Mokine Homestead

Statement of Significance

Mokine has aesthetic and architectural significance. Some aspects of the building, with its regular styling and the unusual Flemish bond brickwork, are reminiscent of the Victorian Georgian style, but other architectural features suggest that it is a forerunner of the Federation Filigree style, in which the style features are executed in timber. The place has historical significance, having remained in the Wilding family since 1874. Thomas Wilding, who built the house, was actively involved in the debate over the location of the Clackline-Newcastle railway line. He was also a prominent Northam business man.

Physical Description

The two-storey Mokine-Homestead is situated in a prominent position overlooking the property. The ornate Flemish bond ‘checkered’ brickwork was created from bricks made on the property. Unusual brick flat arches span the doors and windows. The timber was also locally pitsawn wood. The two level wooden verandah under the main roof is edged with crossed timber balustrading and has timber posts, an ornamental valance and a bullnose roof. A central entry stairway reinforces the formality of the facade. The main roof is hipped ‘corrugated iron’. Other buildings on the property include an original stone cottage, once a shepherd’s cottage. The rammed earth walls of the large shed show evidence of damage from the Meckering earthquake. The homestead shows a progression of farm development with the many different materials and building styles. The farm is presently situated on approx. 5500 acres, although it was once part of a bigger property (over 10000 acres).

History

The original Mokine property of 7000 acres was first granted to Arthur Trimmer in 1830. In partnership with R H Bland, he established the first pastoral property in the Avon Valley. Ownership changed a few times before the property was acquired in 1874 by Thomas Wilding, owner of the Avon Bridge Hotel. After extensive fires in 1874, Wilding rebuilt the outbuildings and the gracious Mokine Homestead between 1874 – 76. Wilding was a colourful character in Northam’s history, who had many and varied business interests. At first he had the Avon Bridge Hotel, then he opened a steam flour mill in 1867. He was also active in a dispute over the route of the railway branch line, wanting the proposed Clackline-Newcastle line to go through his property at Mokine. His grand plan for a town at Spencer’s Brook did not, however, materialize. Wilding did grant a portion of Mokine as a Race Course for the area as he was a keen racing man. Mokine is still in the Wilding family today.

Condition

Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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