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WILLOWBROOK

Location

Macarthur-Penshurst Road and Springfield Lane PENSHURST, Southern Grampians Shire

File Number

945

Level

Stage 2 study complete

Statement of Significance

What is significant?
The original Willowbrook farm was established about 1860 by Andreas Burger and his wife, Anna, nee Mirtschin. He was the fourth son of the pioneering family of Burgers and an important member of the community of Wendish settlers from Saxony in Germany who migrated for religious and economic reasons. Having arrived in south Australia and passed through Portland, this group of families established a close knit community around the area which they called Gnadenthal. Andreas and Anna built their house in 1861. This was demolished and a new house constructed, possibly recycling some of the bluestone, in 1909. The present Willowbrook is in very good condition and retains a high degree of integrity.

How is it significant?
Willowbrook is of historic and architectural significance to the township of Penshurst and to the Southern Grampians Shire.

Why is it significant?
Willowbrook is of historic significance as it represents the success over several generations of German Lutheran migrants, specifically the Burger, Mirtschin and Linke families, in the Gnadenthal area. It is is of architectural significance as a late use of Victorian style, form and materials reflecting the conservative values of the owners, and the German Lutheran community who settled in the area. The range of outbuildings represents a previous way of life, being a very small holding with a focus on self sufficiency.

Group