BASSETT HOMESTEAD COMPLEX

Bassett's Road BRANXHOLME, Southern Grampians Shire

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Southern Grampians Shire

23192 Bassett Homestead Branxholme dairy 1395

Statement of Significance

• Additional Place Information

  • Physical Conditions

    BASSETT HOMESTEAD COMPLEX - Physical Conditions

    All the structures are in very good condition.

    Physical Description 1

    BASSETT HOMESTEAD COMPLEX - Physical Description 1

    The existing homestead at Bassett appears to have been built in three major stages, two in bluestone each with paired, hipped, corrugated iron roofs, and one in brick with gabled terra cotta tiled roofs.
    
    The first section may date from about 1854 when Bassett was sold to John McNicol. Of the two stone sections, it seems more likely that the rear section is the earlier because the addition of the second stage, probably after 1868 when William Skene bought Bassett, now the middle section, blocked off former windows and required the installation of skylights. The opening for original front door was reconstructed to become a deep archway with recessed panels in the arch and paired pilasters supporting its architrave. The detailing of interior of the middle section is finer than the rear. The external detailing of these two sections also differs in that the rear section has heaving rusticated quoins at the corners and around the doors and windows. The detailing of the unusual large shuttered window in the corner office 'pavilion', suggests early construction. At the other end of the rear section a large chimney, in the present kitchen, which suggest that the room has always been the kitchen. This is reinforced by the small rooms forming a pavilion at the other end of the back verandah, now enclosed. The kitchen verandah may be a remnant of a verandah across the original facade. A new verandah was constructed on three sides of the second section, which had paired columns, intriguingly off centre with the second front door. A timber addition of three rooms and passages shown on the existing conditions drawing in 1907, probably the second verandah partly enclosed, has been demolished. The original six paned double hung sash windows of both these sections have been replaced. Some new windows were introduced, probably at the time the third section was added in 1907.
    
    The third section of the homestead is constructed in a hybrid Federation style using dark brown bricks, cement render detailing (now mostly painted white), a timber verandah and French terra cotta tiles. The bricks were made locally in Branxholme at the Wiltshire Brothers kiln. The asymmetry of the projecting gabled window bays and thew porch are united by the single main gabled roof. Other features, such as the bijou window, the tall brick chimneys and the timber verandah enhance the picturesque massing of the design. The front door surround is glazed with typical coloured and textured glass in pale pastels shades. The hall chimney breast is interesting for its tapered breast. Importantly, the house is set low to the ground, increasing its informality. There have been timber additions to the side of the verandah, since removed. The whole of the interior appears to have been redecorated because picture rails, typical of the 1900s, have been fitted into the middle and rear sections and some timber mantels were introduced, the one in the dining room being particularly fine. The homestead was renovated extensively again in the mid-1930s. The modernisations included the replacement of several fireplaces, the introduction of a new bathroom and a complete redecoration.
    
    The homestead is approached by a curving gravel drive which opens onto a circular area in front of the facade. The garden is substantial. In 1868 it already comprised 2 acres and there was an orchard. An 1886 description mentions sycamores, Oriental planes, blue gums, and pines of different species. When Bassett was sold in 1925, the garden which appears to have been further developed with the 1907 addition, was described as "splendid".
    
    To the rear and side of the homestead there are several outbuildings all with corrugated iron roofs. These include a weatherboard laundry and a small meat house close to the kitchen door. There is a brick dairy with wide eaves and small windows. Opposite the rear yard there is a small timber building, used as a woodshed, beside a large tank stand. These are both clad with finely corrugated iron. Beyond the rear yard there is a stone building which appears to have been used as a coach house, stable and groom's room. Further away from the house there are more recent sheds and in the far distance the woolshed which, typical in its form and clad in corrugated iron.

    Historical Australian Themes

    BASSETT HOMESTEAD COMPLEX - Historical Australian Themes

    Theme 2 Peopling Australia
    2.6 Fighting for land
    2.6.1 Resisting the advent of European and their animals
    2.6.2 Displacing Indigenous people
    
    Theme 3: Developing local, regional and national economies
    3.5 Developing primary production
    3.5.1 Grazing stock
    
    Theme 5: Working
    5.2 Organising workers and work places
    5.8 Working on the land

    Usage/Former Usage

    BASSETT HOMESTEAD COMPLEX - Usage/Former Usage

    Continuing as a pastoral property

    Integrity

    BASSETT HOMESTEAD COMPLEX - Integrity

    All buildings have a high degree of integrity to the Interwar period

    Physical Description 2

    BASSETT HOMESTEAD COMPLEX - Physical Description 2

    Christopher Bassett, first leaseholder, killed by Aborigines on land near Bassett Homestead
    Henry Monro[e], Second lease holder
    Andrew Rose Cruickshank, Joint third owner with Henry Monro
    John McNicol, second leaseholder of Bassett
    William Skene, third leaseholder
    Thomas Skene, son of William and Jane Skene, manager under his father and subsequently fourth owner
    William Riggall, fifth owner and father-in-law of William Tully
    William and Ada Tully, sixth owners
    Reed Tappin Smart, architects for the 1907 addition.

    Physical Description 3

    BASSETT HOMESTEAD COMPLEX - Physical Description 3

    Pre-emptive Right

    Heritage Study and Grading

    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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