Willow Gully

Statement of Significance

One of the oldest properties in the area, a complex of stone buildings ranking with Berkshire Valley and Burges' Bowes stations for their constructional interest, and like Bowes probably built by Ticket of Leave men. The stone fences outside the stone staircase are particularly notable, The setting is picturesque with the tree-lined Bowes River in its narrow valley nearby.

Physical Description

The original cottage and present house are of local limestone with shingles under the corrugated iron roof, the garden at the front of the house being enclosed with a stone wall. Both this wall and the one extending from the outbuilding marked 3 on the plan are about a metre high and 23 cms thick. At several places, steps were erected on each side to allow easy access. The building marked 1 has an attic formerly used as a school room and for parties and dances when entertaining. It is reached by a solid external staircase and the wooden door at the top of the stairs is original. Floors in most of the buildings ar of flat stone or rammed ants nest. Willi Gulli is the aboriginal name and is said to mean Salt Gulley. ALl the trees in the orchard which Williams planted died from the salt which seeped up from the underlying soil.

History

Assessment 1982 Construction: 1863 to early 1870s The property was taken up in 1863 by John Williams who had been manager for William Burges at the Bowes from 1854 to 1863 and the buildings were erected by him for the next ten years. He married Honora Morrissey of the pioneer family at Mt Erin station and the had twelve children not all of whom survived.

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Historic Themes

Creation Date

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