Deepdene

Statement of Significance

Deepdene is of significance: • For its associations with the Allnutt family, who were early pioneers of the district and instrumental in its development. • As a relatively rare surviving example of the houses erected by pastoral settlers in the Augusta-Margaret River region in the late nineteenth century. • As a dilapidated, but highly authentic example of a late nineteenth century farmhouse of the region.

Physical Description

This place record refers specifically to the original c.1881 house and its immediate setting. It does not include the modern house, shed and the farm paddocks etc that comprise the remainder of the 40ha property.In 1996 the old house was described as having four main rooms with small rooms to the side and back. The main verandah overlooked a deep bank to Turner Brook, at the entrance to Turner Brook cut and Deepdene Cliff.In 2012 the house is in an overgrown and dilapidated state, but its original layout and form is still clearly evident. The basic plan form is linear with return verandahs, verandah infills and skillion additions. The hipped roof is clad with red-painted corrugated iron and the walls are clad with a mixture of vertical slabs with cover battens over the joints; vertical, square edged weatherboards; and, to the later lean-to, horizontal weatherboards.There is a brick chimney to the ridgeline near the north-west end, an old stone (possibly kitchen) chimney to a collapsed verandah infill at the south-east end, and a brick chimney in a lean-to at the rear (north-east).Internally there is surviving evidence of pressed metal to the walls and ceilings (with pressed metal ceiling roses), boarded ledge and brace doors and simple moulded timber architraves and skirtings. Surviving detailing indicates that the house had casement windows to the main façade The house is now surrounded by mature native trees and the ground to the embankment at the rear densely covered by exotic weeds. Views of the main façade have been obscured by the mainly exotic vegetation. The steep roofed outbuilding seen immediately north of the house in the 1911 newspaper photograph is no longer in evidence.

History

In the 1830s, Thomas Hunter painted the site now known as Deepdene, showing “the craggy limestone cliffs towering along one side of dell or dene which gives the place its name.” [RN 585] In the 1860s settlers returned to Augusta, including the Brennans, Longbottoms, Cross and Deere families. Brady settled three miles west of Augusta and Charles Layman settled near Cape Hamelin. In 1869, Layman sold his property at Turner Brook to his brother-in-law, John Allnutt, (40 acres for £50). Allnutt then built a house on this site, which burnt down in 1870. By 1873 he had built it up into an extensive beef and dairy property of some 11,000 acres (although his primary place of residence was Nelson Grange, near Bridgetown, where he had built a family home in the 1860s.) In 1881 Allnutt built another house on his Turner Brook property, called ‘Deepdene.’ During the 1880s the Allnutt’s Sussex pastoral leases amounted to 27,000 acres – 11,000 of which was the Deepdene estate. A traveller’s account of Deepdene in 1886 follows: The road from Karridale to Deepdene (Mr. Allnutt's residence) is necked with many a pretty spot. Before reaching Deepdene we cross an extensive plain of about two and a half miles in length, covered with foliage, and from the hilltops that skirt this domain a deep gully stretches down towards the sea, presenting a magnificent view. Mr. Allnutt’s house is properly named 'Deepdene' (this was a name suggested by Governor Weld) for the traveller comes upon it all at once, creating some surprise that so far down in the world should be found a home whose hospitality has passed into a proverb and where music enlivens the glen-like solitude. The large dairy industry fostered here is equalled by few, as much as a hundred pounds of first class butter having frequently been turned out in a week; and at special seasons a much larger quantity. Mr. Allnutt's run extends for fourteen miles along the coast, going beyond the noted Cape Leeuwin, and from many spots of this vast estate there is some of the wildest and finest scenery the southern part of W. A. can boast. Immense rocks run out a considerable distance into the sea, and fine fishing nooks abound to tempt the angling propensities of Deepdene visitors. Many an enjoyable day can be passed in this romantic homestead. I was very sorry to hear of the accident which befell its suave and agree able proprietor, but latest reports state that the injured arm is recovering its wonted strength. I should like to give a description of the large cave known as 'Allnutt's Cave’; but as I have already trespassed too much on your space I must reserve other interesting descriptive matter for future notice. I cannot close without testifying to the enjoyable evening I spent in the musical company of Mr., Mrs., and Miss Allnutt, who are well known as accomplished vocalists.By 1911 the property was occupied by John’s son, Frank Gustavus Allnutt (born 1869, married Mabel Lee Steere 1912). During Frank’s tenure, the house was renovated by local builders, the Mann brothers, Arthur & Leslie. The payment for their work was in stock, common practice in that period. Frank moved into Augusta in about 1930 (later farming at Kudardup) and the property (described as the estate of his recently deceased wife, M.C. Allnutt) was advertised for sale:IMPROVEMENTS :-Fencing: The whole of the property has been fenced and subdivided. Water: Permanent running brook through the property, together with numerous soaks and springs. "Deepdene" is exceptionally well watered. Buildings: Jarrah house of 4 rooms, kitchen, storeroom, washhouse," etc. Outbuildings: Sheds, stables, stockyards, etc.GENERAL DESCRIPTION: The timber on the property is mostly yate, karri, and peppermint, with patches of jarrah, and comprises some of the best grazing land in the district. Up to 200 head of cattle, have been depastured thereon. The property is an ideal grazing, fattening, dairying, and dealing proposition, and one of the oldest selected properties in the district.Deepdene was purchased by Mary and Reg O’Halloran in 1932 and remained in that family until 1968 when William Halligan and George Davies took over. These men undertook considerable works, such as fencing, clearing, restoration of the original house and garden. A new house was later built on the property and Deepdene has been vacant for many years.

Integrity/Authenticity

Medium: The use has been altered, but the original use is still clearly evident through interpretation of the fabric. Medium: The place has had some alterations, but the original intent/character is still clearly evident (albeit in a deteriorated condition).

Condition

Poor *Assessed from streetscape survey only

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update