Crendon Farm

Statement of Significance

This home has significance and importance as it represents a whole new period in home building, both in style and in character. After the austerity of the depression and World War 11 people started to build new homes. A totally new style of building was achieved and there were many built on similar lines all over the Wheatbelt. The C.A. Hennings were one of the first, in the Koorda Shire, to build a new home at this time even with the war time restrictions still in place. The main structure of the house could only be a certain size but verandahs could be built all around to be enclosed with louvres and used as bedrooms. The main feature was an internal bathroom. Many Art Deco features were included such as leadlight windows and doors, fireplaces, built in cupboards, and light fittings. This house also had one of the new slow combustion stoves then coming onto the market. It had the most beautiful formal English style garden, with roses, sweet peas and lush green lawn. The Hennings were very hospitable and many parties were held there both socially and for fundraising.

Physical Description

The Henning's house is built of pressed cement brick with a Brisbane & Wunderlich red tile roof and Art Deco features such as marbling on the kitchen and bathroom walls and plaster decoration on the ceilings and cornices. More Art Deco fixtures are light fittings, fireplace, leadlight doors and windows and built in cupboards. It has an internal bathroom and a copper in the laundry. The main house consists of an entrance hall, sitting room, dining room, kitchen, bathroom and main bedroom. A vernadah on two sides is enclosed with louvres to form sleepouts used as bedrooms.

History

A petition for a Road Mail to Badgerin Rock was signed at a picnic at the Booralaming dam. Badgerin Rock then became a Receiving Post Office in July, 1911 and an Allowance Post Office in October, 1913. F.H. Henning of Dowerin secured the main contract, built a small room near his friends at "Walkwalkin" and delivered the mail at Badgerin one day and returned to Dowerin the next. His son Charles Andrew probably first came to this area with his father. He later went to Booralaming, worked for the Braids and did share cropping for R.T. Best. He married Phoebe Best of "Walkwalkin" and started developing the farm now known as "Crendon Farm". He and Phoebe then went on to be very prominent people in the district. At one time Charles was President of the Tennis Club, the Golf Club, and the Agricultural Society. He was a member of the Road Board from 1944 - 1959. He was also a member of the Red Cross during the War and at one time had been on the Executive of the Country Party. With Phoebe they were a most handsome, generous hardworking and admired couple in the district. They retired to Perth in 1956. Their son Malcolm and his wife Merle have lived in the house ever since and have conserved and maintained the home in very good condition.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: The main house is substantially as built with marbling decoration to bathroom and kitchen still intact. Modifications: A side terrace and pergola has been enclosed to make a rumpus room, and part of front verandah enclosed as a sleepout with lavatory.

Condition

Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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