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VIOLET CREEK HOMESTEAD COMPLEX

Location Hamilton-Dartmoor Road, YULECART VIC 3301 - Property No 031 File Number 918 Level Stage 2 study complete

[1/7] 23186 Violet Creek 0159 [2/7] 23186 Violet Creek 0160 [3/7] 23186 Violet Creek 0162 [4/7] 23186 Violet Creek 0163 [5/7] 23186 Violet Creek 0164 [6/7] 23186 Violet Creek 0165 [7/7] 23186 Violet Creek 0167

Statement of Significance

What is significant?
The Violet Creek Homestead Complex, Hamilton-Dartmoor Road, Yulecart, dates from 1843 when it was taken up by Angus Cameron. He was in partnership with a Donald Cameron in the later 1840s and the pre-emptive right was issued to them. The licence passed to the latter and was held by him until his death in 1857. His executors, principally his widow, Christina Cameron who lived nearby at Arrandoovong, owned and ran the property until her death in 1881. The Camerons were a large and significant 'clan' in the further Western District. It is very likely that the complex was constructed before 1851 and that it has changed very little since then. The main house is stone, symmetrically planned and vernacular in its construction. Although simple, it is substantial for the period. The house was clearly sited and constructed to take advantage of its setting. It retains all of its original form, planning and details and much of its original detail which is particularly fine. The only changes, and these are superficial apart from the introduction of a new dining room and kitchen, were undertaken by the McKellar family after the Second World War. This period is of interest because it was the home for the State member for Portland, Donald McKellar for many decades and it remains in that family's ownership. The house is in good condition. The various outbuildings retain less integrity and are in fair condition.

How is it significant?
The Violet Creek Homestead Complex is of historical, architectural significance to the State of Victoria and to the Southern Grampians Shire.

Why is it significant?
The Violet Creek Homestead Complex is of historical significance for its connections with the Cameron family, and for its later association with Donald McKellar MP. It is of architectural significance as a little altered and representative example of an 1840s squatting homestead complex.