Local Government
Chapman Valley
Region
Midwest
Forrester Brooks Rd Yuna
Lot 3800 Diagram/Plan: P143028 Volume/Folio: 1252-579
Taylor’s House
Chapman Valley
Midwest
Constructed from 1910
| Type | Status | Date | Documents |
|---|---|---|---|
| (no listings) |
| Type | Status | Date | Documents |
|---|---|---|---|
| (no listings) |
| Type | Status | Date | Grading/Management | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Category | ||||
| Municipal Inventory | Adopted | 17 Oct 2012 | Category 2 | |
Woodstock has historic significance as one of the first farming properties taken up in the Yuna District and the place where the first crops were harvested. Further the place has historic value for its association with Bill and Charlie Taylor, well known early pioneers of the Yuna District. Set in an elevated location and comprising both stone and adobe construction, the place is evidence of the use of local materials and is one of the earliest and most intact farm buildings in the area.
Located in an elevated position to the west of the town of Yuna, this small stone residence has a steeply pitched hipped corrugated iron roof. There is a separate verandah roof to the front (north) elevation which is supported on timber posts. The main roof is punctuated by a tall brick chimney to the rear. The front facade is symmetrical with a window either side of a central arched doorway. A door to the rear elevation is similarly arched. The stone and adobe (mud brick) additions to the rear are partially collapsed. The house is in a deteriorating condition. There is evidence of a metal pole and wire fence enclosing the front yard which includes a peppercorn tree.
William (Bill) Tayler took up 4,000 acres of land in the Yuna district in the early 1900s, following which he and his brother John commenced clearing the land for farming purposes. Initially living in tents, they called the farm “Woodstock” after the street the family had lived in Maryborough, Queensland. In 1910, the Tayler brothers harvested the first crop in the Yuna district. The following description of the house is taken from J. Vlahov’s In Search of Land: “Bill and Charlie built a large and comfortable house of stone, with walls two feet thick, a cellar and two spreading pepper trees for shade. A sheltered verandah ran along the east and north sides. In winter there was always a beautiful garden, lovingly tended by Montie, fronting the northern verandah, bright with Californian poppies, sweet smelling stocks, schizanthus, pansies and other flowers and of course, a vegetable plot. A dining room and kitchen were added later, being built by Italian tradesmen. Both verandahs were shaded by a screen of flowering creepers.” (p.220) The house was used for monthly Anglican church services for many years until a local hall was built closer to Yuna. Tennis parties were held on the ant bed surfaced court and were popular during the 1920s and 1930s.
Integrity: Low Original Fabric: Fair Modifications: Addition to rear
Poor
| Ref ID No | Ref Name | Ref Source | Ref Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vlahov, J; "In Search of Land: Stories of Yuna". pp 219-225 | Guardian Print, Geraldton. | 2002 |
Individual Building or Group
| Epoch | General | Specific |
|---|---|---|
| Present Use | VACANT\UNUSED | Vacant\Unused |
| Original Use | RESIDENTIAL | Single storey residence |
| 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.