Greenwood

Statement of Significance

Greenwood is one of a small number of Moore River properties which is being lovingly restored to a state as close as possible to the original, while encompassing some modernisation to make comfortable living. It is historically significant in that it was one of the first homes to be built on the River, by the Edwards family, who were probably the earliest settlers in the district.

Physical Description

Greenwood is a beautifully preserved dwelling of mud batts and corrugated iron set in pleasant surroundings on the Moore River flats at the end of Greenwood Road. It would appear it was named Greenwood because of the permanently damp and green surrounds. It is lived in by the present owners, who have restored the original three mud batt rooms (which are used as bedrooms) and have built a kitchen and living room extension on the north end in keeping with the character of the house. The front verandah has been extended and the back verandah enclosed, protecting the original batt walls from the weather. Several of the original doors, and door frames, have been retained and used in the restoration process. Remnants of the old school and stables remain. The saddle room has been made into an office as part of the ongoing restorations being done by the owners.

History

According to 'Neergabby" (WJ de Burgh, 1976), the first Greenwood house was built in approximately 1858 by Matthew Edwards for Edward and Mary Ann Larwood, who came to work for him. Matthew Edwards was probably the first settler on the Moore River, at Greenwood. In 1886 the Larwood family moved to their own home. Spring Hill, and Herbert Edwards, son of Matthew, took over Greenwood and built the present day house about that time. No firm evidence can be found on the ground of the original cottage lived in by the Larwoods, however a slight mound of earth on Loc 315 could be a possibility. The present owner suggests that the original batt room of the house could have been the very first cottage, and the other two batt rooms were later added by Matthew Edwards as, during the recent renovation process, these proved to be different in construction. Herbert's 7 year old daughter, Madge, died at Greenwood in 1904 in a shooting accident. In 1906 Frank and Laura Darch came to live at Greenwood. Frank Darch was Matthew Edwards son in law. In late 1938 Victor Darch took over from his father at Greenwood. In 1939 the Government School moved from Baramba to Greenwood and was set up in a bush timber shed 15 ft x 11 ft x 9 ft, with two sides corrugated iron and the other sides super bags sewn together. The roof was nearly flat and leaked badly in winter. The school closed (from lack of enrolments) in 1941. In 1962 the property was sold to Kott, Wallace and Gunning, solicitors of Perth. It was later sold to J & AS Ariti, who lived at Greenwood for approximately 20 years before selling it to the present owners, Murray and Meg Nixon, in 1994.

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Historic Themes

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