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TREWALLA SPRINGS FARM

Other Name TREWALLA Location 919 BRIDGEWATER ROAD, PORTLAND WEST, GLENELG SHIRE Level Recommended for Heritage Overlay

[1/2] MAP 1 - Extent of [2/2] trewalla springs farm.jpg

Statement of Significance

What is significant?
Trewalla Springs Farm is located on the Bridgewater Road, some 10km east of the township of Bridgewater. The principal features of the farm include: The main house, a single-storey symmetrical limestone building with an attic storey. The present dormer windows are modern. The roof is constructed from pit-sawn timbers with mortise and tenon joints and very few nails. It is clad with modern corrugated sheet metal. The windows have also been replaced with modern replicas. The house is surrounded on three sides by a timber verandah which is flagged with stone. There are sympathetic modern extensions at the rear of the house. The house is surrounded by a dry stone wall which encloses a small front garden with two very old and much coppiced Coprosma repens (Shiny Leaf) trees. Some distance from the main house is a small stone rubble structure which is known as the "blacksmith's shop", although no specific use for it has been identified. Nearby is a permanent waterhole which is fed by a fresh water spring. Trewalla Springs Farm, originally known as "Trewalla" was taken up by the Kenney or Kenny family from Ireland in 1841. The family were limeburners, who emigrated with and worked for Joshua Black, nearby stonemason and builder. The house has been much altered internally, and does not retain a high degree of integrity internally, although it is in very good condition, and has a high degree of integrity externally.

How is it significant?
Trewalla Springs Farm is of architectural and historical significance to the Glenelg Shire.

Why is it significant?
Trewalla Springs Farm is of architectural significance as a very early example of vernacular architecture, based on principles of English and Irish traditional architecture, transferred to Australia. Of further architectural significance is the use of local materials, including stone and timber. The complex is of historical significance for its assosiations with the Kenney family, and as a good surviving example of an early homestead complex in the area.