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TOOLANG HOMESTEAD COMPLEX (FORMERLY MAORI PARK)

Other Name MAORI PARK Location off Parkwood Road COLERAINE, Southern Grampians Shire File Number 140 Level Stage 2 study complete

[1/1] 23330 copy of 4665 Toolang

Statement of Significance

What is significant?
George Trangmar established Toolang Homestead, off Parkwood Road about 13km east of Coleraine and 9km north of Wannon. Born in Brighton, England he arrived at Portland in 1849 where he was a merchant with his brothers, James and Thomas. After an unsuccessful visit to the Bendigo diggings, George returned to Portland and then purchased a general store in Coleraine in 1853. The business prospered and by the mid-1860s George was able to purchased land both in the town and as a selector. The main house at Toolang was built in 1870. The architect is not known but Trangmar had engaged James H Fox to design his Coleraine home in 1864. It was built of local stone and had a verandah across the facade providing views out into the landscape. The simple Italianate style and symmetrical plan are conventional and conservative. The setting and siting of the house are typical of the Picturesque aesthetic current at the time. George Trangmar died in 1917 and the property passed through various owners being much altered during the Interwar years. It has been altered and extended recently, the front wing reverting to its nineteenth century appearance. Consequently, while the house is in excellent condition it has a low degree of integrity.

How is it significant?
Toolang Homestead is of historical and architectural significance to the community of Coleraine and to the Southern Grampians Shire.

Why is it significant?
Toolang Homestead is of historical significance because of its connection with the early and successful merchant, George Trangmar and his family, particularly representing his increased status as a substantial landholder. Although much altered, it is of architectural significance as a typical example of the setting and siting of a modest homestead within the landscape, appropriate the owner's respectable position within the community.