Yathroo Homestead and Outbuildings

Statement of Significance

Yathroo has high historic significance as one of the earliest properties to be established in the district as well as for its association with Walter Padbury and Edward Roberts. The place has further significance for its important role as the main centre of the district for many years, accommodating a school and a mail service as well as providing a social meeting place. Although the original Homestead has been extended and altered, it is evidence not only of the changing fortunes of the pastoral and agricultural industries but also of the different construction materials, techniques and styles incorporated over the years. The buildings and structures which make up the Yathroo complex generally remain intact, are in fair-good condition with a high degree of integrity. As a grouping they have high significance, illustrate the effective use of local stone and reveal much about the operations of the property.

Physical Description

Yathroo comprises of a number of buildings and structures including the homestead, the Book Keepers House, a cool room, machinery and storage shed, barn, stables, slaughterhouse, extensive stone walls, a lime kiln and the ruins of a flour mill.

History

The Gregory settlers Expedition of 1848 described what was originally known as the Yatheroo area, with its permanent spring of water, as having good potential as pastoral country. According to local Aboriginal dialect Yatheroo means “meeting place of three roads”. A 4,000 acre lease around the spring was taken up in the late 1840’s by William Brockman from the Swan Valley. In 1855 businessman, Walter Padbury, purchased the Yathroo lease, by this time it had been extended to include 16,000 acres. Padbury also employed a number of ticket-of-leave convicts on his property as well as skilled tradesmen, like carpenters and stonemasons, to construct the buildings. Padbury spent a great deal of time and money consolidating and developing Yathroo into one of the finest pastoral stations in the state. While beef was the main concern, butter, bacon and salted pork were also produced at Yathroo. 30 Edward Roberts was employed by Padbury for about 37 years and emerged as a prominent settler in the district and eventual owner of Yathroo in 1892, buying the property for 20,000 pounds. Meanwhile Yathroo was considered to be the focal point for the district and by the early 1860s accommodated a small school, a post office, and flour mill. Church was held in one of the lounge rooms at the property

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: Medium/High Degree Modifications; Verndahs enclosed

Condition

Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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