HO137 - Tibbermore - 687 Hopkins Road, Truganina

The original basalt part of Tibbermore at 687 Hopkins Road, Truganina, which has been incorporated into the rear part of the building. It was built for Robert Henry Faragher, probably circa 1860s-1870s.

In addition, possibly the water tank, outbuildings, and other items in the vicinity of the main house may also date to an early phase/s of development at the site.

There are also sections of drystone walling which are significant and are included in the Mt Atkinson Dry Stone Wall Precinct (HO203).

The Federation period component of the house (front part) has some heritage value in its form, though it has been much altered. The house was enlarged in 1903 for Finlay McPhail. The alterations were probably due to damage sustained by a 1968 bushfire. The Federation period component has the potential to be more sympathetically presented or possibly reconstructed, if documentation survives or investigations are undertaken to reveal earlier detailing.

How is it significant?

Tibbermore at 687 Hopkins Road, Truganina is of local historical and representative significance to the City of Melton.

Why is it significant?

Tibbermore at 687 Hopkins Road, Truganina is historically significant for being an early basalt house. Although its date of construction has not been confirmed, it is likely to date to the 1860s or 1870s. It was one of a few such buildings, or remnants of buildings, which survive in the municipality and which are evocative of an early phase of European settlement in the area.

It has associations with Robert Faragher, an early occupant and prominent citizen in the district. He was probably living at the site by 1856 a few years after he emigrated from England. The Faragher family retained the property for nearly half a century. (Criterion A)

Tibbermore at 687 Hopkins Road, Truganina is of representative significance for incorporating a relatively intact, basalt component within a larger Federation period house, which although altered externally, retains its early 20th century form. (Criterion D)

Primary source

City of Melton Heritage Assessments Project 2018: Findings, RBA Architects and Conservation Consultants (November 2018)

Group

Farming and Grazing

Category

Homestead Complex