W Fraser's House and Tree

Statement of Significance

The Fraser house and tree have considerable historic significance as the structure shows building materials used at various times in the wheatbelt, ideas of space and utility then current, and an appreciation of landscape as the house was located to have a fine outlook over a lake.
Interpretation of the fabric of this cottage would be useful to those people interested in the development of the wheatbelt as the cottage grew in stages which presumably coincided with family size and increasing prosperity. Even as it stands, in a semi-ruined state, the Fraser property is redolent of the past.

Physical Description

The house he built is in a poor state of repair. The most remarkable thing about it is the number of building materials utilised He began with a mud brick construction (the bricks presumably were made on the property), moved to weatherboard, and completed the house with a kiln baked brick extension.
The house faced a lake, trees were planted for shade and a verandah, now lost, was erected along the front. It is an example of vernacular architecture which shows change and development.

History

William Fraser arrived in Dowerin Shire in 1898 taking up a heavily timbered block of land which was well watered He marked one tree with a blaze in order to find his way to his property and this tree remains.

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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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.