Cubbine Homestead Precinct

Values

The place is associated with the Pioneers of the area such as the Forrest family who owned the property and built the homestead.

The place is rare as a substantial Federation Bungalow architectural style homestead in original condition in Western Australia.

Physical Description

‘The brick construction is finished in tuck pointing. The bricks were made from clay on the site. Two bands of render contrasts with the red bricks, and the chimneys are detailed in the same materials. The timber floors have been retained throughout the interior of the place.’ ‘The corrugated iron hip roof over the house is separate from the surrounding verandah roof. The main roof has a feature gable on each façade, and the verandah roof has a gable entry portico. The gables are finished in decorative timber with roughcast sheeting. The entry is recessed on the symmetrical façade which is elevated and approached by sweeping concrete steps. The two front rooms have bay windows. Domed ceilings are a feature in the living room and hallway and entry. Stylised images of pastoral scenes are depicted in the stained-glass lead lights in the formal entry. The separate kitchen has remained in-situ although the breezeway connecting it to the house has been enclosed. In 1960s the external verandah was concreted, a back bedroom was converted to become the kitchen, which was subsequently refurbished in 1990, and pantry altered to be a bathroom. In the refurbishment in 1990s the front bedroom domed ceiling was replaced.

History

In 1873 Alexander Forrest leased the area known as ‘Cubbine’. The original dwelling, he constructed as an outpost for the pastoral operation is still on the site. Sir John Forrest commissioned the homestead in 1908 after the lease was transferred to him in 1904 and Mr. and Mrs. Kimberley Forrest moved in, in 1910. Kimberley Forrest was the son of the explorer Alexander Forrest and was the namesake of the Kimberley region of Western Australia. A number of outbuildings were constructed between 1910 and 1913 and many still exist, as well as one of only a few remaining examples of a feeder grain store, and the original shearing sheds. Through the 1910s many employees and contractors worked on the sheep and wheat property. Several stone walled wells provided water for the property. In 1927 the 13000 acres comprising Cubbine Estate subdivided into 8 blocks ranging between 1000 and 1500 acres, in addition to the homestead property of 3600 acres which Mr and Mrs Kimberley Forrest retained. The Bachelor settlers enjoyed the hospitality at the Forrest place. Kimberley Forrest was tragically killed in from a fall from a windmill. In 1950s the Wallwork family acquired the property and constructed another residence. The Wallwork family continues to farm the property today. Edwin Summerhayes, a prominent architect at the turn of the century designed Cubbine Homestead. Edwin Summerhayes arrived in Western Australia from Victoria in 1894 and settled in Coolgardie where he designed the Coolgardie Turkish Baths, Jewish Synagogue, Presbyterian Church, Mechanics Institute. In 1903 he established a practise in Perth and shortly became known for his designs featured in Katanning, Broomehill, Claremont and Mount Lawley. Summerhayes was also a founding member of the Institute of Architects in 1896.

Integrity/Authenticity

High

Condition

Unknown

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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