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Eilyer Homestead

Location Lake Bolac/Woorndo Road, MORTLAKE VIC 3272 - Property No B3017 File Number B3017 Level Local

[1/1] B3017 Eilyer Homestead

Statement of Significance

Eilyer was originally part of the Bolac Plains run taken up by Gibbs and Anderson in 1842 and subseqently divided between the partners. Josiah and Thomas Austin acquired Eilyer in 1854. In April 1869, Davidson and Henderson advertised tenders for a new homestead for Albert Austin, with the single storey basalt homestead being designed as a typical Victorian fusion of Italianate and Gothic concepts and motifs and complete with perimeter verandah.
Eilyer pastoral run was established in 1846 by Henry Gibb, an important Western District pioneer settler whose grave remains on the property. Since 1854 Eilyer has been held by successive generations of the Austin family. The homestead and stables, complete with bellcote and station bell, are an important early work of architects Davidson and Henderson. Although the verandah was destoryed in the 1944 bushfires, the homestead group is recongisably intact and of interest as a typical Western District pastoral station.
Eilyer homestead has been substantially altered following the 1944 fires. The reinstated verandah detracts from the original character. The structures survive recognisably intact and in good condition.
AHC Citation
Classified: 30/11/1967.