Leslies Property - Mandogalup

Statement of Significance

Historic Value: The place has historic value for its association with the development of the region in the 1920s and its association with the Peel Group Settlement scheme.
The place is associated with the Leslie family who established the farm on this site and contributed to the development of the community in the region.

Level of significance: Historic Site

Physical Description

The place comprises a farming property located on the corner of Lyon Road and Darling Chase in Wandi, and consists of a number of sheds and landscape structures set within paddocks. The buildings are located on a rise along the eastern edge of the property, and include a series of large timber-framed sheds clad with corrugated iron and timber boards. A substantial stone retaining wall is located to the east of the sheds, extending for a distance of approximately 30 metres. The wall is constructed with random rubble limestone and incorporates regularly-spaced buttresses for support. Timber stockyards are located at the top of the wall, although these are generally in a dilapidated condition, as are some of the sheds. There are a number of mature eucalypts on the property, concentrated in the area surrounding the sheds. The pasture area located to the west of the sheds drops away significantly and shows evidence of continuous moisture, most likely the result of the freshwater springs believed to be located on the property. A rough hewn timber loading ramp is positioned midway through the paddock, positioned to take advantage of the sloping topography.

History

The former large property across this site was one of a number of places established in the Mandogalup area during the 1920s as part of Peel Settlement Scheme. It was established and occupied by the Leslie family.
It was well known because of a fresh water spring located on the property. The water was used extensively for water irrigation and the place was maintained by the Water Authority for many
years.
An item in the local press from 1932 relating to the problems of the Group Settlement scheme referred to an interview with William Leslie (1870-1959) and his experience on the land. His observation was that the drains had silted up and the swamps sunk making his land too wet to work apart from 6 acres of cultivatible land. This he used for growing lucerne and fattening pigs.
In 1937, Leslie is recorded as running sheep on the property and in 1947 Leslie was still riding a horse around the property at the age of 77.
Aerial photographs show that the house was still evident although in poor condition until c1980 and was then demolished. Sheds were built in the north east corner of the property in the 1970s for egg production and these were demolished c2013 to enable the residential subdivision of the site.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: Moderate
Authenticity: Moderate

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

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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.