'Membenup' Homestead

Statement of Significance

The place has historic value for its association with the settlement and development of the region in the mid 19th century for farming. The place has historic value for its association with the Reynolds family who made a significant contribution to the Busselton and region community.

Physical Description

Membenup is constructed from a single storey of limestone rubble, marked and coursed with corrugated metal sheeting, previously shingled. The windows are sashed and the doors four panelled with the front door being multipaned glass over panelled bottom. The verandah posts are the original chamfered posts. The residence has an ‘L’ shape in plan, with a kitchen, sleeping quarters, outside bathroom and laundry accessible by a verandah at the back of the house. Large extant trees, including a large palm tree remain in close proximity to the house. The Ludlow forest and wetlands are close to the house. Some alterations have been made to the laundry and kitchen to accommodate contemporary standards and expectations.

History

This landholding was first owned by Governor Stirling who secured large tracts of land during the time he held office in the Swan River Colony. It was transferred to Joseph Gardiner Reynolds (1819-1912), a farmer and J.P. in the Vasse community. Joseph Gardiner Reynolds was born in Dooldale, England, 15 June 1819. He first came to WA in 1841, settling in Gingin and leased farms together with Charles Bussell. He returned briefly to England in 1860 on his father’s death and returned soon after to secure land for a new venture. He married Mary Ellen Morgan (1844-1929) in 1861 and it is proposed in previous research that this substantial residence was built as the family home soon after. He named the landholding 'Membenup', the origin of this name is not known but is likely have some meaning for the Wadandi peoples who first occupied this land. Joseph Reynolds ran a dairy and made butter on the farm, which he transported by donkey to Busselton. They raised a family of 12 children, nine daughters and three sons. Mary Llewellen, the youngest, inherited the property and ran it as a farm until her death in 1964. The kitchen range, known for its association with Membenup, has been donated to the Busselton Historical Society. The place continues to be used as a private residence and aerial photographs indicate the form and extent of the original building can still be determined although structures have been built adjacent.

Condition

Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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