Fossil Downs Homestead Group

Statement of Significance

Although no great age, the Fossil Downs homestead stands on one of the earliest Kimberly leases and is still in the hands of the McDonald family who pioneered the lease in 1883 – 1885. The homestead has become one of the most notable in the North West overs its forty four year history. It is notable for its size and quality of architecture and for the extensive outbuildings and garden setting.

Physical Description

Fossil Downs is the McDonald lease taken up in the early 1880s and still in the possession of the family. It is located at the junction of the Fitzroy and Margaret Rivers.
The main house is a two story structure of cement blocks, originally cast in the nearby river bed. The ground floors are of concrete and the upper floors are of timber showing exposed beams over the ground floor rooms.
The plan shape is a rectangular two storey centre core with a two storey wing ar each end set at 45 degrees to the axis of the centre core. The resulting garden enclosure is luxuriously planted and on this side of the house a wide single storey verandah gives access to the garden.
The buildings were constructed over the years of the second world war, the main house standing without windows during the war years.
The outbuildings consist of: A two storey building used as quarters, a shed-like building from which goods were sold to the station employees and the aborigines who lived on the property; the school room which has some architectural appeal and the store and loft which is also of some interest.
There is also a large open shed for the shelter of vehicles and machinery. These outbuildings lie to the north of the avenue leading from the gate to the main homestead. On the south side of this avenue is the old saw mill shed and the more recent Manager’s residence. Between these is the garage rebuilt after the destruction by the recent flood

History

Assessment 1985

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.