the National Art Gallery of NSW, also lived in Hampton Villa. The place is important in demonstrating aesthetic characteristics and/or a high degree of creative or technical achievement in New South Wales. Hampton Villa has aesthetic significance as a well detailed gentlemen's marine villa of the early Victorian period in the Georgian mode. The building is of high quality construction and presents a strong visual and waterscape element. The building gives an insight into the construction and layout of an early Victorian house, while the surrounds and yard retain elements of its former setting. The house retains views from Sydney city and the Anzac Bridge, recalling its prominent setting overlooking the harbour. The place has strong or special association with a particular community or cultural group in New South Wales for social, cultural or spiritual reasons. Hampton Villa has social significance for its role in the lead up to the Federation of Australia as the home and office of Sir Henry Parkes. The subdivision of the estate in 1893 set the pattern of streets and waterfront allotments which are characteristic for this area of the Balmain peninsula. The site is also significant for the operation of the Knitting Co, which employed 52 local women in the early years of the twentieth century, making it one of the main employers of women in the Balmain area at this time. The place has potential to yield information that will contribute to an understanding of the cultural or natural history of New South Wales. Hampton Villa has technical and research potential as a relatively intact example of an early Victorian marine villa. Archaeological evidence of its stables, detached kitchen and associated outbuildings may also exist within the allotment. The place possesses uncommon, rare or endangered aspects of the cultural or natural history of New South Wales. Hampton Villa remains as a rare surviving example of an early Victorian marine villa on the Balmain peninsula. Throughout Sydney villas of this type are becoming increasingly rare. Its prominent position, and maintained views to the water are equally rare as modern harbourside development overshadows earlier surviving colonial structures. The place is important in demonstrating the principal characteristics of a class of cultural or natural places/environments in New South Wales. Hampton Villa is a good representative example of an early Victorian gentleman's marine villa. See also References Bibliography Attribution External links New South Wales State Heritage Register