Old Broadwater Farm

Statement of Significance

- The former homestead has historic value for its association with the agricultural
settlement of Busselton in the 19th century.
- The place is associated with leading families in the district who contributed to the
development of the town and region, the Rose family and the Packard family.
- The potential for archeological finds is limited but may reveal evidence of past practices
in the original homestead and in the surrounding outbuildings.
- The continual presence of Broadwater Homestead in the landscape since the late 19th
century contributes to the community's sense of place.

Physical Description

Old Broadwater Farm comprises a cluster of single storey random rubble stone buildings in a landscaped garden setting comprising lawns and formal garden beds.
The buildings are of a simple form which demonstrate a range of additions over different programs of work. They are unified by the use of consistent materials including limestone, oiled weatherboards and metal corrugated sheeting. Several of the buildings have verandahs, with the roofs supported on simple timber posts. The windows are multi pane
timber sash style in a range of styles. A two-storey building of masonry and weatherboard is of a later construction and not included in the grouping of places of heritage value..

History

The land on which this former homestead is constructed was originally part of a 1000 acre parcel of land granted to John Hurford in the 1840s. He lived on a property near Wonnerup and was murdered in a notorious case in 1855 that lead to his wife being hung. His parcel of land to the west of Busselton designated as Sussex Lot 6 does not appear to
have been developed. After the death of Hurford in 1855, the lot continued to be undeveloped and many attempts were made to sell the land. In 1865, the southern half of the lot (500 acres) was offered for sale by agents but it has not been determined who the owners were. By 1882, this portion of land was again offered for sale, and was now designated as "Broadwater Farm". It is not clear if the current homestead was present at this time. By 1888, it is recorded in the local press that farmer George Rose was living at Broadwater Farm with his family. In 1894, a wedding breakfast was held at the home for Evelyn the eldest daughter of George and Alice Rose. It is therefore proposed the residence was built prior to this date. No details on the builder or architect have been found in this research. It has also not been determined if George Rose was the owner of Broadwater Farm or leasing the property. Electoral Rolls from 1903 until 1912 record George and Alice Rose living at Broadwater Farm with other family members.
In 1908, Broadwater Farm, still comprising 500 acres was offered for sale for £1300. The property was described as comprising 3 paddocks, Stone Homestead of 6 rooms, barn, stable, buggy shed, stock-yard, orchard of 3 acres in full bearing. It is not clear if the property sold and George Rose retained his lease, or, no sale was achieved. By 1914, the Rose family had relocated to Dangin.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity Notes: The place remains in use as a residence and retains a high to moderate degree of integrity. Although still used as a private residence, it is no longer part of a farming property and all of the agricultural outbuildings have been removed.
Authenticity Notes: The place has been altered extensively and retains a low degree of authenticity.

Moderate-High Degree/Low Degree

Condition

Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

Disclaimer

This information is provided voluntarily as a public service. The information provided is made available in good faith and is derived from sources believed to be reliable and accurate. However, the information is provided solely on the basis that readers will be responsible for making their own assessment of the matters discussed herein and are advised to verify all relevant representations, statements and information.