Local Government
Dumbleyung
Region
Wheatbelt
Rd No 323 West Dumbleyung
Dumbleyung
Wheatbelt
Constructed from 1875
| Type | Status | Date | Documents |
|---|---|---|---|
| (no listings) |
| Type | Status | Date | Documents |
|---|---|---|---|
| (no listings) |
| Type | Status | Date | Grading/Management | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Category | ||||
| Municipal Inventory | Adopted | 17 Oct 2002 | Category B | |
Wheatfield has aesthetic, historic, social, representative and rarity cultural heritage significance. As a good example of early pioneer building the house has representative heritage value. Historically it has a long association with the original pioneer families in the Nippering district. Wheatfield was used as a stopover, 'post office' and place of Anglican worship and therefore has considerable social value. Bunkin (also in the Nippering district) and Wheatfield are unique remnants of a way of life that is lost to the district and rural Western Australia in general.
Some of the notable features of this place include: • Set on sloping land overlooking Lake Dumbleyung • Simple Georgian style, rectangular shape • Stone walls • Corrugated iron hipped roof with a single brick chimney • Broken backed verandah with undressed timber verandah posts open on one side and enclosed on three sides of the house
Wheatfield was the home of the Bartram family, who along with the Cronins were one of the earliest pioneering families in the district. George Kersley (Senior) and his son-in-law, Henry Bartram arrived in Dumbleyung with sheep from his property in Beverley, in search of good grazing land. For a few years they travelled between Beverley and Dumbleyung but finally decided to settle in Dumbleyung. Wheatfields was originally a simple room of mud brick with an additional room of stone with mud mortar added in 1886. This home was built by George Kersley and Henry Bartram as a family home for Henry and his wife Elizabeth (Biddy) nee Kersley. They arrived at their new house in 1880 with a wagon with a cow tied on behind (to provide milk for the baby Helena). At the time Henry was 37 and Biddy was 33 and they had three children. By 1895 the Bartram family had grown to eight children. The property was most likely called Wheatfield as the Kersleys and the Bartrams were the first to grow wheat on the shore of Lake Dumbleyung. Wheatfield became a stopover point for early teamsters and sandalwood cutters heading eastwards. It was also one of the early gathering points for settlers to gather their mail. Until 1909 (when the Dumbleyung Hall was built) people also visited Wheatfield for Anglican Church services. Life on Wheatfield was not easy as there were no fences shepherds were employed to keep the stock tended. Biddy's basic home chores were difficult and stores had to be fetched from Albany. It is not known exactly when Wheatfield was last used as a residence though the year 1958 has been mentioned. In 2002 it stands as a testament to the early settlers.
Integrity: High Degree
Fair
| Ref ID No | Ref Name | Ref Source | Ref Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| "Dumbleyung and Districts Short Stories". | Dumbleyung Book Committee Printed by Leaderpress WA | 1999 | |
| O'Brien Planning Consultants; "Municipal Heritage Inventory". | Shire of Dumbleyung | 1998 |
Individual Building or Group
| Epoch | General | Specific |
|---|---|---|
| Original Use | FARMING\PASTORAL | Homestead |
| Present Use | VACANT\UNUSED | Vacant\Unused |
| Type | General | Specific |
|---|---|---|
| Roof | METAL | Corrugated Iron |
| Wall | STONE | Local Stone |
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.