Viewbank

Viewbank, 2219 Hamilton Highway, Murgheboluc is located on the northern bank of the Barwon River approximately 22 kms west of Geelong and 5 kms east of Inverleigh. The 58 ha property was purchased from the Crown by Irish immigrant, Patrick Guinane in 1853 as Crown Allotment B, Section 2 of the Parish of Murgheboluc.A small, simple, single-storey bluestone cottage without a verandah was soon built for Guinane and his wife, Catherine Hickey and their five children, Patrick, John, Michael, Ann and Catherine. Catherine and John drowned in the River in 1855. In 1856, William married Margaret Day (or Reddan), a widow with four children. There were five children from the second marriage, Margaret, John, William, Denis (Mac) and Daniel. At some stage the house was extended to the west, doubling its size. After William died in 1871, his eldest son, Patrick, took over the family farm. He married Mary McCarthy of Herne Hill and they had five sons and three daughters. Patrick died at Murgheboluc in 1916, aged 70 years. His youngest son, John Leonard, who married Rita Wenstanley, carried on the Murgheboluc farm. Their sons were Desmond and Geoffrey. Desmond became a public accountant. He was President of the Shire of Bannockburn, 1990-1991 and Mayor of Golden Plains Shire in 2008. Geoffrey continues to farm Viewbank and is also active in local community affairs.

How is it Significant?

Viewbank, 2219 Hamilton Highway, Murgheboluc is of historical and architectural significance to the Golden Plains Shire.

Why is it Significant?

Viewbank, 2219 Hamilton Highway, Murgheboluc is of historical significance for its continuous occupation by one family, the Guinanes from its creation in 1853. It has particular significance as the home of Cr Des Guinane, Bannockburn Shire President and Mayor of Golden Plains Shire. 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. Viewbank is of architectural significance as a representative example of the humble vernacular dwellings which accommodated often very large families on small farms.

Group

Residential buildings (private)

Category

Homestead building