White Rocks Homestead

Values

The place comprises a range of buildings dating from the late 1880s relating to the settlement and farming of the property and located in a picturesque setting.

The place has been owned and managed by the Partridge family from the time of its establishment by John Partridge in 1887 up to the present day.

The place has continuously operated as a dairy farm from 1894 up to the present day and is associated with development of the dairy farming industry in the southwest region of the state since the turn of the twentieth century.

The place has the potential to yield information about the development of the dairy farming industry and its practices – some information of which is already available for interpretation at the museum operating on the farm.

Physical Description

The place is a working dairy and incorporates the original residence (now museum) and museum precinct, the current main residence, CGI outbuildings including milking sheds and staff residences. The place takes its name from the outcrop of white granite rocks located at the entry to the farm.

The original residence is a small weatherboard cottage with a skillion lean-to the rear and verandah to the front and back. The place has a CGI roof and brick chimney. Associated with this is said to be a timber stable and water catchment area near the white rocks.

Located nearby this is a residence occupied by staff. It has a weatherboard dado with cladding above, verandah to the front and CGI roof. It is similar in design to schoolrooms constructed by the PWD in the Inter War period and could possibly be relocated (?).

The main residence is a two-storey building in the Inter War Californian Bungalow style with a prominent two storey gable structure to the front and side. The place is described as timber framed with cement sheet cladding.

History

The place was established by John Partridge in 1887, and his descendants were still owners of the property in 1996.

The property has operated as a dairy farm from at least 1894, at which time the railway line to the area was opened thus allowing for the transport of milk for sale in the developing metropolitan area. It was transported in cans wrapped in wet rags,

The cottage is believed to have been constructed in the late 1880s by John Partridge. It now functions as a museum displaying farming equipment.

The two-storey residence was constructed in 1924.

A larger metal milking shed was constructed in 1990s and is said to be the largest shed with a computerised feeding and milking system in the southern hemisphere.

In 2003 the place continues to operate as a dairy.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity- High
Authenticity- Moderate

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.