SHEPHERD'S HUT (DEVON PARK 2)
Chatsworth-Hamilton Road, PENSHURST VIC 3289 - Property No 001
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Statement of Significance
The abandoned hut, one of at least two formerly associated with the Devon Park squatting run, is located in the north-east corner of the intersection of the Chatsworth-Hamilton Road and the Penshurst-Dunkeld Road, on a slight rise about 500m from the intersection. The date of its construction is not known nor is its purpose. The hut may have been built originally for a shepherd or a rabbiter or both. A survey preliminary to the Parish Plan suggests that the hut was positioned on an important track between the homestead and Penshurst and above a crossing of the nearby creek. It is about 6.0kms south-west of Devon Park homestead. No vestige of the track survives today. The bluestone construction of the hut is basic and its style is vernacular, having one room and a chimney. It is little altered but is in a near ruinous condition.
How is it significant?
The shepherd's hut, formerly associated with the Devon Park squatting run, is of historical and architectural significance to the communities of Dunkeld and Penshurst and to the Shire of Southern Grampians.
Why is it significant?
The shepherd's hut is of historical significance because it demonstrates a unique way of life which related to a particular stage of the development of the pastoral industry, when shepherds tended sheep in isolation at remote outstations on vast squatting runs.
The shepherd's hut is of architectural significance for its humble construction and vernacular style and as a comparison with the grander homestead.
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SHEPHERD'S HUT (DEVON PARK 2) - Physical Conditions
The structure is in very poor condition.
SHEPHERD'S HUT (DEVON PARK 2) - Physical Description 1
The hut is a single storey stone building of one room facing east and overlooking a nearby creek. Its external dimensions are approximately 12' x 18' x 12' (3.6m x 5.4m x 3.6m). There is a central ledge and brace door on the eastern side and one window opening with the timber frame missing and the wall below collapsed and cracking above. It is not possible to determine what type of window it was. There was a window in the same position on the west wall which is also missing. This window opening is intact although the inner skin of the wall has collapsed. The chimney, now collapsed, was on the northern side. The walls are constructed of roughly squared bluestone in 12" (300mm) beds of random rubble with lintels over the door, windows and fireplace. The timber framed hip roof is clad with corrugated iron and has remnants of ogee guttering. (It was not possible to see a brand on the underside of the iron which may not be the original.) The walls are not lined or finished in any way internally. The ceiling is lined with pine boards and the floor appears to have been hardwood boards. The hut is situated on a slight rise with some mature pine trees surrounding it. There is one dead eucalypt in front of the hut. There is also very recent planting. The hut contains no furniture, is little altered and is in a near ruinous condition with serious failure imminent in the western wall.
SHEPHERD'S HUT (DEVON PARK 2) - Historical Australian Themes
Theme 3: Developing local, regional and national economies
3.5 Developing primary production
3.5.1 Grazing stock
Theme 5: Working
5.8 Working on the landSHEPHERD'S HUT (DEVON PARK 2) - Usage/Former Usage
Abandoned
SHEPHERD'S HUT (DEVON PARK 2) - Integrity
high
SHEPHERD'S HUT (DEVON PARK 2) - Physical Description 2
Silas Harding, long time owner of Devon Park
SHEPHERD'S HUT (DEVON PARK 2) - Physical Description 3
Record photographically and, if possible, repair collapsed walls and chimney using fallen stone and matching lime mortar. Reconstruct windows based on any surviving physical evidence. Collect water from roof and ensure any overflow is clear from the building. Undertake a preliminary archaeological survey and a fuller survey if indicated. It may be best to allow the building to remain as a ruin.
Heritage Study and Grading
Southern Grampians - Southern Grampians Shire Heritage Study
Author: Timothy Hubbard P/L, Annabel Neylon
Year: 2002
Grading:
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SHEPHERD'S HUT (DEVON PARK 2)Southern Grampians Shire
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