Bonniefield

Statement of Significance

The property Bonniefield has high historic significance for its connection to the Waldeck family. The house is a good example of a substantial farm house built at the turn of the century and displays a high degree of craftsmanship. The stables and quarters are representative of farm buildings of their era. The buildings together with the surrounding Moreton Bay Fig trees, have high aesthetic appeal.

Physical Description

1997 This description covers the main house, attached former quarters and stables. MAIN HOUSE This large building has a tiled hipped roof which extends to cover the surrounding verandahs. The verandahs are supported on chamfered timber posts. The walls are constructed of pointed limestone with red brick quoins to openings and corners. There is a red brick band at head height. The windows are timber framed casement style with french doors to the south verandah and a main entry door to the west. There is a new brick extension to the south west. The house is surrounded by Moreton Bay Fig trees to the south, west and north. QUARTERS Located immediately to the southeast of the main building is a smaller building constructed of rendered stone which has a hipped corrugated iron roof that extends to cover the surrounding verandahs. The verandahs are supported on chamfered timber posts. Windows are double hung and the main entry door is located to the north. STABLES The stables are located to the south west of the main house. The building runs north to south and has a gable corrugated iron roof. The west (rear), north and south walls are of random rubble limestone construction. The east side is supported on bush timber poles. To the south, there is a small timber frame and corrugated iron clad extension which has a timber floor. 2004 Not visited.

History

Bonniefield was part of Hamersley and Co.’s tillage lease which was bought by Frederick Waldeck Snr. c.1865. Frederick Waldeck’s son, Henry Fletcher and his wife Isabella Waldeck moved here after their marriage in c.1867 and began farming. They built a small two room house (ruins in west paddock near highway). Henry died suddenly in 1883 and Isabella, with help from Francis Pearse and her brother David Brand, bought the property from her father-in-law. She took over management of the farm as well as catering for the Midland Rail workers who were building the rail line which passed through her properties. Isabella became a wealthy women and in 1899 she engaged Mr Sage to demolish the old house and build the present one. In 1902 Isabella and her daughters moved to the mill house (The Bungalow, Place No. 13) after buying her son Harry a shop and residence at the East End, (now demolished), and leaving Fred and George to run the farm. The farm was sold to Charles Dowden c.1920s. In the 1980s after several changes of ownership, some of the land on individual titles which comprised the Waldeck property, was sold to new owners. (Source: Bain, M.A., "Ancient Landmarks", Osborn 1868 map, letter to Mrs D. Cramer from Isabella’s daughter Elizabeth Kniest Uren (nee Waldeck), 22/11/1968)

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: High

Condition

Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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