Fairlawn Farmhouse & Outbuildings

Statement of Significance

Fairlawn is representative of the conflict between settlers and Aboriginal people in the early years of the development of the Vasse region, as a result of major impacts on the Aboriginal people’s traditional ways of living due to the attempts by Europeans to secure
the expansion and development of Western Australia.
The foundation of Fairlawn in 1839 by the Molloys represents a pivotal moment in WA colonial history that led to the development of the Vasse region as an important agricultural district and service centre at the expense of the Augusta settlement.
Established by the Captain John Molloy and his wife Georgiana, the family were influential in the establishment of the community, particularly as Captain Molloy was the first Resident Magistrate in the District.
The homestead is associated with Georgiana Molloy, an amateur botanist who was significant in the identification and documentation of indigenous plant species.
The homestead and its immediate surrounds have potential to reveal archaeological evidence of past practices of construction, farming and ways of life.
Fairlawn is valued by the local and wider community as an intact remnant of the early colonial history of the State that significantly contributes to the local community’s sense of place

Physical Description

This former homestead is located on the western bank of the Vasse River within landscaped gardens predominantly of lawn and mature trees. The residence is accessed via a long driveway within an avenue of trees.
The original portion of the residence is not visible from the front entrance as it faces the river. The later addition which is the main elevation presents as a contemporary style of painted brick and large aluminium windows. Double gables top the main elevation.
The original portion of the two storey residence was not visible, a single storey building to the right of the main entrance is likely to date from the early 19th century as it has a hipped roof and extended verandah roof, partially enclosed which is consistent with that period.
Other single storey buildings clustered around the two storey building are likely former outbuildings. All the buildings have a consistent colour palette and minimal details.

History

This homestead was built by veteran of the Napoleonic wars Captain John Molloy (1786-1867) how had first settled in Augusta in the 1830 before relocating to the Vasse region in 1839 with his wife Georgiana, nee Kennedy (1805-1843)
and their family.
Molloy was appointed the first Resident Magistrate of the Vasse Region and oversaw the challenges associated with settlement in the region including the management of American whalers who visited the coast. Significantly, he directed the colonial response to the Wardandi people of the region and in 1841 led a massacre of Wardandi Noongar
people in reprisal for the spearing of local settler George Layman which has become known as the Wonnerup Massacre.
Fairlawn homestead was the centre of the Molloy land holding of 4900 hectares which was a leading farm in the district. The site of the homestead adjacent to the Vasse River was to enable access to water for the farm and homestead. Almost directly opposite on the other side of the Vasse River is Cattle Chosen the homestead of the Bussell
family. There was a close relationship between these families as early settlers in the region.
Prior to her death in 1843, Georgiana Molloy was a keen and skilled amateur botanist, collecting specimens which were sent to academics in the UK. She collected specimens in the Augusta region and continued her collecting at Fairlawn and developed relationships with the local Wardandi women to source knowledge of these species. Her
contribution is acknowledged widely and she has been recognised locally and internationally.
The property continued to operate as a farm until well into the 20th century, in recent decades the property has been developed as a reception centre with accommodation. This change of use has meant major additions and alterations have been made to the original structure and fabric.
Aerial photographs indicate a large addition was constructed to the south elevation in the late 1990s and dormers were inserted into the original roof structure.

Integrity/Authenticity

The place has a low to moderate degree of integrity. Additions and many
alterations have taken place over the last ten years and there appears to be little
original fabric remaining. A substantial outbuilding appears reasonably intact.
The place has little authenticity, refer integrity notes.

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.