Local Government
Murray
Region
Peel
Lot 152 Coolup Rd East Coolup
Trickett Homestead
Murray
Peel
Constructed from 1893
| Type | Status | Date | Documents |
|---|---|---|---|
| (no listings) |
| Type | Status | Date | Documents |
|---|---|---|---|
| (no listings) |
| Type | Status | Date | Grading/Management | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Category | ||||
| Local Heritage Survey | Adopted | 26 Mar 2020 | Category D | |
Avondale still has the typical external presentation of an 1890s rural residence, although it has been modified. Avondale has remained little altered on the interior since extensive renovations were undertaken in the 1930s. Avondale is associated with the Herron and Pollard families, significant early European settlers in the district.
Brick residence with six rooms in the main building, with an additional two rooms in the bathhouse extension. Interior has an Art Deco ceiling decoration and fireplace, probably from comprehensive renovations undertaken during the 1930s. There appears to be little alteration since that time. The place is in poor condition, and through ongoing neglect, steadily collapsing. During a site inspection in 2011 the homestead was sinking on reactive clay, since it lacks foundations. There was visible cracking to walls, white ant infested with the internal wood floors rotted. Ceilings were bowed and mouldy, windows broken, and roof panels are missing. During a site inspection in 2018 it was noted the front verandah had collapsed, including the support posts, ceilings collapsed, front door rotted and falling in and multiple panels broken or removed from the bathroom extension.
In 1839 the Fairburn family arrived in the Colony, and some years later took up a small area of land on which Avondale is situated. The first residence was a mud brick cottage, constructed on the river bank. Subsequently, James Herron built a small three-roomed cottage between the river and the present Avondale. Avondale was the site of the first Coolup general store, operated by Messrs Doig and Devoretsky, who rented a room from James Herron. They retailed tinned meats, farm requisites, and groceries. It is thought that the store went out of business because the owners were too generous, including invitations for meals for their customers. When the partners left, the business was temporarily carried on by Bella Herron. James Herron lived at the property until his death in 1877. The place was subsequently managed by his eldest daughter, Rachel, until her death in an accident on Lake Clifton in 1885. From 1885, Bella Herron was in charge of the property until it was obtained by Robert and Margaret Pollard and Avondale was constructed in 1893. Avondale became the social centre of the district, with dances held in the barn. A tennis court was laid out to the north of the residence. Avondale continued to be occupied until the 1980s.
High
Poor
| Ref ID No | Ref Name | Ref Source | Ref Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Interview: Matthew Kirkham | Grandson of Property Owner | 15 July 2010 | |
| Gibbings, B.M. & Madin, H. "Early Settlement in the Coolup District' | Coolup Progress Association | 2001 |
| Ref Number | Description |
|---|---|
| 008 | Municipal Inventory |
Individual Building or Group
| Epoch | General | Specific |
|---|---|---|
| Original Use | RESIDENTIAL | Single storey residence |
| Present Use | VACANT\UNUSED | Vacant\Unused |
| Type | General | Specific |
|---|---|---|
| Wall | BRICK | Other Brick |
| Roof | METAL | Other Metal |
| General | Specific |
|---|---|
| DEMOGRAPHIC SETTLEMENT & MOBILITY | Land allocation & subdivision |
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