Back to search results »

Back to search page »

MOSSGIEL

Location 134-8 Cobb Street, PENSHURST VIC 3289 - Property No 0050 File Number 724 Level Stage 2 study complete

[1/6] 23440 Mossgiel Cobb St [2/6] 23440 Mossgiel Cobb St [3/6] 23440 Mossgiel Cobb St [4/6] 23440 Mossgiel Cobb St [5/6] 23440 Mossgiel Cobb St [6/6] 23440 Mossgiel Cobb St

Statement of Significance

What is significant?
Mossgiel is a small painted bluestone house constructed in several phases with timber and bluestone. It is located on the north side of Cobb Street, east of the centre of the township. The core of the house is the earliest section, a four roomed cottage built of bluestone, dating from prior to 1870. All of this fabric survives beneath the later additions and alterations. Weatherboard additions have been added at the rear of the house, and substantial alterations have taken place in the 1920s replacing the original windows, doors, verandah and roofline. It is likely that the house was built by George Clark, a labourer, between 1861 and 1870. There has been no architect or builder associated with the design. The house is in fair condition, and retains a fair degree of integrity.

How is it significant?
The house is of historical significance to the township of Penshurst and the Southern Grampians Shire.

Why is it significant?
The house known as Mossgiel is of historical significance as it shows the development over time of one of the early bluestone cottages which were typically constructed by ordinary people in Penshurst in the ninetieth century. The links with the Clark family, are also of historical significance. The cottage demonstrates a previous way of life, and illustrates the living conditions which were endured by many working class people in the nineteenth century. The 1920s additions illustrate a change in the fortunes of the Clarke family as well as the township of Penshurst, and reflect the desire for modern architecture to represent a new phase of life.