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Photograph
(c) Blacktown & District Historical Society
Date unknown but probably early 1900's
Date unknown but probably early 1900's
In 1834 James Bates Sr, a former convict aquired the previous grant of Sgt Lewis Campbell. The estate was originally known as "Mount Pleasant". The original homestead was also known as "The Red House". This was demolished sometime after the present house was built by James Bates Jr in the 1880's. In 1891 the farmhouse was listed in the cenus as "Mount Pleasant", so evidently it was re-named "Dayton House" subsequent to this.
A two storey brick Victorian house with a corrugated iron hipped roof. The simple symmetrical design of the building, multi-paned widows and doors and simple chimney stacks are reminiscent of Georgian architecture. The front entrance is flanked by two French doors. The brick walls were rendered to produce a textured finish. Each bedroom has a fireplace and the house originally had a verandah, now absent.
At some stage prior to 1984 "Dayton House" had been converted into flats with a rather unsightly concrete porch added to the front to allow external access to the upper floor. The present owners have restored the house, removing the porch.
The property has been restored and is currently a private residence. Unfortunately the view of the ground floor is now blocked by a high fence and the original entrance is obscured by a carport. Nonetheless, the house appears in good condition.