Silverlands

Statement of Significance

Silverlands is significant to the early settlement of the area and establishment of the orchard and cattle industry in the district.
Aesthetic Value
Silverlands is an aesthetically pleasing traditional farmhouse which has retained much of its original character.
Historic Value
Silverlands is of historic value as one of three Wheatley Brother’s farms, second generation early settlers to the Warren and Blackwood Districts, and for its contribution to the establishment of the cattle and orchard industries.
Research Value
NA
Social Value
Silverlands is of social value as the home of the Wheatley family and as a working farm.

Physical Description

Silverlands is situated above the banks of the Blackwood River, adjacent to a tributary winter creekline. The 1890’s farm house is of red English Bond brickwork and has two red brick chimneys featuring dog tooth detailing, which sit symmetrically either side on the red Colorbond roof. It was originally a four room house with a semi-detached kitchen to the rear and surrounding verandas.
The front rooms and hallway of the house remain in their original layout, and almost all original features including doors, windows, door furniture, skirtings and vents are in situ. The hallway then opens into the rear addition (1994) which includes a modern open plan living space and kitchen.
Concrete steps with red brick balustrading lead up to the dropped roof verandah. The roof was replaced with colourbond in c.2005 and the verandah roof was extended to the west to accommodate a carport (using materials and detailing to match the house).

History

Robert Wheatley, second son of Peter and Ellen Wheatley, was one of three brothers who grew up in the Warren district before settling in the Blackwood.
In 1892, Robert began managing Wilgarrup farm for the newly widowed Mrs Layman, on the northern side of the Blackwood River. While leasing Wilgarrup, Wheatley bought the 1000 acres to the south (Silverlands), and began clearing the land using his father’s bullock team. The first ten acres cleared was then planted with a variety of apple trees. These apples were ready for market in 1901, and were sent to the Goldfields.
Robert married Agnes Muir (who was from one of the original settler families of the Manjimup area) in 1901. According to Agnes Wheatley’s obituary, they “ulitimately” moved to Silverlands, which suggests that the house was built at some stage after their marriage.
In 1909 it was reported that:
'Silver Lands'[is] an orchard belonging to Mr Robert Wheatley, and without a doubt one of the best improved places in the Blackwood district. The orchard comprises about 17 acres, a large portion of which is used for the cultivation of fruit and vegetables — apples and peaches preponderating.
Over time, Silverlands apples were exported to England and Germany. Orcharding provided a good income for the family for many years, however it later became secondary to pasture and stock farming, and the orchard was eventually left untended.
The property continued to be run by members of Robert’s family after his death in 1929.

Integrity/Authenticity

High
Medium
Despite additions merged into the rear of the home, modifications to the roof and a carport built on the side, the home remains of good authenticity and its original character can still be readily understood.

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.