MCPHIE’S COTTAGE RUINS

McPhie’s Cottage comprises the ruins of a granite stone cottage in the middle of allotment 2 of the Parish of Addington. This cottage was likely built during Neil McPhie’s ownership of the land, at some point after the subdivision of Borrumbeet in 1855/1856. While in a ruinous state, this place is a good example of a well-made stone cottage in rural Waubra.

McPhie’s Cottage is of local historical and scientific significance.

It is historically important as a site that was once part of the 1838 Borrumbeet run. The cottage was likely built and owned by Neil McPhie (and family) from at least 1875, who likely lived in this well-constructed building during his tenure. Its subsequent owner, soldier-settler Harold Joseph Reid, purchasing the property in 1948. This place has the potential to provide information on the construction, design and occupation of the cottage between its construction in the late 1800s until its abandonment. It may also provide information on land use during the same period, as well as from its use by Reid during the soldier-settlement period of the 1940s onwards.