White Peak Homestead

Statement of Significance

The White Peak Homestead has considerable historic significance as one of the five original pastoral leases established in the district and for its association with John Drummond, a pioneer pastoralist. The place is notable for its large scale and grand detailing compared to the smaller farmhouses more common in the district. This, together with built elements such as the corbelled chimneys, French doors and use of local stone, combine to give the place high aesthetic value.

Physical Description

The White Peak Estate contains a homestead and several outbuildings including stone stables, tack room, shearing shed, machinery sheds. Some outbuildings have been demolished or have fallen down. Remnant ruins of the tennis court are located immediately south of the homestead. The grounds contain three large palm trees. Original stone walls, including feature entry columns were destroyed in 1993. A section of the wall on the northern side of the house has been reconstructed. Homestead: This large building is of local stone construction built with stone sourced from the nearby White Peak Quarry. Originally clad with shingles, the steeply pitched corrugated iron double hipped roof is punctuated by decorative corbelled chimneys. The separate surrounding verandah roof is supported on timber posts with half height masonry columns. The original timber verandah floor has been replaced with concrete, while French doors open out onto the verandah. The original homestead, which has been extended over the years, consisted of four average sized rooms and a lean to. At present the building includes a large drawing room and main bedroom with ante-chamber to the western side of the Homestead. Both of these rooms have unusually high ceilings compared to other local construction. The hallway, which runs down the centre of the building, is very wide and has, at times, been used as a room in itself. Three other medium sized bedrooms and the dining room remain relatively intact whereas the original kitchen has been totally remodelled. Indeed, the eastern elevation has been significantly altered and modernised to include a new laundry and bathroom. The bathroom still contains the original window bars of the police lock up from John Drummond's time. Store/Worker's Quarters: Of local stone construction with corrugated iron roof. Some alterations have occurred to the original fabric due to previous deterioration of the structure.

History

John Nicol Drummond, (b. 1816, m. 1851, d. 1906) son of James Drummond the renowned botanist, accompanied William Burges in 1849 to assess the pastoral potential of the country north of Champion Bay. Both Burges and Drummond were suitably impressed by the land and decided to take up pastoral leases in the region. In 1851 Drummond took up a lease of 4,000 acres north of Smugglers Cove and named it `White Peak', a name inspired by a conical hill on the lease with a large, exposed face of limestone on the summit. Drummond later added another 3,000 acres of leasehold to the southern boundary of White Peak and purchased 10 acres near the mouth of Buller River. Here he built a small cottage and several outbuildings for his new wife, naming it `Red Cliffs' (also known as Redcliffe). This proved to be an apt name as shortly afterwards copper was discovered on the White Peak property. Drummond and his wife, Mary, lived at Red Cliffs for about 10 years. This cottage has since been bulldozed. Mrs Drummond, Eliza Shaw's daughter, is believed to have been the first white woman to settle in the district. Similarly, their child, who unfortunately did not live very long, is said to be the first white child born in the region. It is very difficult to verify such claims. Drummond, in his role as a policeman, spent much time travelling throughout the district. Drummond was also involved with local mining ventures and in 1855 he and George Shenton floated a company called `The White Peak Copper Mine'. Having resigned from the Police Force upon being given a transfer to Albany, Drummond decided to settle permanently at White Peak and, thus, began work on a larger homestead, the White Peak Homestead from about 1857. The homestead had walled gardens which kept the sheep and cattle out. Grapes were grown and wine distilled on the property. In 1875 Drummond was a Justice of the Peace. When Drummond died his wife moved to Drummond's Cove where she lived in a small cottage `Sea View' with her adopted daughter, Rosie. Meanwhile, White Peak was purchased by Edward (later Sir) Wittenoom, who was related to Drummond by marriage. He made additions to the homestead which are still discernible, including the two large rooms on the western elevation. The White Peak Estate had its own railway siding called the Wokarena Siding as well as a stone quarry. The White Peak Estate was not bought by the Government for closer settlement like the other pastoral leases, however, over the years various parcels of land from the property were sold privately.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: High Modifications: Some modernisations

Condition

Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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