Fernhill Homestead

Values

Fernhill Homestead is a representative, if modest, example of two small farm homesteads from the 1870s. Fernhill Homestead is a relatively rare remaining example of a building constructed in the timber slab method, which was once common in the 19th century in the Southwest. Fernhill Homestead demonstrates the self-reliance required of early settlers through the use of simple construction methods and roughly finished local materials. Fernhill Homestead has been in continuous usage since construction in 1872. Fernhill Homestead is associated with the Muir family, who played a significant role in the early development of the lower Southwest.

Physical Description

Fernhill Homestead comprises two single-storey buildings with simple verandas supported by bush poles, one residence in timber (1872), and one in brick (1887). The timber cottage is just two rooms, and is constructed of hand hewn slabs. The brick residence is on a larger scale, but still of a simple colonial design. The walls are constructed of hand pressed and sun dried bricks, laid in Flemish bond. Both buildings would originally have had timber shingle roofs, which are now replaced with corrugated iron.

History

Thomas Muir was first European to select land in the Manjimup district. He arrived at Fremantle on the Ganges in January 1844, and became a pioneer European in the area, discovering the Tone and Perup Rivers and Lake Muir. He occupied Perup in 1854 and Deeside in 1855. Thomas Muir died in October 1926, at the age of 93. James Muir had got caught up with Victorian Goldrush, and only re-joined the family at Forest Hill in 1862. In 1867, together with his wife Elizabeth, he pioneered his own farm, Fernhill (or Fern Hill), said to be so named because of the prolific growth of bracken in the area. The wood slab part of the present house was built in 1872, the brick portion in 1887. The condition of the jarrah slabs and the hewn timber are very sound and the bricks, which were hand-pressed and sundried, have weathered particularly well. The property was originally an outstation of Thomas Muir’s. James Muir took an active interest in public affairs, and was a member of the Roads Board. He was 89 years of age at the time of his death in 1910. In 2012, the homestead is occupied and well maintained by its owners.

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This information is provided voluntarily as a public service. The information provided is made available in good faith and is derived from sources believed to be reliable and accurate. However, the information is provided solely on the basis that readers will be responsible for making their own assessment of the matters discussed herein and are advised to verify all relevant representations, statements and information.