Rockbridge, Upper Warren

Statement of Significance

Representativeness, Aesthetic, Rarity and Historic

Physical Description

The old house stands on a slight rise overlooking a small stream which
joins the Warren River. Nearby is the twentieth century family
residence. The simple rectangular building originally consists of three
rooms with vertical jarrah slab walls resting on a log foundation plate
with corner posts morticed into the plate. The hipped roof is constructed
of timber shingles. A stone fireplace at the west end has also been
restored. There are two doors and two timber framed windows in the
front elevation.
The house is surrounded by an old post and rail fence.

History

Rockbridge is the Mottram family property. John Mottram was one of a
group of early pioneers who settled in a community on the Warren River
just north of the Karri forest. The others were Arthur Clarke (Fern
Hollow), Walter Blechynden, and Peter Wheatley (Clover Cottage). The
four families were responsible for the building of nearby St Mark’s
Anglican Church which was also used as a school for the local children
between 1891 and 1920.
This timber cottage is thought to have been built C1865, although one
source suggests this is a later building replacing an earlier building closer
to the river. Nearby is a more modern residence where the Mottram
family currently lives. The old house was last occupied in the 1920s.
During the 1990s the timber building was carefully and lovingly restored
by the Mottrams in the late 1990s, and it is now a fine example of an
early pioneer residence. Graham Robinson, a local builder specializing
in old timber buildings, did a lot of the work. The interior has also been
restored and the house has been furnished with family treasures and
artefacts of the period, some of which were found on the farm.
Cliff Mottram, the current owner, now 85, said he was born and lived in
the house until he was about five. The family then moved into the new
house in the 1920s.
The old rock bridge after which the property is named, has been covered
over with a causeway.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: Very Good
Authenticity: Very Good

Condition

Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

Disclaimer

This information is provided voluntarily as a public service. The information provided is made available in good faith and is derived from sources believed to be reliable and accurate. However, the information is provided solely on the basis that readers will be responsible for making their own assessment of the matters discussed herein and are advised to verify all relevant representations, statements and information.