ARGYLE

The homestead known as ‘Argyle’, at 4420 South Gippsland Highway, Foster, constructed c.1908-09, is significant. The ashlar weatherboard Federation asymmetrical homestead has a projecting hip to the north and a timber straight roofed return verandah supported by stop chamfered turned posts. Cast iron friezes, gable brackets and finials are other features of the homestead, along with two corbelled chimneys. Other Contributory elements of the building include: 

Non-original alterations and additions, other than those listed above, are not of heritage significance

'Argyle' is of local historic and aesthetic significance to the Toora and Foster area and the broader South Gippsland Shire.

Historically, 'Argyle' is a representative example of an intact early 20th Century farmhouse and demonstrates the pattern of settlement and the early settlement of the Toora and Foster area. This site demonstrates the importance of the agricultural industries in the Foster and Toora area that began in the early 20th Century and continues to today. (Criterion A) 
Aesthetically, 'Argyle' is a substantially intact and superior example of a Federation asymmetrical house, including original door and tripartite windows, as well as the internal dado rail. (Criterion E) 
This homestead is associated with the locally important McDonald family for whom the homestead was built for. Hugh and Mary Ellen McDonald were key figures in the development of the Toora and Foster. Mr McDonald was one of the founders of the Great Southern Cooperative, which owned butter and dairy factories in Foster and Welshpool, and Cooperative Stores in Foster and Toora. (Criterion H)