Back to search results » Back to search page »

SIEBELS FARMHOUSE

Location

77 MOUNT VIEW ROAD THOMASTOWN, WHITTLESEA CITY

File Number

605741

Level

Registered

[1/2]
1 siebels farmhouse mount view
[2/2]
siebels farmhouse extent of

Statement of Significance

Siebel's Farmhouse was erected in 1860 by Johann Gottlob Siebel and replaced an earlier one in which he had lived since first settling in Thomastown in 1850. The cottage is constructed of bluestone with asymmetric gable ends. Although it has been extensively altered it retains many of its early features including its original bread oven and cellar and one timber outbuilding. The letters J G S are inscribed in the keystone over the front door. Born at Zauchau, Silesia in 1813, Johann Siebel had arrived in Australia aboard the Emmy in 1849 with his wife Christiane and at least two children as part of a scheme for sponsored German immigration initiated by William Westgarth.

Siebel's Farmhouse is of historic and architectural importance to the State of Victoria.

Siebel's Farmhouse is of historical significance for its association with the State's promotion of German settlement. As one of five remaining farmhouses of the original settlement, it is a significant reminder of the way of life of the early German settlers in Victoria. Siebel's farmhouse is important architecturally as being the only remaining farmhouse of the original German settlement to have its original bread oven and cellar. This contributes to an understanding of the way of life of the early German settlers in Victoria.

As part of the Westgarthtown settlement, Siebel's farmhouse has an important association with William Westgarth, merchant, financier, politician, historian and notable pioneer who was directly responsible for immigrant communities in Victoria.

Siebel's farmhouse is important for its association with Joseph Gottlob Siebel, who was active in the development of the Lutheran Church in both Westgarthtown and Melbourne, serving as both a foundation trustee of the nearby church and school and as a foundation member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Victoria's Synod.

Group