Melville Park Homestead

Statement of Significance

• The two storey brick barn (exceptional significance) has aesthetic value as an excellent example of the Federation warehouse style in good condition. • The two storey brick barn has research value for its construction techniques and detailing, particularly the timber ‘tiled’ floor. • The residence (considerable significance) has historic value as a demonstration of the type of home built for a prosperous grazier in the early 20th century. • The residence and barn have social value for the families who have lived at the property since c1949. • The property contributes to the community’s sense of place as it has been operating as a farming property since the mid 19th century.

Physical Description

Large Edwardian/Federation styled brick and tile farm homestead with extensive verandahs supported on timber posts above brick piers. A large double storey brick barn with projecting central winch beam and doors over carriage opening. The barn has a corrugated iron gable roof and is extended on both sides with single storey lean-to with corrugated iron additions. This building has the date '1865' scratched on an outside wall.

History

'Melville Park' was built by Mr Sam McKay who also constructed the two storey barn for the purposes of storing hay above the horses. In c1849, it is believed that a man named Edward Flaherty, of Flaherty’s Brook, Roelands, lived there. Research of titles indicates these holders: (1880) David Eedle, then his son-in-law Robert Heppingstone; (1882) James Moore of Bunbury, then his brother Arthur; (1890) John James Sharp of Brunswick; (1900) Samuel Peter Mackay of Roebourne; (1912) William Grant Forrest of Perth; (1922) Arthur George Heppingstone of Brunswick; (1923) William Charles Hill of Guildford and, in 1926, John Shine. For a time, 1894 to 1919, the State Farm rented Melville Park. In 1889, the property was advertised for sale as follows. "…. This Splendid Farm comprises 170 acres of first-class Agricultural Land, having 30 chains of river frontage, adjoins the surveyed line of the Busselton-Bunbury Railway at the Brunswick, and 40 chains to Perth-Bunbury Road. 50 Acres fenced and under cultivation Good and substantial SIX-ROOMED BRICK HOUSE SIX-STALLED STABLE and stockyards. To be had, a Bargain, and with immediate possession. …" (The West Australian, 23 Feb 1889, p. 2.) At the back of the house stands the two-storied stables built of bricks and an iron roof adorned with an elaborate steeple tower. The top storey was used for the storage of hay and feed for the horses which were stabled on the ground floor. On one exterior wall is scratched ‘1895’. There have been additions and extensions to the property over many years. In 1948, the house was extensively renovated including replacing the ‘bull nosed’ iron roof with tiles. In 1942, John Shine Snr died and his wife Jane died in 1945. Shine descendants continue to farm at Brunswick Junction but Melville Park passed from the Shine family in June, 2006. The house has recently been purchased (2012) and is being restored and extended including the replacement of the tiled roof with corrugated zincalume and a new verandah.

Integrity/Authenticity

High/ High

Condition

Excellent

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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