Wonnerup Precinct

Child Places

• 00425 Wonnerup School & Teacher's House
• 05333 Ballarat Tramline Plaque and Wheel (Locomotive)

Statement of Significance

The Wonnerup House & grounds, a finely designed cluster of buildings in a well kept landscape has cultural heritage significance because it demonstrates the principal characteristics of nineteenth century homesteads associated with the spread of European settlement throughout the State’s south west. The schoolroom and teacher’s house demonstrate Government involvement in education in the district between 1872 and 1912. The place is associated with the opening of the Ballarat timberline in 1871 and the railway link to Busselton in 1895, events that had great impact on the development of local farming and timber industries. The place is significant as the site of the spearing of George layman (the elder) an event that demonstrates the mixed relationship and attitudes between the local Aborigines and the European settlers at the time. The place is significant for its close associations with the Layman family, with Robert Heppingstone and with the Molloy family. The whole of the place has aesthetic qualities that are valued by the community. The cultivated gardens around the homestead and the school precincts and the beauty imparted by the Tuart forest to the south and belt of Melaleucas at the edge of the edge of the estuary flats contribute to the aesthetic values of the setting. The homestead and school precincts have landmark qualities and the introduced buildings, while not being directly associated with the place have historical significance in their own right.

Physical Description

The building is a part of the Wonnerup Precinct comprising two farmhouses, a Blacksmith’s Shop, stables, School Room, Teacher’s House, Memorial Gates, Warden’s Cottage, Tea Rooms, Albergeldie Cottage and the landscape. Wonnerup House consists of the main farmhouse, the kitchen and the barn and byre. The kitchen contains a bread oven, wooden washtubs and cheese press. Close by, mature Melaleuca trees sit at the edge of the estuary flats and landscaped gardens around the Homestead and School.
At the entrance to the property, a pair of gates sits to commemorate George Layman.

The place collection of buildings comprising House (B1, pre 1859), a limestone and brick wall structure with a timber shingled roof, House (B2 1859+), a limestone walled structure with a timber shingled roof, Blacksmith’s Shop (B3) a limestone structure with a corrugated iron roof, Stables (B4) a rubble stone walled structure with a corrugated iron roof, School Room (B7 1873) and Teacher’s House (B8 1884), both timber framed and roofed with timber shingles, Memorial Gates B10 1934) of wrought iron, Warden’s Cottage (B5 transferred to site 1972) a timber framed and corrugated iron roofed structure, Tea Rooms (B6 transferred to site in 1972) a timber framed and clad structure, Albergeldie Cottage (B9 1922, transferred to site 1984) a timber framed and corrugated iron roof structure in a well kept landscaped setting. Other buildings such as toilets garage and workshop are also located on the site but are not considered to be important. The Ballarat tramline plaque and wheel are now located at Wonnerup House.

History

George Layman first established the entire farming complex in 1837. The main farmhouse was erected using limestone and pit sawn timber in 1859. Subsequently, Jim Layman added the limestone stables in c. 1900. The second group of buildings consisting scullery, dairy, cellar and kitchen was added. The third building, the barn and byre were the last addition. In the late 20th century, other buildings were relocated to the place as listed below.

Integrity/Authenticity

High Degree/High Degree
Integrity Notes: The place retains a high degree of integrity. Authenticity Notes: The place retains a high degree of authenticity.

Condition

Very 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.