Cowalla Homestead Group

Statement of Significance

Cowalla Homestead Group is a rare intact collection of mid to late nineteenth century mud brick buildings. It was an important stopping place on the northern stock route in the nineteenth century, adjacent to a ford on the Moore River used by travellers on the route. It demonstrates the evolution of farming in the region from its initial opening up by European settlers in the 1850s to the present; and, was owned by prominent land owner Robert de Burgh who was Superintendent of the Convict Depot in Toodyay, Director of the Western Australian Bank, and employed 60 ticket of leave men from 1852 until 1873.

Physical Description

Located on the banks of the Moore River, the group comprises the homestead, kitchen and dairy and carriage house, and some distance toward the entry near the Cowalla Bridge, is a workers dwelling.

History

George and Edward Whitfield were granted 20,000 acres at Cowalla in 1850, building a 3-room mud brick house. In 1858 Robert de Burgh purchased the property and lived there. In 1863 he added to the house, and the detached kitchen and bakehouse was built. 1866, R de Burgh's son Walter took over, and after his death in 1873, his brother in­law Henry Brockman leased the property until 1878 when Walter's brother Henry took over, In 1904, Henry's son RSM (Sid) took over, and after his death in 1946. His sons RH & JW de Burgh took over. When RH de Burgh died his son RMH (Max) inherited the property, on-selling to Joseph Matthews, a Texan, who owned it until 2002 when the de Burgh family acquired ownership again.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity : High degree
Authenticity : Moderate/High degree

Condition

Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

Disclaimer

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.