Dempster Homestead at Muresk

Statement of Significance

The former Dempster property has aesthetic and architectural significance as a fine example of a country residence showing features of the Federation Bungalow style. It has historical significance, owing to its association with the pioneering Dempster family and the establishment of an agricultural college for Western Australia in 1926. It has social significance as the venue for many social gatherings and sporting events both during the Dempsters’ period of residence, and in more recent times during the life of the Muresk College or Institute of Agriculture, as it is now known.

Physical Description

The large, low Dempster Homestead is located in a high position, overlooking the hills. The face brick building has a hipped roof and verandah extending around three of the four sides, with timber posts and crossed-rail balustrades. The stone plinth upon which the house is situated matches the exposed stone on the entry stairway, outside the front door. The verandah provides important weather cover to the Flemish bond brickwork which forms a solid wall (without cavity to prevent moisture transmission).

History

This imposing building was the home of Andrew Dempster, built in 1891 once he had settled in Northam after an adventurous period in Esperance. His wife had died after his epic trip in a buggy from Esperance to Northam for medical attention for her had been to no avail. The property had been called Down Farm by the original owners, but Dempster changed the name to Muresk, after Esk, his father’s birth place in Scotland. Muresk was the original seat of the Dempster family. Andrew Dempster lived there with his second wife until his death in 1909. The estate was then divided into five farms, two of which were occupied by his daughters.

In 1924, the Collier Government in Western Australia bought up much of the land and an agricultural college for the State was set up on Muresk. The homestead was converted into a domestic block, with a dining hall, kitchen and office facilities. New dormitory halls, science laboratories, lecture rooms and staff residences were also built, and the college was officially opened in October 1926. In 1969 the college was taken over by the West Australian Institute of Technology, which is now Curtin University, and Muresk is now a campus of the University. The homestead includes conference facilities, Monties Restaurant, and Emily’s, a room for intimate dining. The interior has been renovated in keeping with the times

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.