Stone House, Donnybrook

Statement of Significance

This was the first selection of land in the area and was named Donnybrook, which was later adopted as the name of the town. Stone House is a good example of a hipped and gabled house constructed of Donnybrook stone.

Physical Description

Stone House is constructed of Donnybrook stone and has an asymmetrical facade, with a projecting gable on the front and side facades and a verandah that wraps around the corner between. The roof is corrugated iron with a corner hip over the verandah between the two projecting gables. Although constructed in 1931, the style is more Federation Bungalow or Queen Anne. Internally the layout consists of two bedrooms, a large lounge/dining room, kitchen, bathroom, back and front verandah. A brick extension to the rear has been constructed in yellow face brick.

History

This stone house on the eastern boundary of Wellington Location and Walker’s house at Irishtown, near the quarries, are the only two private houses built of Donnybrook stone, and both are stone from the Irishtown quarries. In April 1845, a young Irishman, James Bessonet purchased Wellington Locations 54 (385 acres; 156 hectares) and 55 (320 acres; 129 hectares), and his original dwelling was believed to have been situated (behind the present day Terace's packing shed), on the banks of a billabong. Later Location 55 was referred to as ‘Old Donnybrook’, and the name ‘Donnybrook’ was given to the townsite. Later Location 55 was reduced in area by South Western Highway and the railway. The site of the first railway settlement was on Location 55. In 1931, the stone house was built of Donnybrook stone for J. J. Coles on the eastern boundary of Location 55. Andy Steele supervised delivery and cutting of the stone blocks, and Bunnings’ Argyle Mill supplied the timber for the house, which was constructed by builders Ralph, Oliver and Webb at a cost of less than £1,000 ($2,000). Subsequent owners of the property have made additions to the house, which continues to be occupied as a residence in 2012.

Integrity/Authenticity

High

Condition

Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

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