HO132 - Former Melton Stud - 325 Clarkes Road, Brookfield
325 Clarkes Road BROOKFIELD, MELTON CITY
Statement of Significance
What is significant?
The Federation period Melton Stud, including the main part of the weatherboard residence with a hipped roof, brick chimney, symmetrical facade and verandah to the front. The grave of 'The Welkin' and the weatherboard stallion box with hipped roof.
The rear skillion section of the house is not significant.
How is it significant?
The former Melton Stud is of local historical and representative significance to the City of Melton.
Why is it significant?
Historically, Melton Stud is significant as an early thoroughbred stud in the Melton area, an activity for which the Municipality became noted. The stud was established in 1906 by highly regarded racehorse breeder E E D Clarke, brother of Sir Rupert Clarke. During his lifetime, Clarke was reported to be the 'biggest stake-winner of all time on the Australian Turf'. In the 29 years that Clarke owned Melton Stud, he purchased, bred and sold many renowned racehorses. The most famous of the horses he owned was the imported English horse 'The Welkin' whose grave is located at the site. At the time of his death, 'The Welkin' was noted as one of the most successful sires in Australia. Another of Clarke's noted horses was the Melton Stud bred 'Trivalve' who in a single year won the AJC Derby (Sydney), the Victoria Derby and the Melbourne Cup.
It is also significant for its associations with the subdivision of the substantial Exford Estate which occurred from the beginning of the 20th century and marked a major new era in the history of the Melton area. (Criterion A)
The former Melton Stud is of representative significance as an example of an early Federation period horse stud complex. It includes the original residence and outbuildings. The weatherboard house has characteristics typical of the Federation period including the prominent hipped roof with continuous verandah and lapped corrugated metal sheeting, as well as the face red brick chimney (with strapping and terracotta pots) and the symmetrical composition with central entry and timber sash windows.
The nearby timber stallion box is largely intact and retains original lapped corrugated metal sheeting to the hipped roof with galvanised ogee profile gutters, both typical of the period. The structure has a timber stable door to the front and a band of fixed louvres to the upper part of the walls. Internally the walls and ceiling are timber-lined and the floor is lined with red bricks.
The prime location of 'the Welkin' horse grave (1904-25), with its grey granite headstone near the entrance to the property, clearly demonstrates the importance of the stud activity at the site and was a reminder of the credentials of their operations. The location of the house at the southern end of the property, high on the riverbank overlooking the reservoir but oriented towards the outbuildings and paddocks, contributes to an understanding of the former stud, reflecting both the premier location of the land and the important standing of the horses. (Criterion D).
Primary source
City of Melton Heritage Assessments Project 2018: Findings, RBA Architects and Conservation Consultants (November 2018)
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RAILWAY VIADUCT OVER MELTON RESERVOIR
Victorian Heritage Register H2327 -
HO103 - Former Dairy and Trees
Melton City -
Viaduct Railway Bridge
National Trust H2327
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