Woolbrook Homestead Complex

Woolbrook Homestead complex is located close to Teesdale and approximately 28 kms west of Geelong. The homestead is situated on the west bank of the Native Hut Creek. The pastoral run lease was held in 1837 by the Learmonth Brothers but changed hands a number of times during the 1840s depression years and the 1850s gold rush years. By 1856, the lessee was 'Big John' Bell of Warrambine (or Warrambeen) near Shelford. In 1857, John Bell built the original wing. It was designed by the important Geelong architects and surveyors, Shaw and Dowden and the commission shows the close links between the Scottish Presbyterian squatter class. James Bell was a Shire of Leigh Councillor from 1862 until his death in 1877. His obituary in the Geelong Advertiser declared that 'his death will be more generally deplored then anyin the Geelong district'. James' widow, Mary, lived until 1923 and was an active local philanthropist. Frederick William Fairbairn, pastoralist, Red Cross director, and sportsman, was the next owner of Woolbrook. In 1901, he built a huge two-storey addition to the original homestead. It was designed in the Federation style by Geelong architects, W.A. Tombs and James Durran. The extension burnt down in 1906, although the original wing survived, and it was soon rebuilt in the very different Californian bungalow style, a relatively earlier expression of the idiom. The architect for this well-executed work is not presently known. Christina Gordon Morrison bought Woolbrook in 1909 by in partnership with her sister, Annie Robertson. Following Christina's death in 1924, the property passed to her family. John Gordon Morrison, a long term Shire of Leigh Councillor, managed the Woolbrook Estate until his death in 1947. His wife, Kathleen Morrison, resided at Woolbrook from 1926 until her death in 1992 and is said to have been responsible for the garden. John Gordon Morrison junior purchased the homestead and some surrounding blocks in 1967. His son continues to occupy the property with his family. The homestead survives intact to its 1906 extent with a high degree of integrity internally as well as externally. The stables and coach house are also intact with high integrity and in good condition. The garden is relatively intact and in good condition following a very long period of drought.

How is it Significant?

Woolbrook Homestead complex, Teesdale is of historical, social and architectural significance to the Golden Plains Shire.

Why is it Significant?

Woolbrook Homestead complex is of historical significance generally for its early date of establishment and for it various early connections. It is of specific historical significance as the property of James Bell, pastoralist and first editor of the Geelong Advertiser and brother of 'Big John' Bell of Warrambine. It is of further historical significance for its association with Frederick William Fairbairn, pastoralist, Red Cross director, and sportsman. It is also of historical significance for the three generations of the Morrison family who have owned and occupied the property for a century.

Woolbrook Homestead complex is of social significance as a classic model of homestead life, for its relationship with the surrounding district and the town of Teesdale and for demonstrating the close network of patronage and family connections established through the staunch Presbyterianism and traditional Scottish kinship loyalties of the early owners.

Woolbrook Homestead complex is of architectural significance as an example of the work of Geelong architects, firstly of Shaw and Dowden and secondly of W.A. Tombs and James Durran. It is also of architectural significance for its early Californian bungalow form and Arts and Crafts influences, demonstrating the sophistication of the client. The homestead is supported by its garden and surrounding park and by the suite of outbuildings, especially the substantial stables and coach house.

Group

Farming and Grazing

Category

Homestead Complex