Sutton's Farm

Statement of Significance

Sutton’s Farm is of high historical significance. It is associated with the Suttons and the Coopers, some of the earliest pioneering European families in the Mandurah district. Although the original homestead has been heavily
modified, the farm’s outbuildings, including single men’s quarters, stables and shed, are basically intact and provide valuable insight into farming life and practices, as well as building methods and materials used in Mandurah in the 19th century. Various farm machines and implements located on the property enhance this significance.
The Sutton family graveyard, which was once on the property but is now separated, is also high historical and cultural significance, providing valuable information about the fates of three of the Sutton family members.
Sutton’s Farm was also the location of Winjan’s Camp, the home of a well-known Aboriginal leader in the district, George Winjan, who was also a mediator between the black and white communities. The Winjan Corporation hopes to rejuvenate Winjan’s Camp, signifying the importance of this site to Mandurah’s local Aboriginal population.
A very tall Norfolk Pine adjacent to the homestead building is believed to have been planted around 1890 and is
now around 20 metres high. It is one of the oldest introduced trees in the district, and has for many years been
used as a beacon for both travellers and locals.

Physical Description

Farm comprises a modified 11-room homestead and associated farm buildings
including barn/stables and single men’s quarters (1870). It was situated on prime farm land stretching from Halls Head to Falcon, 9 km south. The homestead is limestone with walls 18 inches thick and pit sawn timber. It was originally roofed with shingles and had an 8 foot verandah right around the building, but over the years the shingles have been replaced by tiles and the verandah widened and bricked in in parts.
A stand of nine very old olive trees is adjacent to the homestead, and a more recent chicken coop to the rear. Old farm machinery and tools in situ. A stock race is still standing but is overgrown with grass.
The graves associated with the farm are now separated by canals, but remain a
feature of a small park within the Halls Head canal development. The surrounding
original limestone wall is in poor condition in part, but appropriately weathered for its age, as are the trees that shelter and frame the graves. Parts of the farm can be seen from this graveyard. Winjan’s camp was also on Sutton’s Farm. This site is currently being assessed by the Australian Heritage Commission.

History

The homestead was built by Henry Sutton. The farm was bought by Joseph Cooper in 1924 but was still managed by the Sutton family. Tony and Hal Sutton bought back the farm in 1949 and continued to farm it until it was sold to Esplanade Developments Ltd in 1977. From the 1930s to the 1950s, football was also played on one of the farm’s paddocks when the paddock near Hackett Street became too boggy. Large trees on the farm were cleared for the purpose, however an old Norfolk Island pine tree on the property is still one of Mandurah’s arboreal landmarks. The owners of the farm have commissioned a preliminary conservation assessment, and the Heritage Council advised in January 1999 that it would be conducting a formal assessment, acting on a previous referral.

Condition

Fair

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.