Manager’s House

Statement of Significance

This place has historic value for its association with the establishment of the Darlington
Vineyard by Dr Alfred Waylen which was a key project for the development of
Darlington in the late 19th century. The place has aesthetic value for the remaining mud brick within the core of the building

Physical Description

This single storey brick residence has a complex plan form with a pitched and gabled roof
clad with coloured corrugated metal sheeting. It is probable the original building was a
simple rectangular form with verandahs across the front elevation addressing Owen Road.
It is not known how much of the original mud brick remains to be seen internally, externally
the place is constructed of painted brick and multi pane casement windows, and later style
French doors. Portions of the external walls feature unpainted face brick, and another is
painted weatherboard.
The verandah across the front elevation is created through the extension of the roof,
supported on simple timber posts. The floor of the verandah is brick paving.
The residence is located within a large lot that features mature trees and shrubs with a
plumbago hedge across the front boundary.

History

This residence was constructed in 1888 by Dr Alfred Waylen and his business partner
Josceline Amherst to provide accommodation for the manager of the Darlington Vineyard,
Charles E Mumme and his family. The vineyard was the first major development in the
region which lead to the settlement of the region and investment.
The Vineyard declined and in 1902, the property was offered for sale and this residence was
described as ‘Darlington House’.
In 1923, the property was transferred to the V. Reilly and it is understood this is when it was
first leased to Auber and Maryan (Gypsy) Neville. Auber Octavius Neville (1875-1954) was
the Protector of Aborigines from 1915-1936. A position that held immense power over the
Aboriginal people of the state.
The Nevilles later purchased the property and named it ‘Windyridge’ and it is likely they
undertook some alterations and additions during the occupation. The plumbago hedge across the front property boundary dates from their occupancy. The Neville’s were very
active in the sports and social life of Darlington.
Janet Curlewis bought 5 Owen Rd on the 9th February 1942 from the Neville family and it
was in the Curlewis family until sold by her son Brian Curlewis in 1963 to Harold Francis
Henderson. Harold lived here up to his death in 1983. It is believed that the mud brick was
clad with contemporary brick at this time. The original earthen floor was replaced and raised
with the roof and walls also being raised altering the roof line.
Aerial photographs indicate that since the mid 20th century several programs of additions
and alterations have been undertaken.

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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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.