CROXTON HOMESTEAD COMPLEX
Bensch's Lane TARRINGTON, Southern Grampians Shire
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Statement of Significance
The original Croxton Homestead, taken up by Donald Kennedy in 1842, appears to have been located on the south-west shore of Lake Kennedy. Donald Kennedy was appointed to the Legislative Council in 1851 and continued as an elected member until 1861. Kennedy took up his pre-emptive right and bought surrounding land which was sold by the Crown in 1857-58. He sold Croxton to John Alexander Macpherson in 1858. The existing house on the east side of Bensch's Lane is located on a block contiguous with the pre-emptive right but nearly 2kms west-south-west of the original homestead site and may date from this time. Macpherson had moved to Melbourne to study law but still stood for and won the seat of Portland in 1864. In August 1862 Croxton had passed to Thomas McKellar who was also an MLC. No architect or builder has been associated with the existing house. It is typical of the small picturesque cottages presented in pattern books of the time. The house was extended in the 1960s but retains a high degree of integrity and is in excellent condition. The house is enhanced by a mature modern garden.
How is it significant?
The Croxton Homestead complex is of historical and architectural significance to the Southern Grampians Shire.
Why is it significant?
The Croxton Homestead complex is of historical significance through its associations with several important squatters who were also politicians including Donald Kennedy MLC, John Alexander Macpherson MLC and Thomas McKellar MLC. It is of architectural interest as an example of the Picturesque aesthetic, the design possibly being derived from a pattern book.
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CROXTON HOMESTEAD COMPLEX - Physical Conditions
The house appears to be in excellent condition.
CROXTON HOMESTEAD COMPLEX - Physical Description 1
The existing house on the east side of Bensch's Lane is a single storey asymmetrical cottage. One room, on the north side, projects forward and has a small bay window below a simple gable. The front door is central. There is a verandah across the facade which returns a short distance on the south side. The main roof is also gabled and is covered with slates. The verandah roof is corrugated iron (possibly Colorbond). The walls are built of rock-faced bluestone in 12 inch beds. The plan of the original house is standard for the time with four rooms opening off the central hall. The single chimney is in the centre of the house. Behind the house there is a service wing, set perpendicular to the front wing and formerly detached, of weatherboard and with a large brick chimney. A new kitchen wing was built in the 1960s extending the house to the south. He house is surrounded by a mature garden which appears to date largely from the later twentieth century. It is enclosed by a low stone wall at the front with ends which curve towards the front.
CROXTON HOMESTEAD COMPLEX - Historical Australian Themes
Theme 3: Developing local, regional and national economies
3.5 Developing primary production
3.5.1 Grazing stock
3.5.2 Breeding animals
3.5.3 Developing agricultural industries
Theme 5: Working
5.8 working on the landCROXTON HOMESTEAD COMPLEX - Usage/Former Usage
Residential
CROXTON HOMESTEAD COMPLEX - Integrity
High degree of integrity
CROXTON HOMESTEAD COMPLEX - Physical Description 2
Donald Kennedy
John A. Macpherson
Agnes Kennedy
Thomas Mckellar
Bensch FamilyCROXTON HOMESTEAD COMPLEX - Physical Description 3
Not on the pre-emptive right for Croxton Run
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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