Sandilands

Statement of Significance

The place is significant in the development of Western Australia, as it is indicative of patterns of early settlement in the region and the colony/state.
Sandilands has been extended many times; its growth documents historical changes, and the economic resourcefulness of the first European settlers in the Busselton area.
The place has been closely associated for over one hundred and twenty years with the Bussell and Willmott families who were significant in the European settlement of the region and its subsequent history. Its historical significance is enhanced by the collection of family photographs and local historic items assembled by the Willmotts since 1950.
Sandilands has research and teaching value because the fabric of the place includes a range of different building technologies on the one site.
The potential for archeological finds is limited but may reveal evidence of past practices.
Sandilands contributes to the community’s sense of place because it is among the oldest extant structures in the region, and has remained for over a century in the ownership and occupation of descendants of the family which built it.

Physical Description

Sandilands is a single storey wattle daub iron roofed Victorian Georgian style homestead set in a well‐tended garden, with views framed by mature trees. The place comprises two main structures. The oldest structure lies to the north and is linked to the later structure to the south by a glazed walkway. The northern structure has a broken back hipped roof, with the main roof being steeply pitched to take either thatch or shingles. The walls are wattle and daub construction and also stone and stud framed. Match boarding covers much of the external wall under the verandah. The roof scape is articulated with chimneys. The southern block is of rough coursed stone construction, with a massive central chimney that rises through a loft.

History

The land on which this property is located was part of the large landholding secured by John Garrett Bussell (1803-1875) in 1833 which had the homestead 'Cattle Chosen' as the centre of the farming activity for the four Bussell brothers. When John Garrett Bussell married Charlotte Cookworthy, nee Spicer in 1838, the three brothers established new households in the vicinity. Sandilands was built in the 1840s by Charles Bussell (1810-1856), and its name may derive from the sandy nature of the soil in the vicinity. This buiding was intended to be used as a wayside inn, as the road to Bunbury used to pass by
the property. This plan was never fully realised and on his death in 1856 the place was bought by Frances Cookworthy (1834-1928), stepdaughter of John Garret Bussell. Frances later married her first cousin, Joseph Cookworthy. The couple did not have children. The original house was constructed in wattle and daub with a thatch roof and was a modest six room building which is believed to be the third house built in Busselton. The roof was subsequently replaced with shingle and later corrugated iron.
Frances Cookworthy made extensive additions to the property including the limestone kitchen,a separate structure at the back of the original homestead, and a dairy shed adjacent to the house which was removed in 1955. Other extensions made to the house during this time were the addition of several bedrooms to enlarge the house to
seventeen rooms, the limestone extension to the living area and the bay window in the master bedroom which displays the Cookworthy crest. A bungalow was added off the living room. It is probable that the house was used by members of the extended family and friends when visiting Busselton. In 1910, Sandilands was occupied by Capel Carter Brockman and two of her daughters. Capel Brockman was the first daughter of John and Charlotte Bussell, and step sister of Frances Cookworthy. The house was inherited by Capel Brockman's eldest daughter, Margaret Theodosia Willmott (1863-1968) on the death of Frances Cookworthy in 1928. She took up residence in 1930 after the house had been vacant for several years. Electric lighting was installed at this time. Maggie Willmott lived at the house until well into her 80s and died in 1968. The property retains its connection with the Willmott family. From the 1950s, the gardens were enlarged when reticulated water was laid on to the property. Further additions to the house including a glass covered walkway joining the two sections of the house in 1994. Aerial photographs of the house since the mid 20th century indicate that the form and extent of the original residence can still be readily determined.

Integrity/Authenticity

High Degree/High Degree

Condition

Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Last Update

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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.