Burnside

Statement of Significance

Burnside (site and Moreton Bay fig tree) is of significance:
• As the former site of a residence developed and used by Francis (Fanny) Brockman (nee Bussell), who was part of an important pioneering family of the area.
• As a popular staging post and guesthouse for travellers wishing to view the local caves in the early years of the twentieth century.

Physical Description

Evidence of ‘Burnside’ remains visible as substantial, random rubble stone ruins and it is likely that the full extent of the floor plan remains as archaeological evidence (Note: in 1926 this was described as a 6-roomed house with extensive outbuildings). The main evidence of former gardens is a large palm adjacent to the ruin and a large Moreton Bay Fig Tree between the former house and Burnside Road (the latter located on loc 482). Immediately east of the ruin there is a linear, off-form concrete former piggery.
The area is now partly overgrown with peppermint trees.

History

Fanny Brockman (who had separated from her husband, John Brockman in the 1870s) lived at Ellensbrook and then Wallcliffe before purchasing Loc 94 and 121 (Burnside) from Robert Lockard in 1889. The house was constructed over a number of years by George Hill (builder) and Fanny is believed to have settled there at some stage between 1889-1893.Tim Connelly a local character and resident at Burnside, assisted in the house’s construction, carting seasoned wood from Calgardup where the Georgette was wrecked to make floors and windows.While it was primarily a farming property, Burnside also operated as a staging point and boarding house for visitors to the region:
Five miles from this well is a road which turns off to Burnside, the residence of Mrs. Brockman, where most of the visitors stay, as it is practically the starting place of the caves. Mr. Connolly and Mr. Fred Bussell were met here, and they spent the next few days showing us over the marvellous caves. These certainly require to be seen to be appreciated. [The Inquirer & Commercial News 18 May 1900, p 4] and:
COACH NOTICE. A FOUR-DAY TRIP, Busselton to Yallingup and Lake Caves, via Burnside, £3 13s. Reduction made for parties. This ticket includes one night Yallingup Accommodation House; two nights Burnside. Address C. J. HOUGH or B. VINES, Vasse Hotel, Busselton. Also Busselton to Yallingup; return, 12s. 6d. [The West Australian 6 Feb 1904, p 1] When people stayed at the house Tim Connelly would guide them on a tour of the nearby caves. (See Place # AU/MR-01) The property was offered for sale following Fanny’s death in 1925:BURNSIDE ESTATE, MARGARET RIVER. On THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 1926 …. instructions from the Administrator of the Estate of FRANCES LOUISA BROCKMAN (deceased) to Offer for Sale by Public Auction ..SITUATED. - Prettily situated on the Yallingup Cave-road, 4 miles from Bramley Siding and 6 miles from Margaret River Station and Township.IMPROVEMENTS.-Consist of 60 acres of clearing good Stone House of 6 rooms and extensive outbuildings, including 10-roomed wood and iron boarding house adjacent; all fenced and subdivided into numerous paddocks and watered by the Margaret River, which runs along the boundary of the property.
REMARKS.-The property, which aggregates 2847 acres is well and favorably, known in the Margaret River district, having been selected many years before any other land was taken up in the district, and comprises the most fertile spot on the river. Eminently suitable for sheep, cattle and dairying. This property has special advantages in as much as there are both limestone and granite country, thus obviating the shifting of stock. Its situation on the main road between the Margaret and Yallingup Caves makes it also suitable as a summer resort, for which, it has been used for a considerable period. [Sunday Times, 24 October 1926 p 16] The main house was destroyed by fire in 1931, although what was known as ‘the Ark’ survived. In 1996 it was reported that only traces of the property remained, together with parts of the piggery and sheds built by a later owner, Mr Jonathon Terry, in the 1970s (Mr Terry lived nearby on Loc 121). In 1996 the property was overgrown with peppermint trees and had not been actively farmed for many years. An old, large, Moreton Bay fig tree was noted as a significant feature of the site.
As at 2012, the place remains as a ruin.

Integrity/Authenticity

Low: The use has been altered and the original use cannot be readily discerned.
Low: The place has been considerably altered, with the loss of significant fabric. The original intent/character is no longer clearly evident.

Condition

Poor (ruin)

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

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.