Mt. Rothwell Station, homestead including interior - (See also Mt Rothwell Station)

STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE - HOMESTEAD

Mt. Rothwell Homestead, a single storey Victorian Italianate residence, built of regular coursed squared basalt with a slate roof and cast iron verandah for Robert Chirnside, pastoralist, and brother of the famous Chirnside partners, Andrew and Thomas of "Werribee Park". The homestead, magnificently sited on the north slopes of Station park (You Yangs ranges) was designed by P Colquhoun, architect, and erected in 1872-73. The property is an important link in the Chirnside pastoral empire and a splendid example of the Italianate mode in Victoria. The homestead is virtually intact with notable interiors and decorated plasterwork.

References

Ronald, Heather B., Wool Past the Winning Post Landvale enterprises, Melbourne, 1978, pp. 60-66.

Smith, James, The Cyclopedia of Victoria, 3 Volumes, The Cyclopedia Co., Melbourne, 1903. Vol. 2, pp 465-466 Biography of Robert Chirnside, J P.

Geelong Advertiser, 26 October, 1872, Tender Notice submitted by Dalgety, Ibbotson & Co. Geelong.

National Trust of Australia (Victoria), File No. 1726.

Wynd Ian, So Fine a Country: A History of Corio Shire, Draft Copy, to be published in late 1980, p. 238.

In 1879-81, Robert and Margaret Chirnside visited England and returned with furniture, etc., for Mt. Rothwell. Much of the interior of Mt. Rothwell is intact in almost original condition, including hand painted ceiling decoration, furnishings and floor coverings.

STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE - ARCHAELOGICAL SITE

HISTORIC PLACES DOCUMENT SHEET - GRC SHEET NO 139

STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE

An ovate plan of approximately 150m in circumference of basalt rocks, some very large and standing 75cm above the ground. An adjacent headland contains considerable evidence of aboriginal occupation.

RECOMMENDATIONS: PROTECTIVE MEASURES

Geelong Regional Commission Register

REFERENCES

Lane, L & Fullager, RLK - 'Previously Unrecorded Aboriginal Stone Alignment in Victoria' Records of the Victorian Archaeological Stone Alignments in Victoria - Records of the Victorian Archaeological Survey (1980)

Group

Residential buildings (private)

Category

Homestead building