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'Swanwater' Homestead & Cemetery, 1358 Sunraysia Highway, SWANWATER

Location

1358 Sunraysia Highway SWANWATER, NORTHERN GRAMPIANS SHIRE

Level

Included in Heritage Overlay

Statement of Significance

Swanwater homestead and cemetery complex have significance as a moderately intact example of an unusual mid nineteenth century pastoral complex. The property was developed by Valentine Nott Mogg from 1856 until his death in 1883. The property has a main house and outbuildings plus an extensive array of cottages and farm buildings arranged around a large farm courtyard. Many of the outbuildings are of an unusual pebble wall construction which appears to derive from the flint wall construction found in southern England. The outbuildings appear to have been built after the construction of St. Peter's Carapooee, built in 1869, which also uses this type of wall construction. This may indicate the influence of the architect Leonard Terry or the local St. Arnaud brick layer Henry Edwards. Mogg was the president of the first Roads Board and Shire and has been described as the local squire for St. Arnaud. Mogg is buried in the private cemetery on the property. The main house suffered extensive fire damage in 1967 and the complex is in poor condition.

Swanwater homestead and cemetery complex is architecturally significant at a LOCAL level. Although partly ruined and in poor condition the homestead dwelling demonstrates design qualities of a mid Victorian style. These qualities include the single storey design, brick walls and remaining parts of the verandah. The outbuildings demonstrate original design qualities of a Victorian vernacular style. These qualities include the hipped and gabled roof forms clad in slate and galvanised corrugated iron, brick walls, highly unusual pebble wall construction with brick quoinwork and some remaining joinery and internal fittings. The garden walling, cemetery enclosure and memorials are also significant. The remnant early planting including the Canary island palms, peppercorns and pines and garden layout add to the significance of the place.

Swanwater homestead and cemetery complex is scientifically significant at a LOCAL level. The pebble wall construction is highly unusual in Victoria.

Swanwater homestead and cemetery complex is historically significant at a LOCAL level. Swanwater was settled in 1856 and was in the ownership of the Mogg family until at least 1883. Valentine Nott Mogg was instrumental in the development of many institutions in the St. Arnaud areas including local government.

Overall, Swanwater homestead and cemetery complex is of LOCAL significance.

Group

Cemeteries and Burial Sites

Category

Cemetery/Graveyard/Burial Ground