Wonnenup Homestead

Statement of Significance

Built by Andrew Walton in 1862, Wonnenup is one of the earliest homesteads in the district. It is very significant in that it was convict built. It can also be linked to over 100 years of occupation by the Walton family who were very early graziers in the district. Andrew Walton himself was a ticket-of-leave man who worked as a shepherd for John Hassell in the 1850's. He later took up his own lease of 10,000 acres at Wonnenup (originally part of Hassell's leasehold) where he built the house and outbuildings. It is unclear when Walton left the property, but it reverted to the Government and the roof was replaced in 1906. Later the house was deserted until Albert Weller purchased the house and forty acres. In 1908 he took up 1000 acres alongside the house. There were 12 acres cleared round the house, surrounded by a slab fence. The sheep were locked up every night to keep them away from dingoes.

Physical Description

Situated beside the Gordon River, this very early homestead was built by convicts in 1862. The house and sheds were located on forty acres of free hold land. The house was built of bricks made on the property, and timber felled with a broadaxe and sawn over saw pits in the nearby forest. The roof was made of white gum shingles. This was later covered with corrugated iron in 1906. The house contained eight rooms, with a verandah back and front. Nearby were a large shearing shed, smithy and hay shed. Bush fires later destroyed all the buildings except the house.

History

Themes: Occupations-Graziers

Integrity/Authenticity

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Condition

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Uses

Historic Themes

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