nice place, and at some future date I hope to re visit and tour the whole district. I may mention that in future the Times correspondents now established at Cudgebegong and Yamble will record weekly all the news and doings of public interest at these centres.
Source: Wellington Times (NSW : 1899
- 1954) Thursday 9 April 1908
p 3 Article
This aerial view shows the distance between Goodiman and Tarawang. Eugene would ride his horse cross country to visit Patrick. The exact route is unknown.
