Eelup Farm & Residence - Site

Statement of Significance

DEMOLISHED
Eelup has historic significance as the first farm established in the Bunbury district. It was established by John and Helen Scott and family on land owned by Governor James Stirling. John Scott and sons were early business entrepeneurs in farming, whaling and hospitality industries. Helen Scott was the district nurse, who was known for caring for Aboriginal people as much as the few European settlers.

Physical Description

DEMOLISHED
No visible signs remain of the house, stables, outbuildings, paddocks or fences.

History

John and Helen Scott and their three children emigrated from Lanark, Scotland, to the Swan River Colony in March 1831. In 1838, they were the earliest settlers in the Bunbury region when they established a farm between Pinjarra and the Vasse at the request of the land owner, Governor James Stirling.

Stirling had enticed the Scotts to the area with an offer of 320 acres [Eelup Farm] in return for managing his estate, mainly because Stirling highly valued John Scott’s horse handling skills. The farm was provided in lieu of wages.

Stirling escorted the Scott family to the Vasse on the ‘Champion’ while young Robert Scott (son) and Daniel McGregor (stepson) herded stock overland. Circa 1856, John and Helen Scott retired to Bunbury where they ran a boarding house, ‘Koombana House’, while Bob (Robert) Scott ran the farm.

Helen Scott, the daughter of a doctor, soon became the defacto district nurse and midwife, and attended to settlers and Aboriginal people as needed.

The Scotts established a fine grain, poultry and dairy farm with a large complex of farm buildings but in 1880 the estate passed into other hands as there was no written agreement between the Stirling and Scott families. John Scott brought an action against Mangles & Co but no avail; he died in the same year.

Circa 1938, Eelup Farm was purchased by the Denning family and they continued to herd dairy cows from there to their dairy at Hall Craig for daily milking.

The 320 acres of Eelup Farm included the present day Eelup traffic roundabout (approximate location of Eelup Homestead) and extended to the shores of Leschenault Inlet as far north as Mill Point. Today, the road interchange, diverted Preston River, Inner Harbour and residential subdivisions make Eelup Farm unrecognisable.

Integrity/Authenticity

DEMOLISHED

Condition

DEMOLISHED

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.