| Back to search results » | Back to search page » |
|
GISBORNE MAINS HOMESTEAD SITE
LocationCALDER FREEWAY GISBORNE, MACEDON RANGES SHIRE LevelHeritage Inventory Site |
Statement of Significance
What is significant?
The Gisborne Mains Homestead Site is located near the junction of Brooking Road and the Calder Freeway. The original nine-roomed residence, wash house, underground cistern and garden appears to have been built in the period 1857-64 by Charles Hutton, a Gisborne businessman. The property was purchased in 1864 by Thomas and Agnes Watson and under their management became a prosperous stud farm. The Gisborne Mains Farm produced champion draught horses and sheep, and various farm products that won prestigious awards at the Royal Melbourne Show. The Watson family gained widespread praise from the surrounding farming community. Thomas Watson died in 1891 and Agnes in 1907. Under the management of the next generation of the Watson family, the role of raising stud stock and selling draught horses declined in favour of sheep farming, cattle and the production of fruits and dairy items. The residence remained virtually unaltered during the 100 years it belonged to the Watson family, except for renovations to first create and then upgrade a new kitchen. The existing garden with its hedge rows, exotic trees (including pines and palms) and orchard dates from the turn-of-the-century. How is it significant? Gisborne Mains Homestead Site is of historical and archaeological significance to the State of Victoria. Why is it significant? Gisborne Mains Homestead Site is historically significant as an archaeological relic of Victoria?s late nineteenth century farming industry. From 1864, its owners, Thomas and Agnes Watson operated it as a prosperous stud farm making widely recognised contributions to development of agricultural and animal husbandry practices. Gisborne Mains Homestead Site is of considerable archaeological significance due to the integrity and intactness of relics associated with the operation of the place as a stud farm under the management of Thomas and Agnes Watson. Of crucial significance is the known physical evidence of the residence, laundry, underground cistern and the potential for the area to contain undisturbed refuse tips containing artefact assemblages associated with late nineteenth century domestic and farming activities of Thomas and Agnes Watson. Contributing to the significance of the place are early twentieth century garden and orchard features which are tangible evidence in the shift in agricultural and animal husbandry practices by the second generation of the Watson family.
Group
Farming and Grazing
Category
Homestead Complex