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PARK HILL AND WALNUT TREE

Other Name BALL'S COTTAGE, CAMERON COTTAGE Location GRUBBED ROAD, LOT 3 TP847608, STRATHDOWNIE, GLENELG SHIRE Level Recommended for Heritage Overlay

[1/1] 52901 Walnut Park Hill

Statement of Significance

What is Significant?
NB Substantial new information has just come to light which will correct and amplify this SofS.
Park Hill, off the Myaring-Pieracle Road at Strathdownie, was built before 1876 on Limestone Creek, a tributary of the Glenelg River by the selector, George Henry Ball. It is a small, symmetrical vernacular, limestone cottage. Adjacent to the cottage there is a very large Walnut tree (Juglans regia) which almost certainly dates from the same time. The surrounding land was farmed by G. H. Ball and other members of his family. It was one of several small holdings occupied by selectors, usually young families, on both sides of the Glenelg River some of whom married into the Ball family. A rare plan, roughly drawn survives which names the families and states the number of children in them which accompanied a petition for a new state school. Land had been reserved for a state school on the east bank of the Glenelg. Eventually several small schools were provided but their history was chequered and all closed after the Second World War under the policy of consolidation. The cottage was abandoned in 1925. It remained in the Ball family until after World War Two. It came to be known as Cameron's Cottage after a subsequent owner. It had become derelict and was not repaired until after the land was purchased by Safcor for a pine plantation in 1984. It is now used as a weekender. It is in good condition but retains only a fair degree of integrity, with the doors, windows and roofing replaced. A new verandah and deck now project forward from the cottage. The Walnut tree is of outstanding size with an excellent form and remains in excellent condition.

How is it Significant?
Park Hill with its associated Walnut tree is of social, historical, architectural and scientific significance to the Glenelg Shire.

Why is it Significant?
Park Hill is of social and historical significance for representing the Selection period of land settlement in Victoria, particularly remote, tight-knit communities. It is of architectural significance as an example of the small, vernacular cottages first built by selectors. The Walnut tree is of scientific significance for its form, size and condition which are comparable with other specimens of Juglans regia on the Significant Tree Register.