Houghton Homestead

Child Places

• 23585 Houghton Winery - Timber House
• 23606 Houghton Winery - Stables/Worker's Quarters

Statement of Significance

The place demonstrates the mid nineteenth century European settlement of the Swan Valley;

The place has a close association with the establishment and development of the Western Australian wine industry;

The place demonstrates the aesthetic characteristics of colonial vernacular architecture; and,

The place is recognised by the community for its contribution to the sense of place and historical identity of the community.

Physical Description

Single-storey timber framed jarrah weatherboard house with corrugated iron roof and verandah. Windows with pressed metal awnings, French doors to front verandah; front door with side light. Part of complex of buildings connected with Houghton Winery.

The design of Houghton Homestead is derived from that of the traditional Scottish crofter's farmhouse of that time and it was constructed from materials available on the site - bricks made from local clay, sheoak roofing shingles spilt on the property and pit sawn jarrah floor boards.

The original building was a stable or barn, as was apparent when it was being converted to its present use. According to the Heritage Council assessment, it also contained a large kitchen with open fire and baking oven. Over the years the outer walls of the stable were bricked in, and apparently most of the building was converted to staff quarters. In the 1980s the Houghton Wine Co converted the building as part of its administration block, drastically altering the internal arrangement but preserving the overall character and external form. The roof has been reclad with shingles of western red cedar.

History

Houghton Winery is one of the earliest established vineyards and wineries in Western Australia.It has been suggested that the first vines were planted between 1830 and 1836.

The original homestead is associated with Dr John Ferguson, Colonial Surgeon of Western Australia and with his son, Charles (CW) Ferguson, both prominent pioneers of the grape growing industry and wine making industries of WA from 1859 onwards.

Integrity/Authenticity

High

Condition

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.