Wimpool

Statement of Significance

The buildings at Wimpole have high historic significance for their connection to the development of the Irwin district given their connection to the Cattle Company and John and Esther Pell. The shepherd’s cottage is a rare example of a single room building, which dates back to the early 1860s prior to the issuance of tillage leases. The structures demonstrate the use of local materials. RECOMMENDATION Given their high historic significance, if the structures at Wimpole are to be restored, consideration should be given to the preparation of a conservation plan prior to the commencement of major works. 2004 Regrowth vegetation around the buildings should be removed to reduce fire hazard.

Physical Description

This assessment covers the main house, shepherd’s cottage and underground tank. MAIN HOUSE The house is built of random rubble limestone and has a corrugated iron hipped roof to the main part of the house with a corrugated iron roof to a rear skillion. There is evidence of a hipped verandah to the front with the remnants of a timber frame and corrugated iron lean-to still remaining to the west façade. Remnants of the timber floor to the front verandah are evident with internal timber floors to the front rooms still intact. Windows are 6 pane timber framed and double hung. There are remnants of a stone chimney to the east side of the building. SHEPHERD’S COTTAGE The shepherd’s cottage is located immediately to the north of the main house and is a single room built of random rubble limestone. Only two walls to the south and west remain standing and the corrugated iron hipped roof is supported on timber posts to the north and east. There is a large open fireplace set into the interior of the south wall. Evidence remains of informal quoins to the corners of the structure. UNDERGROUND TANK The large circular underground tank is sited immediately to the west of the shepherd’s cottage and to the north of the main house. The tank is concrete lined and has a low random rubble wall. The timber and corrugated iron roof has collapsed with some materials inside the tank. 2004 The house has deteriorated to some extent since the last review. The property around the house has been subdivided.

History

The original lease was owned by Caleb Massingham which passed c.1880 to Samuel F. Moore who held it until his death in 1921. The first building was a one room shepherd’s cottage situated at the rear (north) of the present house. Built of limestone about 1864-5 it had a shingle roof, one door, and one window. It is recorded that Thomas Reynolds was born here in 1865. His father Peter Reynolds was a farmer and later was the licensee of the Traveller’s Rest, Bookara. (Place No. 1) John and Esther Pell moved to Wimpole in c.1880 and S. F. Moore allowed them to build on his land and the limestone and corrugated iron house known as Wimpole was built. It was named after the village in England from which the Pell family had come. John and Esther later moved into Dongara by the bakery and their sons took over Wimpole. In the 1920’s the land was bought by Darcy Ellery, the Ellery family knew the property as Wimpool. In 2000 the area was subdivided into small lots. (Source: Irwin Shire Rate Books (IDHS) and memories from Tom Reynolds to C. G. Ellery, Osborn 1868 map.)

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: High

Condition

Fair

Uses

Creation Date

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