Woodloes Homestead

Statement of Significance

Woodloes homestead holds considerable interest as it is the oldest existing home in Canning which is close to its original state. From 1841 this homestead has had many owners including Mrs Elizabeth D. Brockman (1900 - 1911); previous property owner Benjamin Mason (1860 - 1871) joined a following owner and architect Francis Bird to form a pioneer timber company. Francis Bird designed and built woodloes in 1871, becoming one of the few architect designed homes in the colony. Bird became first Chairman of Canning Board at 26 years old. The nearby Masons Landing is at the site of the original mill. Bird became Chief Government Architect in 1883 - 1884, and was later associated with "Strawberry Farm", Albany and Albany's Court House. Ticket of leave men were availed to assist in the building of Woodloes Homestead.

Physical Description

This simple, early colonial residential building of rendered masonry, with pit sawn timbers, some brick construction, 6 rooms plus kitchen, an attic and a cellar has been restored with extreme care. A shingle roof has replaced iron roofing as was the original. An outside bakers oven near the kitchen exists. The attic room is completely restored and the cellar where Ticket of Leave men were held, is restored to be used for displaying artifacts of the era. A blacksmiths shop and shed has been erected at the rear of the homestead. A Bunya Bunya Pine tree dated prior to 1900 stands in the front garden, under which one of the Bird's children is reputed to be buried.

History

Assessment 1988
Construction: c.1871
Original Owner: Francis Bird 1871/1882

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.