Towerrining Homestead

Physical Description

The homestead is set on farmland which over looks the banks of Lake Towerrinning. The land was originally leased by George Shenton.

Behind the house stand six remaining pine trees which are believed to be as old as the house itself and beyond the pine trees stands an old wooden/iron dairy approximately 80 years old.

The house was built by Ricardo Gianatti around 1900 (Gianatti built many houses around the area at the time). It is a rambling farmhouse built of tuck pointed ironstone with brick coyning above the window and door openings. The original wrought iron roof remains with addition of brown decramastic tiles on top. The house consists of three large bedrooms a generous sized original kitchen and a grand formal lounge room. The house has 11 foot ceilings most of which have been replaced with the exception of the original kitchen which still has the original lathe plaster ceiling featuring in it. There is a double fireplace from the kitchen to the lounge room and a wooden stove in the kitchen. One other room also has a fireplace.

All bedrooms have French doors and windows which appear to have been salvaged from another building. Most window panes still have the original glass. At various angles this highlights the imperfections of windows produced in the past. The windows were all hung upside down.

The original 5 ¾ inch tongue and groove jarrah floorboards have been recently polished. The home still boasts most of its colonial styled wooden verandahs and has a curving entry staircase.

The main water supply is still stored in the original iron stone rain water tank the house was built with.

History

The house was owned at one stage by Heron Hopetown Williams and Maud Williams. Their son Devon was killed in the Second World War at the age of 21. They had two other children Cleve and Maureen. The farm and house were then taken over by the Tom Abbott in 1960 and it is now owned by Tom’s son Gary.

In its hey day the house held many dances. A band played from the eastern end of the lounge room with locals dancing many hours away. An interim supper was often held in the kitchen. Some ot the members who played in the band were Ron Earnshaw (piano accordion), Len Greaves (drums), Burt Lloyd (fiddle and violin), Mrs Beatrice Park (piano) and Cleve Williams (vocals).

During the Second World War Eucha card games were held to raise money for the Red Cross.

Integrity/Authenticity

Modifications: 1970/80’s kitchen, laundry and bathroom were added to the southern side of the house
Extent of original fabric: The walls, window and floorboards are all original. The roof has been replaced

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.