House site

Statement of Significance

The building is important for its connection with the first European settlement of the area and for its association with pioneering families.

Physical Description

The homestead is situated about 100 metres east south east of Winjidyne Spring. This being an aboriginal name for the waterhole.

The double hipped roof building is L shaped with the large front two rooms (4.5m square) facing north connected with a central passage.; The left has a chimney (living room) and the right is the bedroom. At the rear is a large kitchen also with a brick chimney. Windows (traditional double hung) are minimal throughout. Crimped iron ceilings are throughout the building. The internal plastering was carried out during Reschke ownership. A two metre bullnosed verandah protects the front rooms and on the south west portion a 3 metre verandah was attached. It appears that the house wasn't fully completed - the area between the bedroom and kitchen not being fully enclosed.

Long term stability of the stone building and foundations maybe jeopardised by a dyke which runs east and west near the rear of the house

History

Charlie Leopard was the original selector who built a house here in the early 1920's. His brother Fred was also here for a time. However, debts mounted and R.L. Richardson, the storekeepers, foreclosed and the property was leased to Frank Carter who joined Leopard's boundary on the west.

After about five years of leasing, the farm was sold to E.J. Reschke (Ted) who farmed here until 1939 when Harold O'Brien purchased it. Later the property was owned by Beeck who lived at that time near Kidney Swamp. The current owners are the Pickford family who came from Victoria to purchase Beeck's land in the late 1960's.

The homestead was built by an Irishman who constructed a number of substantial buildings in the district including Harry Douglas' Dowlering home, Frank Carter's blacksmith shop; Kenmare homestead (Harold Douglas) and the Kenmare Hall.

The house was the first home for a number of honeymoon couples.

Integrity/Authenticity

site only

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.