Yanrey Homestead

Statement of Significance

Yanrey Homestead, a timber framed structure clad with corrugated iron (c.1901, 1915) located in an open landscaped yard, has cultural heritage significance for the following reasons: it is a good example of the Victorian Georgian style of architecture, in a garden setting. It is relatively rare being a metal-clad homestead in this style. The interior spaces with decorative pressed tin walls and ceilings create a sense of opulence and quality in this remote area. the place has associations with the development of the pastoral industry in the Pilbara district and demonstrates the evolution of a pastoral settlement since the 1900s. the place has close associations with Thomas de Pledge, an early pastoralist in the Pilbara who was an important identity in the establishment of the new Onslow town and the development of the region.

Physical Description

Exterior: Yanrey Homestead is located approximately 45 kilometres north of the North-West Coastal Highway off Yanrey Road. The homestead building is surrounded by an area of green lawn and a variety of mature trees, which contrast with the vast pastoral landscape beyond. It is reported that Yanrey Homestead was built in two stages. The first part (the western wing) was erected in 1901, and the second part (the east wing) was added in 1915. The dwelling is surrounded by a deep timber verandah under a separate skillion roof, which is supported by square timber posts. The house has corrugated iron walls on a timber frame. All rooms have a set of double timber doors, with glass panelling and a timber fly screen door providing access to the deep shady verandah. There are aluminium sliding doors to the front and rear elevations of the dwelling. Interior: There are two centrally located rooms, which run from the front to the rear of the dwelling and are used as living spaces. From the eastern side of this central area four accommodation rooms project, which are accessed via timber and glass panel doors. The floors are boarded with timber, and the ceilings/walls are comprised of decorative pressed tin in a variety of patterns.

History

Yanrey’s original leaseholders were John (Jack) and David Stewart. After John’s death, the station was sold in 1898 to Thomas F. de Pledge, an Englishman who had worked for Stewart as a jackaroo. De Pledge spent his life improving the property, establishing a stud sheep flock, and is believed to have overseen construction of the western section of the homestead, with the eastern section added around 1915. Yanrey became the third-largest station in the Ashburton Road Board District at 876,892 acres. De Pledge was a major local figure, contributing to development in Onslow and the wider Ashburton district. He donated 100 pounds to the St Nicholas Church building fund and was active in public life, serving on the Ashburton Road Board and involving himself in sporting bodies such as the WA Turf Club. With the arrival of motor vehicles, older camel, horse and donkey tracks became problematic. Between 1927 and 1930, several roads were built exclusively for motor vehicles, including one to Yanrey. Despite this, the station remained isolated, with communication heavily dependent on the telephone line. Cyclones in the 1930s regularly damaged both roads and telegraph infrastructure, delaying repairs while the Roads Board focused on town and jetty restoration. A 1925 West Australian article described the homestead as situated on the northern bank of the Yannarie River, surrounded by native timber and ornamental plantings, with wide verandahs, a grass tennis court, and a large breezeway living room protected by insect netting and storm shutters. Yanrey also features in early aviation history. In 1920, Major Norman Brearley landed there during his efforts to establish a commercial airline, taking Mrs de Pledge and Henry Parsley on what became the first flight into Onslow. During World War II, an air force unit was stationed at the property. In 1953, the last major overland sheep drove in the district took place from Yanrey. After de Pledge’s death in 1954, ownership passed to his daughters, Maud Alston and Patricia de Pledge. The homestead has altered little aside from maintenance and, as of 2016, remains in the de Pledge family. Page

Archaeology

Yanrey Homestead has the potential to yield information regarding the evolution of pastoral industry practices from the 1900s to the present.

Integrity/Authenticity

High

Condition

Good. However, there are some deteriorated elements such as gutters, eave linings and weathered timbers. As the property is still a working station, the priority for maintenance of the farm improvements is shared with other necessities and responsibilities.

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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