Athelston

Athelston, 2025 Hamilton Highway, Murgheboluc, as a farm, dates from the mid 1850s when it was established by Thomas Jewell (1794-1858) from Devon. The present house, which may incorporate parts of earlier structures, appears to date mostly from the mid 1870s. It is a single-storey bluestone building with a traditional four-room plan with other rooms beyond and a central passage. The cast iron verandah was erected in 1991. Further changes occurred later in the twentieth century. Athelston is located on a slight rise and faces east, rather than towards the road, looking across a modern orchard and the flood plain of the Barwon River. The ownership of the property reflects a close relationship between several prominent local families. Thomas Jewell and his wife Mary, (née Southcombe or Honeychurch) had two children, John and Tamzin. Christopher Hocking, a neighbour was Tamzin's husband and he managed the farm after John died in 1886. The Hockings owned the farm until 1929 when it was occupied by Alice Read who owned it briefly in the early 1930s. From 1933 to the early 1960s, George Victor Winstanley and his wife Lucy Cole owned the property and grew vegetables after which the property passed to his son, Eric who lived there with his sister, Edna until his death in 1987. The current owner, Cr. David Cotsell who was responsible for the alterations and additions, has been Mayor of the Golden Plains Shire. The house remains largely intact to its extended condition with good integrity. It is in excellent condition.

How is it Significant?

Athelston, 2025 Hamilton Highway, Murgheboluc is of historical and architectural significance to the Golden Plains Shire.

Why is it Significant?

Athelston, 2025 Hamilton Highway, Murgheboluc is of historical significance because it is representative of the modest riverside farms established in the shire from the 1850s, a pattern of freehold settlement in contrast to the broad-acre occupation of the land by squatters. It has particular significance as the home of Cr David Cotsell, former Mayor of the Bannockburn and Golden Plains Shires and his wife Anne who were responsible for the building's renovation and restoration in 1989-91. Athelston is of architectural significance as a representative example of the modest and conservative dwellings which accommodated often very large families on small farms.

Group

Residential buildings (private)

Category

House