Neugin Homestead

Statement of Significance

The place has historic value for its associations with the McDermott family and the establishment of the pastoral industry in the district.
The place has aesthetic value as an illustration of early construction techniques and materials.
The site has research value as it has potential to contain subsurface archaeological remains. The place has historic value as it demonstrates the development of the homestead complex from the 1880's.

Physical Description

Originally a four roomed brick and shingle cottage that was extended in c.1890 adding the gabled wings creating a symmetrical frontage to the property. The original cottage had bush timber rafters and a shingle roof which can still be seen under the present iron roof. The property was further extended to the rear in the 1960's with asbestos cladding and incorporating mirroring twin gables. Two outbuildings set away from the house of iron construction on stone bases, with hipped roofs. One is a simple rectangular shape whilst the larger construction has two side sections reflecting the particular use of the shed.

History

'Neugin' homestead was built in 1886 by Charles McDermott, grandson of Captain James McDermott, who came to the colony with his wife and son in 1832. James McDermott was granted 5000 acres which he occupied before his drowning in 1834, following which Major Nairn leased the place but it eventually returned to the McDermott family. In 1844 James McDermott's widow, Nancy, married Dr Alfred Green who became the District Medical Officer at Toodyay. Her son, James McDermott left the colony for England and then fought in the United States' Civil War. Returning in 1867 with his family, just weeks after his mother's death, James took up the McDermott grant. He built a bigger house and named it 'Oaklands'. His son Charles, inherited part of the property, which he named 'Neugin' and built the homestead. James McDermott died in 1910 and was buried, along with his mother, in the Nardie cemetery.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: Medium
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.