Forrest Homestead

Statement of Significance

Forrest Homestead is significant as the home of Walter and Minna Forrest, and for its aesthetic, historic and social values, and as a good example of a stone cottage from the period. Aesthetic Value Despite extensive restorations and repairs, the homestead has retained much of its original character. Historic Value Wenigup farm is of historic significance as the farm (with homestead) of both J. Hassell and Walter Forrest, both of prominent early settler families in WA. Research Value NA Social Value Medium The place has some social value as a homestead and as an early Blackwood River stock crossing point.

Physical Description

The original cottage consisted of a main bedroom, a parlour and a small bedroom for the children. The stove and wet area being in an out-building. There was a verandah on the eastern side. The roof was corrugated iron and the walls of tuck pointed local stone and daub. The cottage appears to have been built in the late 19th century.

History

This property was originally owned by John Hassell and the cottage may have been built during his period of ownership (possibly as a residence for a farm manager). By 1894 the property was known as Wenigup, and was being managed by Charles Walter Forrest. CW Forrest (known as Walter), was the eldest surviving son of William (Jnr) and Mary Ann Forrest and nephew of Lord John Forrest. He grew up on the family farm at Dwalganup. Newspaper notices confirm that Walter was the manager of Wenigup farm in 1894-1895. When his father died in 1899, he took over the family farm at nearby Dwalganup and was still listed as a farmer of Dwalganup in the Electoral Rolls of 1906. At some stage between 1900 and 1908, Walter bought a 50 acre portion of the neighbouring property from J Hassell. Local oral history suggests that Edward Lee Steere built the home for Walter Forrest, possibly while he was still managing the farm. In 1908, Walter married Minna Louise Campbell Forrest and by 1909 they were listed in the Electoral Rolls as residents of Winigup (sic). Note: during the first half of the 20th century, newspaper articles variously referred to the general locality as Wenigup, Winejup, Winnejup, Winegup or Winnegup). Walter made a great success of the farm (which he later enlarged), predominantly with grazing and dairy farming. His property was well known for its river crossing (Winnejup Crossing), which was used by others crossing stock over the Blackwood River en-route to Perth or Albany for market. Walter and a neighbour later selected the river point close by to the property, at which a road bridge was to be built (Winnejup Bridge). Walter and Minna’s children attended the nearby Winnejup School/Hall (the position of which was also chosen by Walter), and he was an original member of the Hall committee. Walter lived here until his death in 1950 at age 79. His wife Minna stayed on the farm and was still milking the cows up until the day she died, at the age of 86. The property was left to Walter and Minna’s son Ted, however the original house was then left unoccupied until well after it changed into new hands in 1984. The new owner has restored the cottage over a number of years, replacing floors; stabilising /re-mortaring walls and ceilings; replacing doors and windows (as the originals had been removed from the property); and restoring chimneys. Bricks from the demolition of the old Winnejup school/hall in the 1980’s were re-used for restoration and repairs to chimneys, roofline and steps. The cottage is now once again lived in and the property has always remained a working farm.

Integrity/Authenticity

High Although left vacant for some time, the homestead is now lived in once again. Medium The house has been restored with sympathetic materials.

Condition

Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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