Brook Cottage

Parent Place or Precinct

02864 Blandstown Heritage Precinct

Statement of Significance

Brook Cottage represents developments over time with a federation bungalow frontage and earlier Victorian build behind, and additions, demonstrating ongoing residential functions and responses to flooding events. It makes some contribution to the historic townscapes of the Blandstown precinct, and the town of York.

Physical Description

After York was opened for selection in 1830, the first settlers, arrived in 1831 from the Swan River settlement with the task of establishing a Government Farm. Balladong Farm was settled in 1831 by William Heal, later H. Bland after whom Blandstown is named. Stephen Stanley Parker had arrived in the Colony with his parents in 1830. After marrying Elizabeth Sewell in 1844 he purchased Balladong Farm in 1848. During the 1850s, Parker developed the property into a very successful farm. The “village” now known as Blandstown, the oldest privately settled part of the York town, developed around Balladong Farm due to the influential presence, water supply, and the river crossing.
The front section c1890 has a passage between two rooms, symmetrical and simple face red brick on random stone footings with corrugated iron clad hipped roof and bull-nose dropped verandah with simple timber posts.
The rear section c1880 is also of brick on stone footings with painted rendered walls. It has a 150 skillion roof which until 2003 continued over a low open rear verandah. The rear room was added in 2003-2004. There are four face brick chimneys.
Renovations to extend the property occurred approximately June 1999, to include its first bathroom, separate toilet and family room.

History

The original centre section of Brook Cottage was built in 1856 (as per our heritage reports and other documentation). The front and rear sections were added in the 1890s.
After York was opened for selection in 1830, the first settlers, arrived in 1831 from the Swan River settlement with the task of establishing a Government Farm. Balladong Farm was settled in 1831 by William Heal, later H. Bland after whom Blandstown is named. Stephen Stanley Parker had arrived in the Colony with his parents in 1830. After marrying Elizabeth Sewell in 1844 he purchased Balladong Farm in 1848. During the 1850s, Parker developed the property into a very successful farm. The “village” now known as Blandstown, the oldest privately settled part of the York town, developed around Balladong Farm due to the influential presence, water supply, and the river crossing.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: High
Authenticity: Moderate/high

Condition

Fair/good

Uses

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.