Emu Hill Homestead Complex

The Emu Hill Estate at 680 Linton - Naringal Road, Mannibadar, was once part of the 15,000 acres (6,000ha) Emu Hill run taken up in the late 1830s by district pioneer, Joseph Linton. The name 'Emu Hill' was most probably given to the Emu Hill Estate because of its proximity to Emu Hill, a geographical feature shown on district maps. Historical records confirm that, during its early history, the Emu Hill Estate was associated for many years with the Clarke family, prominent district pastoralists. In 1866 John Clarke (1836-1919), after his marriage to Mary Jane Newcomen, moved to the Emu Hill Station, owned by his father, David Clarke of Piggoreet West. The Clarke family was also associated with Linton Park, the run to the north. The original timber part of the homestead, now demolished, may have dated from this time. John managed both properties. John became a JP in 1870 and was a Councillor in the West Riding of Grenville Shire for 47 years. The Clarke family was Scottish and Presbyterian. A substantial brick extension, including a two-storey service wing, was made sometime in the 1870s. The encircling verandah overlooked what was by then a mature garden. The new house was conservative in its style and very likely to have been designed by an architect but no name has been associated with the design. By 1886 the Emu Hill Estate was described as consisting of 'a House partly brick and partly Wood, outhouses, Wool Shed, Brick Stables and fencing' occupied by John Clarke, rated at 359 pounds per annum and standing on 2017 acres (816.3ha). A 1870s watercolour by the Victorian artists William Tibbits (1837-1906) depicting Emu Hill survives. The only substantial outbuilding to survive is the handsome brick stables, set some distance up the hill from the rear of the main house. While standard for its accommodation and detailing in both the main and service wings, the main house is irregular in plan and has some unusual features, partly stemming from the fact that it was an extension. When his father died, John Clarke returned to Piggoreet West and Emu Hill was sold in the early 1890s. The new owner of Emu Hill was the Hon Edward Morey (1832-1907), mining and civic leader. Morey was English, and aged 13, he joined the merchant navy. In 1852, he signed on for Hobart, and later went to Adelaide and then to Melbourne. In 1853, Morey joined a party of gold-seeking sailors and went to Ballarat. The group had great success and 'the sailors became wealthy enough to go their different ways.' During the 1860s, Morey became Ballarat's 'most spectacular investor and land holder.' In 1868, he is said to have become involved in pastoral pursuits, 'purchasing 1000 acres of rich land, known as Linton Park, near Linton, which he held to his death . and 8,000 acres of land from the Mt Emu Estate.' He was mayor of Ballarat in 1894. After Morey's death, the Emu Hill Estate was auctioned in 1909, the land being subdivided into 24 farm lots. John Clarke's son, John B. Clarke and his wife, Ellen, purchased 2048 acres of Emu Hill Estate land (Lot 1), which included the brick homestead and outbuildings but their tenure must have been brief. The next owner was Robert Carstairs Bell and the homestead was occupied by his son, Rex Bell. After the Second World War, the Emu Hill Estate was subdivided and leased as part of the Soldier Settlement Scheme by Leslie Bird, a retired serviceman. The property was sold to the present owners in 1964. The house fell into disrepair and was eventually abandoned for a new residence. Some materials have been removed. Although retaining a relatively high degree of integrity, it remains in very poor condition and is ruinous in sections. The verandah has collapsed. The garden is gone.

How is it significant?

The Emu Hill Estate, comprising the main house and the stables, is of historical, social and architectural significance to the Golden Plains Shire.

Why is it significant?

The Emu Hill Estate is of historical significance as the home of John Clarke, son of David Clarke, an important pioneer pastoralist. It is of social significance for its role as one of several homesteads linked by family ties across many generations within the north-west quarter of the Shire, particularly Piggoreet West and Linton Park. Emu Hill is of further significance for its association with Edward Morey, investor, land holder and Mayor of Ballarat. The Emu Hill Estate is of architectural significance for its conservative style, its traditional form, certain use of materials and details and relatively modest homestead scale.

Group

Residential buildings (private)

Category

Homestead building